If you've been wondering how to achieve a beautiful, buttery smooth finish on your furniture flip projects without the hassle of purchasing or setting up a spray gun, check out my below tips!
1 . USE A ROLLER - AND THE RIGHT ONE
Chalk Paint is best applied with a Microfibre Roller - 4mm Nap . I like the Uni-Pro Little Ripper in the 100mm Mini Set.
This option will give you a super smooth finish. Make sure your roller is completely dry so the application isn't runny.
I find Mineral Paint is best applied with a High Density Foam Gloss Roller, 9mm Nap. I like this Uni-Pro one.
If you prefer using a paint brush or your working on a detailed piece, Cling on are my favorite brushes and will achieve minimal brushstrokes.
2. APPLY LESS PAINT & MORE COATS
There's nothing worse than getting to the end of your project and realizing it's covered in drips and thick paint/roller strokes. They key is to use less paint and do more coats to ensure the finish is consistent and smooth. If you are using a roller, make sure you roll out all of the paint on the roller before adding more.
3. SAND IN BETWEEN COATS
Sanding in between paint coats will smooth out any imperfections like dirt or loose fluff that may have stuck to the paint as it dried. It will also even out any brushstrokes/roller marks.
But not with any sandpaper...you want a superfine sanding pad. I have been using the 3M Superfine Flexi Sanding Pads for ages now and i swear by these. They are so easy to work with and create a silky smooth finish. You can purchase on E-bay or Amazon.
Bunning's also have the Trojan Ultra-Fine Sanding Blocks if you prefer to purchase in store.
4. SEAL USING THE RIGHT APPLICATOR
When i work with Chalk Paint, i find it easier to get a streak-free finish using wax. For pieces that get a lot of traffic like bookcases or dining tables, i like to use a Poly-Seal for extra durability.
Poly-Seal should be applied using a dedicated Topcoat Sponge or a High Density Foam Gloss Roller (same as the one used to apply mineral paint).
I also find that using the 3M Superfine Sanding Pad in between coats of Poly will reduce strokes.
