Furniture Painting Hacks:
5 Pro Tips

Painting furniture is a fantastic way to give an old piece a chance at a new life. But if you’ve ever tried to refurbish furniture, you know full well that it takes more than just slapping on a coat of paint. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a weekend DIYer, these five furniture painting hacks will help you achieve that smooth, professional finish. Your flea market finds will thank you! 

1. Use a High-Quality Brush (Like My Favorite Palm Pro Zibra Brush!)

The secret to a flawless finish starts with the right tool. Cheap brushes can leave streaks and shed bristles into your paint job — no thanks! My go-to is the Palm Pro Zibra brush, which fits comfortably in my hand (thanks to its ergonomic handle) and produces smooth, even coverage. It’s especially great for hard-to-reach places (like inside drawers) thanks to its short handle. Plus, Zibra just launched a version of this brush with a rubber handle (Palm Flex) which will make painting even more comfortable.

2. Wet Sand Between Coats with 220 Grit Sandpaper

If you want a super smooth, professional-grade finish, don’t skip this step! After each coat of paint has dried, lightly wet sand with 220 grit sandpaper. This helps knock down any brush strokes or imperfections while keeping the surface nice and smooth for your next coat.

3. Double Check Your Edges and Corners for Drips

Ever finished a piece only to notice dried drips along the edges? Avoid this mistake by doing a quick pass over the corners and edges after painting. A Zibra detail brush can help you smooth out any excess paint before it dries.

4. Never Skip the Prep Work (Yes, That Means Sanding and Stripping!)

It’s tempting to dive right in when you’ve found the perfect piece to refurbish. But taking shortcuts on prep can result in peeling paint and uneven results. Always sand, strip, or clean your piece before painting to ensure the paint adheres properly. A Zibra Pointed Round Brush can help get into any nooks and crannies, ensuring full coverage after prep.

5. Thin Your Paint Just a Touch for Easier Application

Thicker paint can be hard to work with, and can leave behind brush marks and uneven coverage. Adding just a tiny bit of water (or paint conditioner for water-based paints) helps extend the working time and creates a smoother application.

Furniture painting doesn’t have to be intimidating! With these tips and the right tools — like Zibra’s high-quality brushes — you’ll get a flawless, professional-looking finish every time. 

Don’t Forget to Clean Your Brushes!

When your project is complete and you’re ready to thoroughly clean your brushes, use soap, water, and the Zibra Paintbrush Cleaning Tool to remove any paint residue. Proper maintenance ensures your brushes remain in top condition for future projects.

And don’t forget to share your furniture projects with us on social media, using @zibrapainting and inspire others on their painting journey! Want more tips and tricks? Sign up for our mailing list.

Happy painting!