When painting how do you avoid it being sticky afterward?

Question

I'd like to spray-paint a piece of furniture, but I've had problems in the past with painting. I tried painting an end table once, and also some shelves, and both times the paint dried sort of sticky. Even months after it was painted it was still sticky. I'm not sure if it's because I live in a humid area (Houston) or if I'm just using cheap paint. But does anyone know how to avoid the sticky feel after painting?

Answer 1

First of all, did you prime the piece, or just paint it? If you didn't prime, then whatever finish was on the piece will be interacting directly with the paint, which can cause stickiness. Priming the piece creates a barrier between the old finish and the new one, preventing that interaction. There are some paints which have primer in them or which double as primer, look at the label before you buy to find one.

Second, try to pick days that aren't as humid (hard, I know!) and use a fan on the piece while it's drying. Use a good quality paint, not the super-cheap stuff, and that should take care of it. I've had pretty good results with Krylon.

As far as getting rid of the sticky feel on the ones you've already painted, your best bet would be to strip them, prime, and repaint with good paint. Good luck!

Answer 2

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RE:
When painting how do you avoid it being sticky afterward?
I'd like to spray-paint a piece of furniture, but I've had problems in the past with painting. I tried painting an end table once, and also some shelves, and both times the paint dried sort of sticky. Even months after it was painted it was still sticky. I'm not sure if it's because...

Answer 3

Without reading all of anyones answer, the other Steve has the best clue. The finishes seem to be conflicting with each other.

The area you live in has little do do with it...BUT,,,and with no offense meant at all, so many decide that NO prep is OK.

The good news about paint (It can be painted over) is only good news if the surface it covers is compatable in it's finish, with the finish being applied.

Steven Wolf

Answer 4

It is very likely incompatible finishes. If you are paint over lacquer, you can tell by rubbing with lacquer thinner, if it removes finish, it is lacquer, spray on a lacquer to finish the piece but it takes a number of coats and careful sanding to 220 grit. If lacquer thinner does not dissolve old finish, try denatured alcohol. If this dissolves the old finish it is shellac, recoat with more shellac pigmented to the color you want. If lacquer thinner does not dissolve and alcohol doesn't either, you have some form of varnish, which is usually quite inert when cured, just to be sure, you might want to use a primer that is compatible with the finish coat.

Answer 5

Make sure you use a good quality paint. Rustollium is good. The surface should be free of dirt and dust, prime fist and let dry completely. Spray one thin coat of paint at a time and let fully dry in between coats. Make sure the coats are Fully DRIED. This should solve your problem. Bye

Answer 6

When painting you must shake or mix the paint well and make sure you apply the paint properly. Avoid over applying the paint because it will not dry.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

when painting leave outside to air dry on ahot day ..too much humidity is why....and if it doesnt dry completly first time it doesnt completly adhere to undersurface

Answer 9

let it dry somewhere not humid