Painting is simple and fun! Jennylyn shows you how easy it is to prep and paint in this 5 minute video . Never skip the prep step before painting to ensure a clean surface. Now onto the painting – a high-quality brush or roller makes a big difference! See our how to choose a brush guide here.
The right brush for small / medium surfaces
These are our favourite choices when you’re painting small or medium surfaces such as dressers, cabinets, or spindles the Staalmeester® oval brush, round brush, and One series decoration ‘spalter’ brush.
The round brush is the universal round brush and is extremely versatile and perfect for painting window frames, doors, spindles, and kitchen cabinets. The One series round brush is especially ideal for finishing and you’ll notice that the brush strokes disappear immediately during the application. The oval brush is the most popular brush for furniture painting because the oval shape makes it easy to switch between narrow and larger surfaces with the same brush. The decoration ‘spalter’ brush is a must-have for all painters. It has a very short handle, which helps you neatly smooth out the paint even in the trickiest corners. Excellent for flat surfaces for a super smooth finish. It now comes in an angled version which is super handy for getting into edges and corners flawlessly!
Achieving a Smooth Finish: Embrace the Process
When painting by hand, some brush strokes and character are natural—don’t stress about achieving a factory-sprayed look. The key to a smooth finish? Avoid using too much paint!
Brushstrokes often come from excess paint drying with texture. Dip your brush no more than halfway into the paint, ensuring it’s full but not dripping. Wipe off any excess, and with a little practice, you’ll master the perfect amount in no time!
Paint End-to-End: Apply the paint to your surface and work in one direction to smooth out excess paint within a minute – need more time? Add our Paint Extender for more working time for a flawless finish! Avoid over-brushing once the paint starts to dry (dragging or pulling indicates the paint is now too dry) to prevent marks.
Mind Your Environment: Paint works best between 10-30°C (50-87°F). Use Fusion’s Extender in dry conditions or a Paint Mister to keep the surface workable. In high humidity, allow extra drying time between coats.
Your aim is to add a couple of thin coats of paint, in the direction of the grain of the wood. Allow dry time between coats, if it seems rough to the touch, you could use soft/medium-grit sandpaper to smooth out any irregularities before applying your second coat.
How long after application should I wait to re-coat?
We recommend 2 hours in between coats of paint for the best results! You can cheat just a little, but remember the reason for waiting is we want the water to evaporate off. The more coats of paint you apply the longer it takes to cure! This includes topcoats, so when painting your projects keep in mind the fewer coats the better.
You can roll your paint too!
Rollers are a super easy wayt to achieve a smooth finish on large surfaces -quickly! Our absoulte favourites are our Staalmeester Rollers – they’re washable and re-useable and leave no marks behind! The micro felt paint rollers by Staalmeester® are available in three sizes: 5 mm-10 cm, 5 mm-12 cm, and 9 mm-18 cm. The rollers are suited for all paints and finishes and give a smooth and even finish. Great for any large smooth surface, from floors to dressers and cabinets.
Which order should you apply your paint coatings?
The application of paint and finishing products in the right order will help for proper adhesion and the best overall results. They should be applied in this order after proper prep has been done. Water-based products first then Oil-based and then Wax … Wax is always last…always!
Do you need a top coat?
A top coat is recommended for areas prone to water or heavy use. Choose from a wide variety of top coats offered by Fusion. Clear or coloured waxes, water based acrylic or water based polyurethanes offered in various sheens. Furniture Wax for a soft, chalky finish is a great option and so easy to apply compared to other Chalk type paints!
Tip: Buff with an applicator pad for a classic waxed look with ease!
Need help choosing? Check out our How to Choose a Top Coat Guide here.
Congratulations! You’ve painted it beautiful!
Painting is a fun and creative process, and with these simple tips, you’ll achieve beautiful results in no time. Use the right tools, apply thin coats, and pay attention to your environment to avoid common pitfalls like brushstrokes or uneven finishes.
For inspiration or to share your work visit our FREE Facebook Group Paint it Beautiful.
Most importantly, have fun! Remember, it’s just paint—everything is fixable, and mistakes are part of the learning process. Embrace the journey, and enjoy transforming your projects into something truly beautiful!