Welcome back to Thrifted Treasures! So far in the series, we’ve walked you through how to spot a great thrifted piece, evaluate whether it’s worth the flip, and prep it for paint — now it’s time for the fun part: painting! Whether you’re tackling your first makeover or you’ve flipped a dozen pieces already, today’s post is all about helping you get that smooth, pro-quality finish that makes people say, “Wait… you did that yourself?”
🖌️ Let’s Start with the Basics
Before diving into advanced techniques, here are a few tried-and-true tips that work every time:
✔️ Use the Right Brush or Painting Sponge
For most furniture projects, we recommend a synthetic bristle brush or a painting sponge for smooth surfaces. Our Country Chic Paint Oval Brush is perfect for chalk-style paint — it holds product beautifully and gets into all the nooks and crannies. Our Painting Sponge is also a customer favorite, especially when doing anything with spindles. Want to know more about what brush is the right one for your project? Review our blog here!
✔️ Don’t Overload Your Brush
A little paint goes a long way. Use thin, even coats and let each one dry fully before adding the next. This helps avoid drips and ensures a buttery-smooth finish. If you do decide to use a Painting Sponge, adding paint to a paper plate before painting allows for even distribution of paint on the sponge.
✔️ Work in One Direction
Whenever possible, paint with the grain of the wood or in long, even strokes. It’s one of the easiest ways to give your finish a clean, professional look.
💡 Techniques to Try Once You’re Comfortable
Once you’ve got the hang of the basics, here are a few fun (and easy) ways to level up your painting game:
✨ Layering Colors
Try using two colors — one as your base and another over top — then lightly distress the surface to let the bottom layer peek through for a vintage, dimensional look.
✨ Dry Brushing
Dip your brush in paint, then wipe most of it off before lightly dragging it across your piece. This technique adds texture and highlights beautiful details.
✨ Glazing
Looking to add depth and antique charm? Try applying one of our Country Chic Paint Glazes over your painted piece. After your base coat is fully dry, brush on a glaze (like Antiquing or Slate) and then wipe back the excess with a lint-free cloth. The glaze will settle beautifully into crevices and carved details, adding a soft, aged look that brings out all the character of your piece — no distressing needed!
