October 12, 2013

How To Get A Smooth Finish On Painted Furniture

One of my most frequently asked questions  is how I get the finish to look so smooth on my furniture.   I thought today was the perfect day to share my secret with all of you.

How To Get A Smooth Finish On Furniture


Really it's so petty you will probably do one of two things:  1 - say...are you serious? or 2 - laugh. But the secret to getting a smooth painted surface on your furniture is nothing more than ....

Adding water!

How To Get A Smooth Finish On Furniture


I never paint anything without first adding water.   Why would I do this crazy nonesense?  Normal paint tends to be a little thicker, so when you apply it it just sort of
 lays there.   When it is watered down, the paint spreads out after being applied and the brush strokes disappear.   Nifty huh?

 My Old Storage Trunk, Black Beauty Dresser, and Antique White Dresser are just a few projects I've done with watered down paint.

How To Get A Smooth Finish On Furniture


How To Get A Smooth Finish On Furniture


Application of the paint is much easier when it is watered down.   When I painted my MESSY YELLOW DESK, I did not water down my paint.   One stroke into it and I was dreading how much time it was going to take me to paint the whole thing!  Not to mention the thick brush strokes that I couldn't get rid of. Thus the reason why I did the messy paint job.   It was easier that way (and looked cool).

I even water down my chalk paint.  You sort of have to, otherwise it gets really thick.  Notice how the paint just runs off the spoon like water?   You can't do that with paint that isn't watered down.

I never do exact measurements of water to paint.   I just add a little water, stir, and continue to add water until I get the consistency I want.   If it runs like the above picture -- it's ready.   

7 comments:

  1. Jessica, thanks for comin over to fabfixes and giving me feedback on my "about me" page! :) I love your blog layout. I love how the colors of all your pictures and posts go so well together. Also, I think this tip about paint is brilliant. I've always wanted to try redoing some furniture but haven't been brave enough yet. Maybe this will give me enough of a kick to do it!

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    1. You're welcome Allie :) Loved your About Me page! Thanks for the kind words!! You should really try to redo a piece of furniture....it changed you...lol!

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  2. Hi Jessica, thanks for sharing this tip. When you think about it, thinning out the paint makes sense. :)

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  3. So, do you need more coats?
    lane dot family@ yahoo dot com

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    1. Yes, you will need more than one coat -- depending on the color and type of paint etc.

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  4. Rather than add water to the paint, which can cause a multitude of problems, you can add Flotrol. I only thin paint for spraying or certain paint effects. If I think my paint is too thick to brush on, I dip my brush in water, lightly brush it across a paper towel or a clean lint free rag and then dip it into my paint. I find this allows for much more control and and eliminates brush strokes.

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