How To Get A Smooth Finish On Painted Furniture

Posted in Furniture Makeover
How To Get A Smooth Finish Painting Furniture

It’s what we all want. Am I right? We all want the best finish on painted furniture that we can get. Well, a great finish is only as good as the products you use. Today, I’m sharing the basics of a great finish on furniture.

This post contains a few affiliate links to help you find the products I use. You are not charged extra to use any of the links, but any income I make will be used for more fun projects! To see my full disclaimer, click here.

BEST Finish On Painted Furniture – Pink Dresser

So, what is the best finish on painted furniture? Well, for me it’s a paint and stain combo. It’s the best of both worlds and I have to admit, I don’t paint everything, and adding a beautiful wood finish with a painted finish can add such beauty to your furniture makeovers.

It's what we all want. Am I right? We all want the best finish on painted furniture that we can get. This is my go-to finish with chalk mineral paint.

Supplies List

Repairs Before Paint

Cool tools! They’re necessary when you’re flipping furniture so I thought I’d share this one. It has been so useful for repairing large structural problems. Because of the design of these vanities, they tend to get weak and separate where the shelves connect to the drawers. Glue, screws, and a great clamp = a successful repair job.

Cool tools! They're necessary when you're flipping furniture so I thought I'd share this one. It has been so useful for repairing large structural problems.

To Get The Best Smooth Finish On Painted Furniture

Step 1: Also ways clean and prep first. Use good chalk mineral paint and master the nobrush stroke method. This can be done using the right products and using the right technique to create a smooth finish on painted furniture. You can learn more about the no brush stroke method for painting furniture by CLICKING HERE or watching the video below.

Use a good chalk mineral paint and master the no brush stroke method. This can be done using the right products and using the right technique to create a great finish on painted furniture.

Check this out! How To Achieve A Brushstroke FREE Smooth Paint Finish

This painted finish was achieved by using Tea Rose and Pink Champagne and blending the two colors together on the raised areas of the dresser. This technique is called highlighting. It's a beautiful finish on painted furniture.

This painted finish was achieved by using Tea Rose and Pink Champagne and blending the two colors together on the raised areas of the dresser. This technique is called highlighting. It’s a beautiful finish on painted furniture. Learn more about blending the colors on your furniture by CLICKING HERE.

Stripping And Staining Finishes + Paint

Step 2: Stripping varnish/paint, staining, and painting furniture… it sounds like a lot of work. Not really, but it is messy. Here is a series of video tutorials to help you strip and re-stain your wood furniture like a pro. CLICK HERE to watch them.

Stripping varnish/paint, staining and painting furniture... it sounds like a lot of work. Not really, but it is messy.
The right hardware makes all the difference with finishes on painted and stained furniture.

This old gal got new hardware too but not before I had to fill the holes where the existing hardware was. The holes did not align with the new hardware. Of course, they never do! (insert eye roll) No worries, I got a quick fix for that too. CLICK HERE to learn about how to fill those old holes for new hardware placement and you’ll be on your way in no time.

The Paint And Stain Combo

I love this beautiful pink finish on this old dresser.
And can I just say that hardware makes all the difference in the world on these furniture makeovers? I do re-use the original hardware from time to time when they're in good shape. But these are to die for!

And can I just say that hardware makes all the difference in the world on these furniture makeovers? I do re-use the original hardware from time to time when they’re in good shape. But these are to die for! So Holly Wood Glam! ♥

Can we just give homage to that mirror for a moment? They just don't make them like this anymore and every time I get the chance to save one of these majestic beauties, I get all the feels.

Can we just give homage to that mirror for a moment? They just don’t make them like this anymore and every time I get the chance to save one of these majestic beauties, I get all the feels.

Hey, thanks for hanging out with me today for another finish on painted furniture. These vintage pieces deserve a second chance and I know this one is going to a great home. I’d love to hear your feedback on the paint combo. Drop me a comment below and let me know what you think. Or just say hey!

Until the next project… xo, Do

How To Get A Smooth Finish On Painted Furniture

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12 Comments

  1. This is a true Magnum Opus! So elegant, so chic, so sublime!
    also how did you painted the dark charcoal back wall? its so harmonious with your improved vanity?
    thank you

  2. Considering the age of the piece, I love the color! I personally never would have distressed it thinking back to the era, however, it’s an awesome touch with the color you chose. I’m not sure I would have liked any other color. I love these vanities so much. Years ago I had one but took it apart to make nightstands. I saved the mirror for many many years before I finally got rid of it. I regret to this day taking it apart but things happen we regret sometimes. Your work is fabulous! I wish you were closer.

    1. Thanks, Shirley! Yes, I couldn’t imagine a more appropriate color than tea rose. Plus, it was one of my Grandmother’s favorite flowers. It’s funny how those things stick in our heads. I appreciate your words. xo

  3. Hi,
    I am just getting into painted furniture and stenciling and transfers. My question is after transferring a pretty floral design onto a bright white finish on a dresser, how can I get it to look more antique? Are you supposed to even paint over transfers? Your expertise would be very much appreciated.

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