How To Get a Smooth Paint Finish on Your Furniture
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- Опубліковано 29 січ 2025
- This is My BEST and EASIEST trick ever for getting a professional painted finish on your flipped furniture--no matter what type paint you use!!
And to shop Jolie Chalk Paint or Fusion Mineral Paint, you can always shop online at www.lostandfounddecor.shop.
OR, visit www.LostandFoundDecor.com for more tips and makeovers!
I've been painting and staining furniture for over 50 years. 1. Use a paint conditioner in the paint. 2. Dont use a brush except for those hard to reach areas. Use a paint pad. 3. Instead of sandpaper use OO steel wool to sand. You will get a fine, glass like finish every time. Best of luck.
I am going to refinish a badly damaged dining table, need advices from scratch, like preparing, staining and finishing. Would appreciate a complete advice by steps. I have done it before with dressers, but this dining table need to satisfy high standards of a millennial
Do you have a channel?
@@joyfour4995 No, I don't have a channel. I don't have time.
It depends, if you are going to use a water base clear top, you def dont want to use a steel wool.
If using enamel with a paint conditioner, do you have to sand between coats of paint?
I spent years looking for a good brush, good paint, and today I got it: I need an advice. Thank you so much for the insight!
Thank you mama ! I’m repainting my bed set and was getting discouraged with the brush strokes lol I appreciate you
You're welcome Corey! Hang in there! Glad you found this helpful.
Corey Marie I have trouble with brush strokes and I’m going to try this!
Just finished and it does work. I had three coats trying to smooth it out lol. Ty
Awesome! Glad it was helpful :)
So the final step is sanding with very fine grit sandpaper
Do we need any coat after that ???
And is that also applied to MDF ??
Thanks for the advice, will certainly use this!
Thank you for being a good teacher
I have never had the "powder problem " with krylon until now that I am using this fusion stuff. No matter how I spray it, it still ends up with patchy areas. I am repainting a piece that I built years ago with krylon, it worked perfectly then. I will try some 400 grit. Thanks
WOW! Today is literally my first time painting a piece of furniture and I literally finished the piece and went ahead and sand it.... And it's was a totally different texture after I done that. And now I come on here to find a video on how to paint furniture and this come up. PERFECT, PERFECT, ON MY WAY TO PERFECTION. I'm on the right track. Thank you!!!!!
Great tips!
Thanks so much. Great to get advice from a professional.
Thanks for your video! Any advice on orange peel. I used Fusion on coffee table with nice mohair roller and it has orange peel
As a custom woodworker for work as well as a hobbyist at home, I always sand after a prime coat, then after my first paint or lacquer coat, and then I apply my final coat. I have never once sanded after my final coat. Maybe this is a furniture refurb thing but after you sand, remove all dust and debri, then apply your final coat. Then your desired sheen hasn’t changed, sanding between each coat takes away bumps and imperfections, and you final coat “seals” the deal! 😉
Before your final coat, do you have to sand it until it's completely smooth/perfect, or can you just knock off the harsher areas? I'm at the stage right before my final coat and wondering if it needs to be absolutely perfect before I paint it.
@@tlworkman it sort of depends on how rough you’re taking. But for example, I just used a 500 grit block on a shelf commission today that had some unfortunate overspray spots on the coat that was suppose to be the final. With the grain, very lightly sanded, it takes the sheen off and might give you a panic attack, but do a small area and feel the difference. You’ll see why it’s better to do it all and not just one area. The final coat applied will lay so much better it you evenly sand the piece and apply one full and even coat. Maybe even two if needed. If you only sand the rougher spots out, the grit difference could be visible when a cost is applied over it. Just my opinion and tips! Good luck!
Also, make sure to wipe and or blow all dust caused from the sanding before applying. I always wipe with rags and then use an air chuck before doing anything.
@@ArkanZen Wow, thank you so much!!! Will do! I appreciate all the help.
👍👍👍
I was just about to recoat my table because I wasn't happy with the way the 4th coat turned out (black to white). I knew 5 coats would be ridiculous, but I did a search to get help with the final step and this makes sense. I'll give an update after I try it.
Did it work? I am having the same trouble
Hi there. Honestly, it's been so long I don't remember. The last thing I used was that all in one paint that you can use on anything. I think I did use 5 coats. If I did use the sandpaper, I definitely painted again afterwards. I do remember giving up on perfection and my desk looks fine. Good luck if you try the sanding!
love your channel, you communicate so well.
Thanks so much! I’m so glad it’s helpful :)
Thank you for sharing the tip. It will make my life easier
Would you do this on stained wood as well?
Thank you for sharing. This is the information I needed
Omg! Wish I’d have seen this idea sooner! I just tried it on a piece I’m painting for my granddaughter, and it’s amazing! Thank you so much!
Do this all the time and in between coats. Makes a world of difference. We always get compliments on our finishes because of it.
Sweet! Thanks for watching :)
Do you sand after primer (if you ever have to use primer), or only before your last coat?
Wow. So simple! It’s my first time trying chalk paint and I’m trying to upcycle my ikea book case before trying it out on other furniture and was getting really frustrated with the brush marks.
Love this , learning so much and I want to learn something new as you advised and this furniture painting may just be it! thx! appreciate your free advise so much! Love your fat cat too!
Thanks so much! Glad it was helpful :)
Omggggggg, I’m a newbie and this made a difference in my lifeeeeee.thanks
Glad to hear it Irene!
Does sanding work on a high gloss finish?
Thank you for the tip! Can it work with acrylic paints?
Sure! I don't see why not, Fusion is an acrylic :)
@@LostFoundDecor tried your tip today )) didn't find 1000 grit sandpaper. tried with 800 grit between the coats. Result - it works. I checked the surface against the light to see if the texture changed, and it did - almost all uneveness caused by a roller disappeared. The painted and then sanded surface now even has some pleasant gloss and is way smoother to the touch. BTW, I also used "semi-dry" roller technique, when you use very little paint, and roll the roller with some force over and over again until it almost dry. Every coat is pretty thin, obviously, you need more coats, and more time - but the surface is WAY smoother than using a roller traditional way (dipping in the paint). Bonus - you use next to nothing paint, very economical. So semi-dry roller, which gives smooth surface, plus sanding with very fine sandpaper between coats - equals surprisingly smooth surface. Thank you! One last question: I used sandpaper by hand, without pads, blocks etc. What do you use?
Great tip
I see brush strokes from the poly coat that I used. Is that because I didn't finish sand?
Poly is notoriously hard to get streak free. Likely it started drying on you as you brushed it, and maybe brushed it too many times. That’s why you’re seeing the stroked
Does this fix orange peel?
I am doing a book case in graphite and will be doing a wash over it in Paris Grey. Should I sand it first with a fine sand paper? It looks like it dulls it after it’s sanded. Damp cloth bring back the color? The paint is “patchy” in some spots. Will the sanding and wash cover that up? Lastly can I use a Polycrylic instead of a wax finish? FYI... this is my first project with chalk paint! Appreciate the help
Thanks for the tip, I'm in the process of painting a piece of furniture
How do you avoid getting the red color or the sandpaper color on the light colored paint job? Mine scratches or sometimes take the paint off. I have purchased the highest grit of 4000 and the color comes off on my white paint job. But, I can agree, the smooth results is amazing.
I haven’t had any issue with the color coming off? So I can’t say, I’m sorry!
Can you do this with Dixie Belle silk paint??
Sure!
I've just painted primer on my indoor doorframes I've got wet n dry paper and was just wondering the method for wet sanding technique etc
I was watching this video in disbelief with my mouth hanging open! Thank you! I’m trying this tomorrow! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🏆🏆🏆🏆
Awesome! It really is a gamechanger :)
Would this also be a good way to remove roller lint from a freshly painted door?
Sure! It could help with that
Hi,
How long do you have to wait after you paint the furniture to sand it?
Hi! With Fusion I wait at least 2-3 hours after final coat
When I use 320 with the fusion it seems to be wearing through the paint in spots? Should i use even finer?
Painting a fireplace mantle w/Sherwin William's Pro Classic semi gloss. Using a good Purdy brush. After second coat seeing some rough brush strokes. Do u think I can sand this paint and apply a third coat ?
Hi! Yes, you can sand it, although that won't really get rid of the visible brush strokes. It will help it feel nice and smooth though. I would get a real high grit (higher than I use in this video) to try, since you are working with a glossier finish a more course grit will scuff the finish.
Very helpful. I needed to hear this
So glad! Thanks for watching :)
What number sand paper do you use?
Can I use a 120 after two coats of latex paint?
I would use a higher grit :)
Can I do this and use sand paper when I already did my top coat and still see brush strokes?
Hi Lost & Found,
Great video.
I am in the process of painting a oil gloss base on a bathroom door & frame and yes there are lost of runs & sags due to that I am a inexperience painter.
I just want to ask that 7 days after 1st coat, can I sand lightly and paint a 2nd or final coat?
Yes! the longer the paint stays on the harder those drips get, but you can still finish sand it
Hello, Can you explain what the difference between this and "de-stressing" is? I've never heard that term before so I'm confused
Hi Adam :) Distressing is when you take off paint in certain spots (usually along the edges and details) to mimic the look of worn paint
@@LostFoundDecor Ok thanks! Also, if you're willing to answer one more question, I've seen a lot of places say to use like 600 or 800 grit sandpaper after painting and before using clear coat, so I was kinda surprised you said 320 grit. Have you tried using those higher grits and liked 320 better, just wondering?
@@adamthewoodworker2571 A higher grit is great too :) I just used what I had on hand, and for the kind of painting I am doing the 320 worked great. Of course, the higher you go, the finer the finish.
can you also do this with black paint???
Yes! Although it will probably leave a hazy finish, but that will go away if you wipe on a bit of wax or another oil-based topcoat
thanks so much, my first time going to do this looking forward is this made the finish clearer. i could also here the difference when your rubbed it before and after with your fingers:) could anyone suggest eaiset way to top coat for beginer wax or brush it on stuff? have asthma so important for me not to have a smell or spray:)
How do you keep dark paint colors from having chalky sandy streaks after the finish sanding? I have a coffee bean color that continues to have a light chalky dust look on top after sanding and wiping wit water. Any suggestions? I was hoping if I used hemp seed oil that might take care of that, but I've not used it yet. Suggestions?
Hi just wondering if the oil/wax worked for you??
Do you sand between every coat of paint?
My painter always sands lightly between coats and he gets excellent finishes. I was trying to copy him wrecking my head until I realised I was using too coarse a sandpaper.
I am on third coat of Coal Black Fusion Mineral Paint and they still look not smooth 😢 Would it help if I light sand with 600grit? It will leave the hazy looks for sure meaning that I cannot use my Varathane water based top coat. Will Fusion Mineral Hemp Oil or SFO Ebony be better option as top coat?
Yes, I would use an oil based topcoat over the Coal Black :) It will take care of that haziness
thanks did this and it was perfect, I sued extra fine sandpaper genetly like a whisper on my chalk paint and it worked a treat only a few seconds too!
Can you do it with black paint?
Hello I am using high gloss oil base paint painting my table white. What brush or roller type should I use prior eg fluffy roller, sponge roller ? thank you
Wow, this worked wonderfully. Looks like there's other methods down in the comments, but this really helps. Thanks a lot. Oh and I'd recommend using a respirator.
Thanks for watching! Glad it helped, and yes, a respirator is always a good idea 👍🏼
So you sand before your top coat, so you also sand after your final coat?
Yes :)
I have a desk that I wanted to paint but my parents got me spray paint do you think it would need the sand paper?
how wet is your rag that you wipe with after you sand it?
No matter what I try on the legs of furniture. I get paint lips on the edges of the legs. Is there a way to stop this please?
I would try less paint on your brush, sounds like it’s pooling :) Thinner coats, less paint
How do I repair brush strokes.im beginner and forgot to sand on surface before began the work.
Would you recommend you do this with acrylics used in a fluid pour?
I don't have a ton of pouring experience, so I don't think I can confidently say. Maybe try a small test pour and then finish sand, see how it goes?
What paints do you recommend? Is chalk paint good to use?
Chalk paint is great :) I also use Fusion Mineral Paint. It's easy to use, like Chalk Paint, but it doesn't require a topcoat or a wax to seal.
I've tried a few chalk paints and for my favorite results would be using fusion mineral paint. It's has UV protection and can be used outside. Chalk paint requires a finish. I'm a Fusion fan for life.
Super helpful! Do you have any prep tutorials? (I'm painting Renfrew over blue chalk paint over black spray paint :) I've cleaned, and light sanded. Planning to roll it on. It's a plain hope chest.
Renfrew takes a LOT of coats, be prepared! It has to do with the fact that it's mixed from a clear base to keep the vibrancy of the color. So just be patient and paint each coat on lightly, eventually you will get a gorgeous color! I always clean my pieces with Fusion's TSP Alternative, then give them a light scuff sand.
Will this work on glass plates
I would not sand the glass . . . but if you have painted the glass, then yes, you can finish sand that paint
Thank you 😊 refinishing a huge mirror and needed to see this.
You are so welcome!
Can I use my sander unit or it has to be done manually
I would do it manually, since you need to use a high grit and very light pressure. Otherwise you might wind up distressing your finish, when all you’re really trying to do is smooth it out
@@LostFoundDecor ok, thank you. I just did an old laptop desk wich i had to add a few screws to make it more stable. I cover the screws with wood filler and than I used my sandinf machine. I thought it was smooth but after i painted I can see the little bumps from the screw filler. Can you make a future video of how to properly cover screws or any holes without noticing. Thanks in advance.
Im painting a bench with fusion and tried using the 320 sand paper to get that smooth look and get rid of the brush strokes but it started to take it down to the original color and not quite smoothing out the brush strokes. My bench has 2 coats of paint on it and probably hasn't been painted for over a week. What do you think im doing wrong? Appreciate the help!
Can I do it in my bathroom vanity after I paint it.to get rid of the brush marks?
Yes!
Can you use this technique on chalk paint?
Is this method applicable in Asian Paint enamel?
Sanding painted surfaces even w 320 removes the paint sheen on a semi-gloss paint; it feels great but doesn’t look so great, so I don’t sand after my last coat of paint. I use a HVLP gun and the finish is beautiful but not quite buttery smooth. How do you get a smooth AND glossy finish?
you will need to apply a glossy topcoat to get a glossy finish :) I tend to work with matte paint, so yes, if you want higher sheen you will need to go back and add it :)
Wouldn’t this take away from the painted look and create dullness or scratches? Can this only be used will flat paint of can it be used with high gloss?
If you use a high grit sandpaper, then wipe with a damp cloth it actually creates a nice, soft luster to the finish! I don't usually work with high gloss paint, mostly with lower sheen paints. On high gloss paint you may find that you need to buff on a light coat of wax to restore a bit of sheen afterwards. Always test on a small area or sample board first :)
How long after you have painted your piece can you do this?
Wait until the next day, at least, I would imagine. The paint will continue to cure over the coming days. The key is to sand fully but very lightly.
Found your video after I painted my headboard. There's an area where the paint is chunky and thick. Can I use the sandpaper to smooth it out? Maybe I'd have to repaint? I think I put the paint on too thick and when I applied the 2nd coat it was still wet. 😢 I'm afraid I ruined it.
GREAT Video. Thank you so much John from Australia
You are very welcome
Can I avoid putting a top coat of wax or poly, just leave it with the 2coats of fusion paint and sanded with the 320 grit?
Thank you, you've been very helpful.
Yes. Fusion requires no top coat: how ever I am curious about DIY Big Top for a finish.
Thanks for the sanding tip Robert! You can also find Fusion on my online store - lostandfounddecor.shop. Appreciate the input.
What about the edges? I am doing an old China cabinet, with glass in some doors, I am a little nervous about doing it, afraid I'm using to much paint.
My kids are home from school. So cute
😊😊
Thank you for the awesome tip!
Wow thank you so much! We were making a headboard out of an old 5 panel door and needed to get paint brush marks off. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!👍😁❤️
I’ve sanded my final coat many times, but what happens when the sun hits the piece and you have full light you can see all the sanding marks, they’re Not scratches but you can tell you’ve sanded it down again
I would buff on a light coat of wax or a poly topcoat if that bothers you :)
When sanding did any one do it by hand or with the sand buffer
Hi thank u. What’s distressing
Thank you so much for making this video! I’m new to painting furniture and this was helpful.
What do I do if the poly goes on and there’s brush strokes how can I fix that??? The chalk paint is black and it’s shows.
Poly can be sooooo hard to get smooth, I feel your pain! You can sand lightly with a fine grit sandpaper (400 plus), or fine steel wool, then apply another coat. Be sure to use a nice, clean, fine bristle synthetic brush also :)
How do I smooth out textured paint so I can repaint it smooth?
Hi! I would sand it smooth, starting with a rougher grit sandpaper, then moving to a finer grit until it's nice and smooth
Excellent tip! Thanks. You’re beautiful! 😊
I've found when painting in a dark colour, a final sand leaves sanding marks. Any tips for that? Thanks
Hey Wendy! The more matte black is, the more it will show any scuffs (plus dirt, and fingerprints) The best way to fix that is to add a touch of sheen. I like to use Hemp Oil or Fusion's Beeswax Finish--just a bit and it will take those streaks away
Lost & Found Decor what about on a Satin Black finish? I can’t get a smooth finish. 320 Sandpaper marks show up.
@@AXXXXA Same here
Thank you for the video!
You’re so welcome!
For some reason I had sunken bubbles on my furniture after sanding and wiping it down with a wet cloth. But I have no idea why or what caused the sunken bubbles to appear?
Me too but how did you deal with it?
I couldn’t figure out how to make it go away, just ended up putting the varnish over it :(
@@petitepixie7744 :'(
Thank you so, so much!
Gonna try this on a guitar body im refinishing, thanks for the tip
How'd it go? Cause I want to do the same thing
If I do this off fusion paint to I have to put a wax or something on top
Nope :) It does not take away from the sealed finish.
Thanks very much for that tip! Do you know what fine sandpaper we would need to smooth out artwork on a canvas??
In your other video, you wet sand between coats. Here you finish with dry sanding. Couldn’t you dry sand between coats? And wet sand final coat? Vice versa. What would be the difference?
Yes, you can do both :) Wet sanding is messier and can easily distress pieces also, so be careful with wet sanding if you don’t want to distress. Also, I would not wet sand chalk paint as that amount of water could cause the paint to re-liquify and come right off. I would use dry sandpaper with chalk paint :)
Thank u, this helped.
You’re welcome!
Good idea, but You must be careful with the edge, it can be easily over sand. I did use trick like that but with 600 wet sandpaper (using sanding soft block), just wet sandpaper and wipe surface with wet cloth.
You should have mentioned how 320 grit sandpaper will de-gloss and dull-up the sheen. It will also leave evident scratches.
People that want to smoothen their final coat would want to consider 3000grit instead. And perform the sanding/buffing wet with water. Note that doing this may make the finish shinier.
What if you are using a matte chalk paint? It always makes mine (especially dark colours) cloudy when I sand even with 1200grit wet or dry!
Yeah you could see the white on her knuckles afterwards.
Thank you i just made my table a lot smoother.
Awesome!
Hi! I've been learning on your website ever since I saw this video and I have a few questions.
Should I sand to bare wood and then finish it with fine grit like you said before painting and then finish it again after painting?
Will I need to paint again?
Do I us multiple coats in order to finish it without taking off the paint?
Thank you!
Prime and sand between coats.
Thank you for this. Short, Simple and to the point. Started touching up things in the house and starting projects that deal with painting