The Power of Spray Finishing: When Precision Meets Speed

In the world of wood finishing, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. While traditional hand polishing has its timeless appeal, spray finishing has earned its place in the workshop — especially for larger surfaces or modern furniture.

Whether you’re restoring a tabletop or refinishing an entire cabinet suite, spray finishing offers a smooth, even coat that’s hard to beat for speed and consistency.

What Is Spray Finishing?

Spray finishing involves applying a finish — like lacquer, polyurethane, or water-based coatings — using a spray gun connected to a compressor. This method atomizes the finish into a fine mist, allowing it to settle evenly onto the surface.

Compared to brushes or cloths, spraying is much faster and can produce a professional-grade finish with minimal texture — often referred to as a “glass-like” or “factory finish.”

When Spray Finishing Makes Sense

Spray finishing is especially useful in the following situations:

• Large flat surfaces like dining tables, cabinet doors, or modern furniture

• High-production settings where time and efficiency matter

• Modern pieces where a slick, flawless finish is expected

• Complex shapes where brush marks would be hard to avoid

Advantages of Spray Finishing

• Speed: Covers large surfaces quickly

• Consistency: Achieves an even coat with no brush strokes

• Control: Adjust flow, fan pattern, and pressure for different materials

• Versatility: Can spray a wide range of different finnishes

The Importance of Preparation

Like any finishing method, the quality of the spray job depends on preparation. We always make sure:

• The surface is properly sanded and clean

• Dust is controlled to avoid imperfections

• The finish is strained before spraying

• The workspace is well-ventilated and protected

A great finish doesn’t just come from the spray gun — it comes from the care taken beforehand.

Spray Finishing vs Hand Polishing: What’s the Difference?

While spray finishing excels at speed and smoothness, hand polishing offers depth, warmth, and repairability — especially on antique or high-end furniture.

Each method has its place — and the real skill lies in knowing which to use, and when.