Chair rails, narrow spindles and folding legs can take patience with a paintbrush. A sprayer gives you another way to reach those details and build an even finish. In this demonstration, we’re using Granny B’s Chalkpaint in Grain Sack on a wooden chair frame and two folding stools. Here’s how to tackle a similar project at home.
What you’ll need
- Granny B’s Chalkpaint in Grain Sack, or your chosen colour.
- A sprayer suitable for water-based paint, with its recommended nozzle and viscosity cup if supplied.
- Clean water, a measuring jug, a mixing container, a stirrer and a paint strainer.
- Scrap cardboard or wood for testing; drop sheets and masking tape.
- Sugar soap, clean cloths and any surface preparation products your piece needs.
- Your chosen Granny B’s sealer and a suitable brush.
- Eye protection, gloves and respiratory protection suitable for spray painting, as specified by the equipment and paint safety instructions.
1 Prepare your piece
Clean away dust, grease and furniture polish, then let the surface dry. Remove loose or flaking coatings and smooth rough patches. A glossy or stain-prone surface may need extra preparation or Block & Tackle; check our surface preparation guidance for your particular finish.
Remove loose seats and hardware where practical. Mask anything you want to keep paint-free, including folding mechanisms. Support the piece securely and protect the surrounding area with generous drop sheets. Work in a well-ventilated, sheltered space and avoid windy conditions.
2 Dilute and measure the paint
Stir the paint thoroughly, then decant a small amount into a separate container. Use the viscosity measure supplied with your sprayer: follow its instructions to check the paint’s flow time, then adjust the mixture to the range recommended for that model.
If you don’t have a viscosity tool, start by testing 20 ml of clean water for every 100 ml of paint. Mix well, spray onto scrap material and see how the sprayer behaves. Adjust the ratio as needed.
This is a starting test ratio. The right mixture depends on your paint, nozzle and sprayer. Make small, measured adjustments and retest after each one. Once the mixture works, record the ratio so you can repeat it for the next batch.
| Paint | Water for the starting test |
|---|---|
| 100 ml | 20 ml |
| 250 ml | 50 ml |
| 500 ml | 100 ml |
3 Test the spray pattern
Strain the mixed paint into the cup and assemble the sprayer according to its manual. Test on cardboard or scrap wood before moving to your furniture. Adjust the spray pattern and paint output until you get an even coat without large droplets or runs.
If it spits or splatters, stop and check the nozzle, strainer, pickup tube and cup seal before adding more water. If the paint runs easily, reduce the output and check whether the mixture is too thin. Change one thing at a time.
4 Spray the chair frame
Begin with the inner rails, back slats and other awkward areas. Hold the sprayer square to the surface at the distance recommended in its manual. Move your arm steadily across the piece, keeping that distance consistent.
On wider sections, overlap your passes for even coverage; around half the spray width is a useful starting point, subject to your sprayer’s guidance. Begin moving before pulling the trigger and release it before stopping. Walk around the chair to reach each face rather than flooding it from one angle.
Build the colour with light coats. Let each coat dry according to the paint instructions before adding another, and check the undersides of the rails for missed patches.
5 Work around the folding stools
Set each stool up securely so you can reach the inner legs, crossbars and edges. Paint awkward areas first, then work over the broader top surfaces. Keep moving so paint doesn’t collect where the legs cross.
Use light passes around the gaps between the top slats and keep hinges and moving parts free of paint. Let the coating dry before repositioning the stool to reach underneath. A wide drop sheet helps catch the overspray that travels beyond the piece.
6 Let it dry and protect the finish
Once you have even coverage, allow the paint to dry before sealing. Choose your sealer for the way the furniture will be used: Classic Seal suits general indoor projects with moderate wear, while Armour is an option for heavier wear or outdoor use.
Our liquid sealers can also be sprayed. Depending on the sprayer and nozzle, they may not need dilution. Test a small amount undiluted on scrap material first and check the spray pattern. If adjustment is needed, follow the sprayer and sealer instructions and retest before applying it to your project.
Apply your chosen sealer by brush or sprayer in light, even coats and follow its own coating and curing instructions. The paint dilution ratio above does not apply to the sealer. Allow the finish to cure before refitting the seat, folding the stools or putting the furniture into everyday use.
7 Clean up while the paint is still wet
Switch off and disconnect the sprayer, or remove its battery, before dismantling it as directed in the manual. Clean the paint cup, pickup tube and nozzle promptly using the recommended method for water-based paint. Keep water away from the motor and electrical parts. Reseal your paint tin when you’re finished.
A quick guide to common spray problems
| What you see | What to check |
|---|---|
| Spitting or large droplets | Check for a blockage, poor cup seal or pickup problem, then recheck settings and viscosity. |
| Runs or drips | Reduce paint output, keep moving and check whether you are too close or the mixture is too thin. |
| Rough or dry-looking spray | Check distance, airflow and drying conditions. Retest before changing the mix. |
| Patchy coverage | Check your overlap and viewing angle, then build coverage with another light coat once dry. |
Frequently asked questions about spraying Chalkpaint and sealers
Can you spray Granny B’s Chalkpaint?
Yes. Granny B’s Chalkpaint can be sprayed onto furniture using a sprayer suitable for water-based paint. Stir the paint, prepare a small test batch and match the consistency to your sprayer and nozzle before applying light coats.
How much water should you add to Chalkpaint for spraying?
Use the viscosity measure supplied with your sprayer. If you don’t have one, start by testing 20 ml of clean water for every 100 ml of paint. Mix well, test on scrap material and adjust the ratio as needed. This is a starting test ratio, not a fixed mix for every sprayer.
Do Granny B’s liquid sealers need dilution for spraying?
Granny B’s liquid sealers can also be sprayed and may not need dilution, depending on the sprayer and nozzle. Test a small amount undiluted first and check the spray pattern. The Chalkpaint dilution ratio is not a sealer dilution recipe.
Using Polka.Paint for your project? Read our guide to spraying Polka.Paint with a Ryobi sprayer.
Got a tired treasure waiting for its turn? Choose your colour, test a small batch and bring it back to life with Granny B’s.
Shop Granny B’s Chalkpaint Browse sealers and finishes Read product application and care instructions
Project photos taken from our Grain Sack spray-painting demonstration.