Can You Spray Paint Particle Board? (Easy DIY Guide + Ideas)

When looking for a way to update your home furniture, “Can you spray paint particle board?” is likely to be one of your first questions. Not only can you spray paint particle board, but it is also one of the best ways to create beautiful furniture that looks brand new.

Spray painting particle board is one way to transform your home decor and create a fresh new look with your furniture.  

Spray paint is an aerosol paint product that pushes paint through a pressurized can in order to “spray” or scatter the paint over a surface. Can you spray paint a laminate particle board? You can use spray paint to paint particle board, including laminate furniture, lighting fixtures such as lamps, hardware, clay pots, canvas art, and ceramic pieces 

One of the reasons why painters prefer to use spray paint sometimes is because of the ease of the process. Spray painting is specifically designed to be easy and quick. Not everyone wants to spend the time preparing and brush stroke painting surfaces.  

It can also be difficult to get a smooth coverage look with brush strokes unless you are an experienced painter or DIY homeowner. Particle board is generally a cheap piece of a larger product, and spray paint adheres really well to the particle board surface. As a result, you can quickly paint the particle board product with little to no prep.  

Many homeowners wonder whether or not they can use spray paint on a laminate particle board product and particle board furniture. Yes, you can do both of these things. Particle board tables, cabinets, walls, and even dressers can be spray painted. Spray paint is an easy way to spruce up your home and make old furniture look brand new.  

Laminate furniture, in particular, tends to be cheaply made, and the right spray paint color can instantly transform each furniture piece into a beautiful decor statement piece. Spray paint comes in a variety of colors, including oil-rubbed bronze, silver, and gold for metal pieces such as handles on cabinets that can also create a luxury decor look.  

Can Spray Paint Be Used On Particle Board

How To Spray Paint Particle Boards Step By Step

Ready to spray paint your particle board furniture? This step-by-step DIY tutorial will show you exactly what you need to do.  

  • 1
    Before you begin spray painting, you need to gather your supplies and materials. Every project is different, but there are a few things that we recommend for all projects: spray paint cans. We also recommend both sandpaper and primer if you want your finished product to be as high-quality as possible.
  • 2
    Now that you have your materials, you need to prep your furniture. It is best to disassemble pieces that should not be painted the same color. For example, we recommend removing dresser handles or cabinet knobs before painting the cabinetry. We also recommend doing a light dusting and then a light cleaning of the cabinetry (damp rag over the entire surface).
  • 3
    Many people prefer to move to spray painting their furniture immediately after cleaning, but if you want the highest-quality furniture, then we recommend taking the extra step to first sand the particle board and then apply a thin primer coat. 
  • 4
    Next it’s time to spray paint! Spray paint all surfaces with a thin, smooth coat. Work quickly and keep your hands steady as you move along. You will need 3-4 coats to properly cover the particle board. We recommend waiting for 24hrs between each coat of paint.
  • 5
    To seal spray paint on particle board, use a clear sealant that is acrylic based. You can add this over any part of the furniture that you think might come into contact with moisture. Moisture can ruin particle board, and a sealant can help your paint job last for years to come. This is especially important if the piece of furniture is a kitchen table or work surface where liquids will frequently be present.  

You can now enjoy your particle board furniture with its new aesthetic! 

before and after

Is It Better To Paint Or Spray Paint Particle Board?

There are benefits to using spray paint and to using traditional paint when painting particle board. Spray paint is often the preferred choice for homeowners painting particle board because it is a more straightforward process.

For example, while you can sand your particle board piece before you spray paint, you don’t need to do that. Spray paint also dries faster than traditional paint and is easier to create full coverage (no brush strokes visible).  

If you have furniture with plastic components, however, then you may want to consider traditional paint. Plastic is a tricky material for spray paint, and the paint tends to bubble, flake, and generally not adhere well to the plastic. If you paint the plastic pieces with traditional paint, however, you can minimize this problem. 

Traditional painting is best for people who want to create cool effects with the paint, such as a glazed look, sponge paint look, or another creative paint effect. Both paint options work well with particle board, and the decision is a personal one.  


Tips & Tricks

When spray painting your particle board furniture, there are a couple of tips and tricks that you can keep in mind to ensure a beautiful finished product.  

  • 1
    Disassembling furniture pieces makes the spray paint work easier. If you remove handles or light bulbs from the piece of furniture that you want to paint, then you can separate the pieces and use different colors without fear of using the wrong paint color. For example, if you want to spray paint your cabinet black and spray paint the handles a silver or gold, then doing that in two different spaces will be easier than trying to spray paint everything while it is still assembled.  
  • 2
    Make sure that you allow the spray paint to dry for a full week before using the furniture again. It can take a full week for the paint to dry, and you do not want to risk bubbles, chips, or cracks that will prevent the spray paint job from looking good. 
  • 3
    Although it is not necessary to sand the particle board surface or to apply primer, doing both can help you make the paint last on a particle board. This is a more time-consuming step, and many people will choose to skip it. However, if you want the highest quality result, we recommend lightly sanding the particle board (and wood pieces if applicable) and applying primer.   
before and after furniture

Spray Painting Particle Board FAQs 

How long does it take for paint to dry on particle boards? 

It typically takes a full week for paint to dry on particle board material. We recommend waiting one week before moving your spray-painted particle board piece back to its location in your home. Do not place anything on top of or inside of the furniture while it is drying.  


What type of projects do you use particle boards? 

Particle boards tend to be part of cheaper furniture and are often used in mass-produced furniture pieces. If you are a woodworker or frequently work on your own woodworking projects, then you have probably used particle board. We often see particle boards used in cabinetry, tables, and countertops.  


How do I get a smooth paint finish on a particle board? 

The best way to get a smooth paint finish on a particle board project is to use a roller brush. These brushes can cover a lot of surface area while easily smoothing out the paint. This will also help you catch dripping paint before it hardens and creates blotches on your furniture.  


Conclusion

Spray painting particle board is an excellent way to refresh your home and give your older furniture a new look. You can create a modern or contemporary finish or go for something unique, but whatever you choose, you’ll have a great new aesthetic for your home.