How so I paint a rocking chair to look smooth like store bought?

Question

I am going to paint it white. I have sanded it very smooth, but want a nice shiny matte finish like the purchased pieces in the room.

Answer 1

You will want to use an oil based paint because it is self leveling. If you follow the directions and brush on thin coats with a high quality brush, you will get a nice finish.

You could also use and oil based spray paint. Here again, make sure you spray thin coats so the paint does not run.

Answer 2

As a house painter I can tell you the best way is to spray paint the chair that's how the company's do it. Make sure you don't over spray always give light coats when spraying. Also stay about 12in.s with the spray can not to get drips

Answer 3

First use a spray-on primer. Go slowly and lightly (take your time) to prevent any dripping. Then use a lacquer spray paint and make it Krylon new (use enamel if lacquer is not available). Again, avoid overspraying to prevent drips. With lacquer, it's generally best to do a few light coats. This gives a very deep finish, like a paint job on a car.

If you do get drips, you can let it dry for a couple of days, then sand down the drips and runs, and then touch up those spots.

BTW - shiny and matte mean the opposite of each other. I'm assuming you mean you want a hard, shiny surface. A matte finish is a flat, dull surface.

Answer 4

I'm not sure you can have shiny and matte, but spay paint will be the way to go.

You will have to pick the type of paint finish.  Glossy, Satin, etc.  The store should have samples for you.