With Guest Blogger: Jen Talley of Perfectly Imperfect Furniture Refinishing

Look Beyond the “Bad Photos” (and the Ugly)

One of Jen’s biggest secrets? The best pieces are often hiding in plain sight.

When browsing platforms like Facebook Marketplace, don’t scroll past listings just because the photos are messy or unappealing. Dressers covered in clothes, cluttered backgrounds, or poor lighting can actually be opportunities.

“Zoom into the piece itself,” Jen says. “Look beyond the mess.”

The same goes for thrift stores. That outdated, “ugly” piece might have incredible bones. You just have to train your eye to see what it could be, and not what it is right now.

Often, these overlooked items are priced lower simply because others didn’t recognize their potential.

Always Start with the Top

When beginning a project (especially with dressers, nightstands, or tables) Jen always starts in the same place: the top.

Why? Because it tells you everything.

She recommends lightly sanding a small section first to see what you’re working with:

• Is there solid wood underneath? 
• Is the veneer worth saving? 
• Does the grain add character you can highlight? 

If the wood is beautiful, she builds the entire design around it.

“I’ll choose a stain or topcoat treatment first,” she explains, “then decide on a paint color that complements that wood grain.”

Just as important: she refinishes wood sections before painting. This prevents one of the most frustrating mistakes in furniture flipping: dripping stain onto freshly painted surfaces.

Take Photos That Actually Sell Your Work

You can do incredible work, but if your photos don’t show it, your piece won’t sell.

Jen emphasizes that photography is just as important as the flip itself.

“Make them scroll stoppers,” she says.

That means:

• Using natural, well-balanced lighting 
• Capturing clean, intentional angles 
• Styling the piece in a way that feels inviting 
• Using editing tools to enhance (not overdo) the final image 

Great photography can help you build a recognizable brand and attract better buyers over time.

Use High-Quality Tools That Work for You

The products you use matter, but “high quality” doesn’t always have to expensive.

Jen is a big believer in finding tools that balance performance and affordability, then and sticking with what works.

A go-to in her toolkit? Zibra brushes. “They’re very high quality, and affordable,” she says.

Zibra brushes are known for their smooth, even coverage, strong paint-holding capacity, and clean lines without excessive brush marks.

Jen’s favorite Zibra brushes are:

• Top Coat Brushes for smooth, even finishes
• Palm Pro Paint Brush for comfort and control during long paint sessions
• Round Paint Brush for detail and softer transition

Her advice: experiment with different tools and products until you find the combination that fits your workflow and style.

Flip with Intention, Not Just Speed

What sets Jen apart isn’t just her technique, it’s her mindset. As she shared on Brush & Banter, building a sustainable furniture business isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing the right work, at the right pace, with clear boundaries.

That same philosophy applies to flipping:

• Choose better pieces 
• Take your time with the process 
• Focus on quality over quantity 

Because the goal isn’t just to finish projects, it’s to create pieces people genuinely connect with (and want in their homes).

Furniture flipping is equal parts creativity, strategy, and vision. When you learn to see potential, trust your process, and present your work well, everything changes from the quality of your pieces to the buyers you attract.

And as Jen proves, sometimes the most successful flips start with the pieces everyone else overlooked.