How do I prevent bubbling when spray painting a piece of furniture?

S Brown
by S Brown

I purchased an older French Provincial dresser to flip as a bathroom vanity which would provide for additional storage. I sanded the dresser and drawers well, but at times when adding additional coats of Rustoleum 2X paint, it would bubble. I would have to let dry, scrape, re-sand, re-paint, sometimes with success, others not. I would let dry thoroughly (a week at a time) before applying the next coat. It didn't happen in the same spot each time. Some of the spots will be covered by a repurposed vanity top, but not all of it. Can anyone tell me what I might be doing wrong? Any suggestions to make it easier if I attempt this again? Thanks in advance.

  6 answers
  • S Brown S Brown on Jul 30, 2018

    FYI...this is after the first 2 - 3 coats and before the bubbling started. It wasn't fully covered so I was applying more coats of paint.

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Aug 02, 2018

    I cannot be sure, but you might be applying the spray paint too thick. It could also be the temperature you are painting in. Here are some good tips.


    https://inmyownstyle.com/spray-paint-faqs

  • There could be some kind of grease stain or wax or sealer still remaining that is causing the paint to bubble. Also be sure to keep the can at a distance and spray in several light coats.

  • S Brown S Brown on Aug 06, 2018

    Thank you for the two responses....I thought I was following most of them but not all as provided in the link. I still have the drawers to paint so I'll follow the directions and hopefully work it out.


  • William William on Aug 06, 2018

    I agree with Becky! Several light coats and let fully dry. At least 8" to 10" from the surface.

    • S Brown S Brown on Aug 08, 2018

      You're correct. I may not be spraying far enough away. But the bubbling doesn't occur in the same place each time and I am letting it dry a week at a time so that should be sufficient.

  • Ann22040963 Ann22040963 on Aug 06, 2018

    are you stirring too hard/ that will cause bubbles, make sure your brush is clean and dry, also you might need a primer

    • S Brown S Brown on Aug 08, 2018

      Thanks Ann. I am using a spray paint, but I found that it also seemed to be part of the problem....shaking to much before starting another coat a week later.