Are you envying that brush stroke free finish she achieved with her sprayer? You can paint furniture without brush strokes too! You’ll be a streak free pro in no time with these tips on how to achieve a smooth finish when painting furniture.
I actually recommend newbies perfect their brushing technique before even thinking about spraying furniture. Brushing is a fundamental skill when it comes to furniture refinishing and there’s a way to do it with minimal brush strokes!
Buying a sprayer is not only a big investment, but there is no reason to run before you can walk. Maybe you’re not a newbie, but spraying furniture just isn’t feasible due to weather, less than conducive workspace or you simply need some brush therapy. I’ve got you covered!
” Here are all the tips & tools you need to achieve that super smooth finish when painting furniture with a brush! “
*** All photos I’m sharing in this post are hand painted ONLY! To show that you really can hand paint furniture with no brush marks ***
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1. Prep is Key
Before painting take the time to fill the littlest of imperfections with putty. ACE wood putty is my favorite, very similar to DAP plastic wood. For instance, if you have a wood that has very open grain – take the time to grain fill those obviously open areas. You can do this by watering down a little putty and applying with a putty knife pushing it into the grain. Next, give the piece a good sand, using 220 grit until smooth. This filling step will lay the foundation for painting with minimal brush strokes.
2. Choose a High Quality Brush
My go to brush for almost all furniture projects is a 1.5″ oval. I’ve found it to be the best paint brush to not leave streaks. It holds just the right amount of paint and lays it on super smooth with minimal brush marks. Some reputable brush brands include Zibra, Wooster, Wise Owl, Country Chic and Cling-on.
3. Water Down Paint and Mist Frequently
I recommend watering down your paint about 10% (sometimes more depending on the viscosity). Generally for every 1 cup of paint I recommend adding 1 – 2 tbsp of water. This will help the paint lay down smoothly and minimize brush strokes when painting furniture. The water essentially acts as an extender to improve the self-leveling characteristics of the paint. Products like Floetrol are also great for eliminating brush marks and extending the work-time window of your paint.
Keeping a mister bottle on hand can also help keep things wet and workable. I love this continuous mister bottle for all my furniture projects. It’s an essential tool to achieving a smooth finish when painting furniture. If the paint dries too quickly you’re bound to have “pulling” and I am all too familiar with this concept as a self-proclaimed over brusher.
My go-to approach to avoid brush marks when painting is to first lay down the paint in a thin, consistent but quick coat. I will then give the fresh wet surface a generous mist and go over with what I call my “last pass” with long, light, parallel strokes.
Tip: if the bristles on your brush are bending dramatically you’re pushing too hard. Think: “Pinkies up, ladies!”
4. Apply Thin Coats of Paint
You’ll get better results with 3-4 really thin coats of paint than 1-2 thick coats. There will be less raised texture with every brush mark making a smoother painted surface and less sanding between each coat. Which brings me to my next tip….
5. Sand Between Every Coat
I know this step may seem annoying, but I promise it’s what sets obviously painted furniture apart from the ones that leave you questioning if it was sprayed. (If you are doing a shabby chic thing, then you do you and slop on those thick coats. I won’t be the one to stop you.) But if you’re wanting to paint furniture with no brush strokes then don’t skip this step!
Sanding between every last coat is crucial to avoid brush strokes when painting.
Between primer coat and my first coat of paint I reach for 220 grit. I then work my way up the further along I get. For example, after my 2nd coat I may use a 320, and then work to 600 between poly coats.
Before your next application you’ll want to wipe away the dust with a microfiber cloth or my favorite approach – wipe down with denatured alcohol for a squeeky clean slate for your next coat. Perks of DNA – it dries lickity split!
6. Don’t Blow it on Topcoat
You’ve come this far with a practically perfect finish… now it’s time for the dreaded topcoat step. (*cue the horror music*) Don’t cry quite yet… I have some tips for you here. If you’re brand spankin’ new to this whole furniture refinishing may I suggest waxing or oiling your first few pieces. These products almost guarantee a smooth finish on your painted furniture. There are a variety of furniture waxes, Walrus Oil Furniture Butter or hemp oil all of which are much more forgiving then polyurethane.
If you’re going full poly ahead, start by using a quality product. Please don’t @ me, but I personally despise Polycrylic. I think it is too thick and dries much too fast. Polycrylic gets a big fat F in workability for me and I have never been able to achieve a streak free finish on painted furniture with it. I much prefer Varathane, Behr or General Finishes water-based poly to topcoat my painted furniture with minimal brush marks.
Stick with the rule of keeping things moist by watering down your poly (assuming you’re using water-based poly).
Application tools also matter to ensure a streak free topcoat!
Zibra makes some topcoat specialty brushes that have been highly recommended. I personally have good experience with their Fan Brush and Chiseled wedge. Damp foam sponges and microfiber sponges are also great options.
If using a round sponge or staining sponge I recommend filling a shallow container with polyurethane (the shallow lids from plastic take out containers work perfectly!) Then you can dip one side in the shallow puddle of poly for nice even absorption. Whether you’re using sponges or brushes, apply the poly in long sweeping strokes overlapping each pass by about 25-50%.
I find I get the best results by applying edge to edge over the shortest distance of the surface. In other words, you’ll want to paint in whatever direction your strokes will be shortest. For example, if I’m painting the top of of a long dresser my strokes will go front to back as opposed to side to side. You’re bound to get more streaking the longer your strokes are.
7. Practice Makes (closer to) Perfect
Don’t get discouraged if your first few attempts of painting furniture turn out less then perfect. Painting furniture without brush strokes takes practice and lots of it! The more time you spend with your brush and your products the more comfortable you will become.
You’ll be so proud of the smooth finished on your painted furniture!
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Girl Behind the Blog
I’m Jess, the creator of Oak & Grain. A mid-west girl at heart who now resides in Raleigh, NC. I love finding old things and giving them new purpose by way of refinishing or incorporating unexpected, overlooked thrift store finds in the modern home. I work full-time in medicine and I love dipping into my creative side and in the process, keeping my sanity. Follow me on Instagram and YouTube to see more behind the scenes action.
4 responses to “Painting Furniture without Brush Strokes: How to Get a Smooth Finish”
Thank you soooo much for this new website but most of all for the information on painting furniture with a brush.
The things you renovate look so fabulous you are an inspiration and I love reading your blog.
Thank you SO MUCH for the kind words, Caroline! I’m so glad you’ve found it, not only inspiring, but helpful! That’s always my goal 🥰 Make yourself at home here & I hope you stay awhile. 🏡
This is the best article I’ve ever read on brushing. It is spot on. I especially like that you tell how to water down your paint. I’ve always wondered how much to use. Absolutely the most informative piece yet. And I also got a few giggles and grins.
Thank you.
Shelia,
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide such positive & thoughtful feedback. I’m so glad you found it helpful AND entertaining. I’m so glad you’re here! 🤍