What's best? Spray paint or regular paint?

Are you sure you want to paint it and not stain it

on something this large, I would prefer to use a chalk or latex paint coated with a sealer or poly. Spray painting a large area (like to top and sides of the chest) is hard to get a consistent look, especially if you have not done it too often.

I would go with regular paint. I used spray paint on an old cheap desk and I did not get the even coverage I wanted. I will probably paint it over again with regular paint when I am ready to repurpose it.

I do love the old love the old Lane chests, and have several . I refuse to paint them as it devalues them, especially when you have the keys as I do. I would just restain it.

I prefer regular paint personally. I think it gives a better finish, and is easier to control than spray paint, but I know a lot of people that also love spray paint. With regular paint, I like the fact that you get a thicker coating, and don't have to worry about overspray.

it takes a long time to perfect the art of spray painting.

I agree that regular paint is a lot easier to do.

Rustoleum is the only spray paint to buy, The others take many, many coats & still don't cover like Rustoleum.

use a regular paint definately depending on the style chalk pain with a wax finish and an alternate color details would look great

Chaulk paint :)

Use chalk paint. Don't need to prep and it will look great. Here's how: http://www.thinkingcloset.com/2014/09/22/the-beginners-guide-to-annie-sloan-chalk-paint/

Thank you for all the feedback. Now I have a better idea of what I am going to do!