10 Biggest Furniture Painting Mistakes (and How to Avoid and Fix Them!) - Thrift Diving

Got paint drips or chips in your furniture paint? Is your white paint turning yellow? And why in the world does your chalk paint look so crappy and spotty?! Whether you're new to painting furniture or you've been in the game for a while, painting mistakes and problems happen to all of us. Well, this video will help you to avoid making the 10 most common furniture painting mistakes, as well as to understand what is happening. And if you DO make a mistake, learn how to easily fix it. Jump around using these helpful timestamps below!
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0:00 - Intro
0:39 - Mistake #1: Paint Drips and Runs
5:07 - Mistake #2: Brush Strokes
7:57 - Mistake #3: Old Stain Bleeding Through
9:26 - Mistake #4: Chipped Paint
11:34 - Mistake #5: Peeling Paint
13:19 - Mistake #6: White Paint is Turning Yellow
14:58 - Mistake #7: Missing Spots
15:30 - Mistake #8: Paint Looks Spotty (Poor Coverage)
16:12 - Mistake #9: Wet Paint is Getting Dirty
16:50 - Mistake #10: Chose the Wrong Color
18:03 - Get my free furniture painting (and power tools!) guide by subscribing to my blog!
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MAILING ADDRESS:
Serena Appiah
P.O. Box 463
Spencerville, MD 20858

[@ThriftDiving]

****Download my free furniture painting guide when you sign up for my blog here! thrift-diving.ck.page/55265f69ed

[@dlsdyer9071]

Purchased Danish oil to use on a mid century modern headboard from Habitat. I would like to lightly spruce up its hand rubbed finish feel. Everything that I have read says to sand off all finish before applying, which I really do not want to do! It will ruin the cane insert and the maple and pecan woods' look.. Would I be able to lightly sand with extremely fine paper and then do one very light application?

[@soffyabad]

Well thank you girl for so valuate advices, really soooo helpful. Good to see you again🤗😊😊💐

[@Kath-Erina]

@@dlsdyer9071 if the piece has a finish (other than oil) I would say you have to sand oof all finish first. Because the finish seals off the wood and the oil is designed to be absorbed by the wood to get those beautiful warm tones and vibrant wood colors. But if it's finished, as I said, the wood is sealed and won't absorb bany of the oil. And if you just lightly sand it the finish will come off in some areas maybe and if you apply oil over it it will absorb in some areas and turn out very blotchy...

[@mariebozzelli9079]

___f S

[@edenspritzer6262]

Great video. Clear intro and summary, no annoying background music, good close-ups, nicely paced. Perfect. And really useful! Thanks.

[@ThriftDiving]

Aww, thanks so much, Eden!! I appreciate that you like the simplicity and usefulness of my videos. :) Means a lot!

[@lisajames8653]

I appreciated no music too!

[@marytims7126]

Love the fact you got right into the subject without dragging other stuff that was irrelevant into it. Thanks you for all this useful imformation.Your representation was great 👍

[@Queenread82]

Bump!

[@aussiewanderer6304]

My biggest learning was allowing the paint 2 weeks to fully cure before using. I painted a bookshelf and made the mistake of putting books on it after only a few days, and the books left marks.

[@Thankful305]

Is there a fix for faster drying? Bathroom vanity tackiness is still a problem!🤔

[@WellnessUncovered]

@@Thankful305 nothing but time. If it's still tacky after a while you may need to redo it as something went wrong.

[@angiemarie8743]

I found that when removing painters tape, use a hairdryer on a medium heat for a few seconds & it softens the glue on the tape & i'm less likely to remove paint with it. Can work on stickers too when the kids stuck them to their bedroom furniture.

[@abbywagner6240]

Awesome info!!! Thank you!

[@ingramwifey2016]

Good to know!! My kid sticks stickers everywhere 🤪

[@angiemarie8743]

@@ingramwifey2016 I've heard WD40 works for those too, but haven't tried it

[@christynm.8933]

GREAT TIP! Thanks so much for sharing! 👍😁❤

[@shawnagunn9054]

And new windows that have stickers too. Works great!

[@TD-izAbxy]

Zinsser Bullseye Shellac, yellow can. Nothing bleeds through that and your chalk paint can go right over it. Always always shellac to prevent bleed through

[@CancerWarrior23]

Thank you for the tips on how to avoid brush strokes! Using a chalk paint on a small project and between each coat, I was lightly sanding. Your tip to add water worked perfectly!!

[@picturedetroit9556]

I never thought spray painting would be that difficult until I painted a series of displays to showcase my photography at a variety of shops. It was the middle of winter in MI, so I was forced to use the basement ~ what a mess! Since then I’ve been saving large boxes from deliveries to use as outdoor spray booths, thank you so much for sharing all of your info, hoping I can find a booth like yours!

[@jojoagogo912]

Ty I am about to paint furniture for the first time. So glad I watched this before starting my project

[@stacykellow8888]

Thank you for so many valuable tips for furniture painting. You just made my life a LOT easier! I am so glad that I subscribed to your channel. A painting trick I like to use is to put my furniture pieces on four bricks (one per leg) so I can reach the lowest part of the leg all the way down...not under the foot, just right up to it.

[@brendahill-bland9267]

Love (and what I needed) the information! I’ll be painting my kitchen cabinets next month and definitely will use your tips. Thanks!!

[@melaniej.roberts206]

Thank you so much, Serena! I'm new to the furniture flipping gig and I am in the learning stages. I'm using chalk paint but like you I am not a fan of brush strokes. Thank you for the tip!

[@jmarhanson]

Thank you so much. Some of those things are why I procrastinate painting projects. I appreciate your video.

[@coastchickheatherjordan4891]

I love it when Oak bleeds yellow when I am flipping furniture for a client. The pink stain is crazy. Great video!

[@tinamarlow506]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge! I’m new at this and you’re a wealth of knowledge!!!

[@tinamayhle3512]

Thank you for sharing this ❤️ very helpful! I was just thinking about you the other day! I love seeing what your different projects are and what your working on!!!

[@vickiel914]

Thank you for the information! Was thinking about redoing a small piece, but wasn't feeling confident in my knowledge and skills. You cleared up a few things for me!

[@mariashippam6546]

Thank you. Excellent advice. I’m just about to start renovating furniture, just when I thought I knew enough, you’ve taught me more useful tips. Thanks again 👍🏻

[@blueserenity7]

As far as I'm aware, the yellowing issue caused by varnish comes from choosing an oil-based varnish rather than an acrylic one. That being said, Minwax Polycrylic is kind of an exception to that in a bad way for furniture painters. I haven't ever used it, but I've heard very mixed things from those who have. It even says in its description online that it's best applied over light wood stains, in which yellowing wouldn't really be as noticeable. So going off that, it doesn't really appear to be intended for use over painted furniture projects, despite what you might hear around the web. It probably isn't the only one of its kind, either. A good portion of varnishes/urethanes found at hardware stores are likely meant to be used over a wood stain, not paint, even if they are water-based. I'd always read all product labels thoroughly for any mentions of non-yellowing properties and try to find reviews online from people using the product over latex/water-based paint specifically. If you're working on a smaller painted project, an artist-grade, water-based varnish from Liquitex or Golden should do the trick and is sold in smaller sizes. If you're looking to paint a lot of projects/have a need for something sold in bigger sizes, General Finishes is an all-around solid brand with varnishes that have proven results over painted furniture. Source: I've worked in a fine arts store for about 4 years :)

[@yolandagofigure]

YESSS😬 THAT'S WHAT HAPPENED TO ME.. but I made sure this time I bought one that said non yellowing.

[@yolandagofigure]

I bought one that said non yellowing rustoleum painter's touch ultra cover two times clear gloss, non yellowing, UV resistant, seals protects and revitalize.

[@fitztastico]

*God bless you* for the list and timestamps in the description 👌👍💪

[@ThriftDiving]

You're welcome!!

[@HappySmiles2Day]

Right One of the reasons I subscribed was bc of the stamps. Greatly appreciated

[@ThriftDiving]

@@HappySmiles2Day You're welcome!! I'll try to do this on more videos!

[@marycoleman3711]

What a good idea using a old tent for a spray area

[@ThriftDiving]

That's actually a spray tent made specifically for painting! You can find it here on Amazon (affiliate link): amzn.to/3iphzti

[@lindabuck2777]

I just started new projects myself, with spray paint, saw your little ‘gadget’ attached to your spray can, so now imma get one! Weekend project woohoo! I’m grateful I saw this, coz I’m 65 now and my grip ‘ain’t what she used to be’ so that will help greatly!!! Gosh, guess it’s time to walk back into a regular hardware store-you remember’personal service’ don’t you? Always helpful, and I’ll even ask other customers have you done this? Always eager to share tips! Now, my fave color is vivid jewel tone TURQOISE, but HONEY THAT RED DESK WAS OUTSTANDINGLY GORGEOUS!!!! Thanks for all you share and do! BLESSINGS OF LOVE HEALTH AND JOY🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️🌹🌹🌹

[@donnacollins4314]

Thank you!!!! You answered some questions I had and a couple I didn't know I had!! Thank you again!!!

[@kristinewells961]

Wow! Ran across this video just in time! Getting ready to paint a thrifted secretary so THANK YOU for so many practical and applicable tips!🌟❤️🌟

[@Amsbury]

I love the lazy susan idea!! Thank you for the idea and instructions. Your video is very informative and helpful.

[@robynfuller3988]

I just started painting a writing desk, and I can already see the drips and uneven coverage. Your tips will help, thank you!

[@clover464]

Thank you sooooo much for the timestamp and list thing! I know other people have said it but goodness is it ever useful!

[@ThriftDiving]

Glad to hear you like it! I will be sure to use it more going forward so you can skip around! :) Thanks!!

[@nancyanneberg403]

Great tutorial. A good reminder from my days if painting as I am planning some projects soon. Thank you.

[@davanachase2372]

Just what i needed. I'm a newbie at painting furniture and you have taken away a lot of my fear! Thank you!

[@ThriftDiving]

Glad I could help!!

[@deek4636]

Thank you so much for this! Love your channel and the timestamps.

[@carolsydney6905]

Thanks for this video. I've made most of these mistakes and now that I have stopped flipping properties and gone on to furniture it is much more attention to detail then ever before. Also I love your presentation, cheerful, helpful, and friendly. I had to stop watching other vids because of monotone voices I just couldn't take anymore! LOL Looking forward to more. (If you are going to recommend SIMPLE GREEN please mention it is TOXIC to pets. A beloved pet of mine came very close to dying after one sniff. Chemical burn was the diagnosis and cortisone saved his life. His throat swelled shut. Thanks.)

[@LaurenInesRuiz]

This video was amazing. Very helpful and I was entertained all the way through. The timing, the pacing, the editing---thank you!!

[@bback4078]

I love your videos and have missed them. Your French desk is still my dream desk. Great video-as always!!

[@danimordecai7611]

Super informative YT clip today. Love your channel its so beautifully filmed. Cheers for info on preventing bleed thru.

[@catiecruz8277]

Finally, I found a video that gives details I need in a logical order that makes sense and presentation is easily understood. Thank you. I am now a subscriber. Look forward to learning more from you.

[@MentalThingsIsScary]

Great video, thank you so much! Doing research into painting furniture and this video has been extremely helpful 😁😁

[@hismom5600]

This video came at the perfect time! My husband and I have decided to try our hand at refurbishing thrifted items and these tips have definitely helped! (I repainted a furniture set last month and...so...many....mistakes😄)

[@stephaniekelly3223]

You are a great teacher, I learned a lot, thank you so much!!

[@capemayharley]

Thank you for all the great tips... bleeding through was mostly my problem, but ur tips will correct that problem! Thank you so much

[@coldcitydweller]

Very useful. Thanks! To add to the yellowing of things discussion. I'm a complete beginner here and working up to painting our garage. (Yikes!) Anyway, another mention of yellowing I got was from a company that sells original recipe linseed oil paint that said "Linseed oil paint yellows in dark area or in contact with chemicals such as cleaning products with a high pH, some beauty sprays, chemical paint strippers, and caustic substances. There is also a risk when painting in enclosed areas with plastic paints." After everything I've read, I think your advice to use same-brand products or just follow directions is the best advice for most. There is a lot of chemistry to sort through and paint manufacturers do not make it easy to know exactly what is in their products to sort out combinations that work by any way other than experimenting. But if you post more on this topic, I for one would be interested. Cheers.

[@margotsullivan125]

Fabulous guide. Answered all my painting problem issues! Thanks so much!

[@PammyRock]

Thank you so much for sharing these tips!

[@donnabeem3036]

I have done furniture for over 40 years and yes them 10 things and so much more will happen to you like you don't expect it but there it is you done a wonderful job I love the desk and I love the little red thing that is awesome

[@kennymoore4050]

i love tip videos like this! it’s always good to add to your diy brain! ♥️

[@1myedwards]

Very helpful information! Thank you so much. I have a dresser I plan to paint soon and this video is right on time. ⏱

[@MsTiggytig]

Enjoy your projects and watching your process.

[@emmyashbaugh]

I’m just over halfway through your video and had to pause to take a moment & say THANK YOU! All your preparation and testing is so inspiring. Never can be too careful, especially with sentimental pieces. knowing all that about different top coats is pivotal. Going to subscribe as soon as I post this, I am very much looking forward to binging more of your channel! 💓

[@ThriftDiving]

I appreciate your comment, Emily! Glad I am able to be helpful! ❤️

[@pennyhanson2598]

Hi, Serena! My biggest problem, apart from choice of colour, is procrastination! Great tips, thank you! Kind regards from Penny in Liverpool 🇬🇧😊💕

[@lifegivingnook7464]

I just started painting on Saturday. You covered my problems. Thank you.

[@satisfyingwhiteboarddrawin4587]

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, to paint and I must say you gave excellent advice. Love your video and your boys are handsome young men. God bless you and your beautiful family.

[@Diane56ful]

Great tip on the white paint. Never thought to use the brand sealer. Thank you!

[@ld3507]

Such good, informative info presented very nicely! Thank you! Loved that you had the time stamps🤗

[@Kkuts37]

Very helpful, thank you Serena!

[@janiceobembe1076]

Blessing to you,thank you for all the information,how to fix them

[@reepurpose8712]

Great tip about the sealer. I coated my baseboards with polyacrylic. What a nightmare.

[@deecar5567]

Thank you so much h for the free book. At so excited about starting my projects. Serena you have a blessing to me. Again thank thank thank.

[@AtHomea]

Thank you thank you! this video had so much information! I will definitely be recommending this video on my channel when I repaint my office desk!

[@bmeeseeks2881]

Awesome pointers, thank you!

[@justmejo9008]

Thanks for all your time and knowledge sharing 🙏🏼

[@michellevelasquez7873]

wow this really helps me out !! Thank you for sharing !!

[@sussu3213]

Very useful video! I'm just starting with furniture flipping and this covered all my concerns. Thank you :)

[@Kath-Erina]

These tips are great!! I was always afraid of repainting perfectly smooth furniture abcaise I thought I could never get them to look doo at the and and would be devastated it it was full of brushstrokes and drips and I had spend so much time and effort and made it all worse in the end🙈 but maybe I'll try something small and hopefully get the confidence to paint bigger pieces too! (got a big dresser that I love but it's in horrible condition and has waterstains all over it (there's an aqaurium on top) and I would love to refinish it someday!!

[@jeannettesantiago7152]

My compliments... This video was very well done and very informative. 👏

[@christinek2182]

Thank you so much- great info- love your work 😊

[@elizabethevanskiikka2184]

Great tutorial, love your channel! Much love from finland 🇫🇮

[@daniareyes9841]

Thank you! Your valuable information will help me with my project. Never painted wood furniture before.

[@thatbabygirl357]

Thank you for this video, I wish I had this a few months ago, but just in time before I paint my sofa table

[@gyrturshen1306]

Thanks, I learned a lot. Just starting out with upgrading all my hand- me -down furniture

[@lenaannis8787]

Thank you from Greece The video was very helpful !!!!

[@conniemeachambarillas4708]

I love how you laid out a TOC in your description! Great video.

[@utube1818]

To correctly sand back drips use a sanding block, this will remove the drips faster and make it flatter. Same goes for sanding down filler.

[@ThriftDiving]

Thanks for the tip!

[@t.terrell7037]

Is a specific size and grit needed for the sanding block or just any kind? Thanks

[@utube1818]

@@t.terrell7037 Wet & Dry sand paper is ideal because it will stop the paper from clogging. Wet the surface with water then rub the sandpaper with a solid bar of soap. I would start with around 180 grit, go down to 120 if it's taking too long but then always go up through your grits lightly and finish with 220 to take out any deep scratches. The trick is to try a "hover" over the drip sanding just the high spots and not the surrounding area, hence using a sanding block.

[@corycrowmusic]

and for gods sake go with the grain!

[@rubymimosa]

Thank you so much for the tips!!

[@theclassroomdoc]

Thanks so much!!!!! I've never painted. Researching painting of mason jars (so glass)... most use chalk pain... but looking to prevent chipping and figure out if I can wash them.

[@neryreyes4695]

Love all your tips and ideas. Thank you

[@pattietorres6891]

Great information. Thank you for sharing. 😊

[@marisolloera5192]

Holly Molly!! How is it that ytube pops up with the videos i need at the time i need them🙉It just Blows my mind! Thank you soo much!! Im actually on a kitchen project n im catching my mistakes as i go. Its my first time n praying the wood trims dont bleed through everytime i start one. It's tedious yet so soothing!! Many hellos from Chicago!

[@briteness]

Yeah, how is it that youtube sometimes provides such strangely perfectly-timed recommendations? I wonder if they are spying on us through our phones...

[@gillianheybrock4829]

Watching this has given me the confidence to have a go at upcycling some of my old furniture. Thanks.

[@ThriftDiving]

You can do it!! :)

[@belindaanderson4078]

Great tutorial! Very informative.

[@c.r.8845]

Wow thank you for this! Very helpful and informative and easily understandable

[@HalehJune]

That was very helpful and great! thank you!

[@junepark1003]

Thank you for this video! This is terrific!

[@oceandreamer1958]

Great tips! I have never painted furniture. I have a round side table that was my grandfather’s. The top was damaged by rain by an open window years ago when my mother had it. I want to paint it for out on our lanai. These tips will help. Thank you!

[@marionmills2068]

Great teaching explanation , I was engaged into the tone of your voice and I didn`t skip through. Nice tips!!!

[@imax773]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!I wish I had this to watch before I started projects-hit or miss,Mostly missed, So informative and you laid it out perfectly to understand as a beginer-Now a beginer agin on a better road to success! Going to check your other videos TY again-

[@youngedwards3265]

Great tips! Thank you for the video. 👍

[@oceanblue3803]

Thank you! You covered EVERY mistake I’ve made!

[@joanbailey4918]

Your suggestions are great. Wish I would have known some of these years ago.

[@nataliefrances6319]

Thank you so much! You are helping me alot. 💞

[@nickimontie]

Great tips! Thanks!!

[@vh2337]

Excellent videos, thank you so much. I have no artistic talent so your tips and honesty is much appreciated.

[@wendycampbell5099]

Great hints! Thank you!

[@nicholinecharles9468]

This was very helpful. Very practical advice. I have had all these issues!!!

[@denver1865]

TY!! Love your videos and experience!!!

[@deborahdeboer1175]

You ARE Canadian! How I did not clue into this before is beyond me. Between some of the paint brands you used and the spelling of colour, I had a lightbulb moment, lol! Great post (as always)! I am going to go and get one of those turntable things for sure!

[@janicegilman7672]

Great information - thank you so much!

[@Behavior_N_Canines]

18:23 thank you so much for posting this video! You’ve covered a lot of important things to think about when refinishing a project. I’m definitely going to refer to your video when I run into issues. In fact, just today I “ran across” 3 videos that covered stains and tannins bleed-through! I’m taking note as instructions needed on my upcoming piece 😊

[@nsosnow]

I just completed my first furniture painting project. I used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. That paint is thick! I kept my brush wet to help spread it out but I struggled with it. I still need more practice to get better at this. Now I am looking for items that have been thrown out to practice on!

[@AlexBabcock-hw9iz]

Did you also use a spray bottle and spritz several shots into the paint before you started? If you put your paint into another container and first coat spray a good 5 or 6 shots into that jar to start and then spray the brush occasionally. The second coat even more sprays into your paint 12 to 15 will be good. Always remember whether using spray rattle cans or a brush go with several coats rather then 1 or 2 thick coats. Remember to properly start off by cleaning well primer ect will make each step that much better. Check out Shabby Guy he's pretty good at both explaining and showing how and why he does things. He also shows what products he is using and why he has chosen them think you'll enjoy the channel.

[@nsosnow]

@@AlexBabcock-hw9iz Thanks for all this very helpful information Chris! I will do this for my next project. I have just subscribed to the Shabby Guy channel. Thanks again.

[@WaterNai]

Excellent tips! This is a very helpful video.

[@elisevautour6292]

Hi Serena. Thanks for sharing this list. Great info. 🌞

[@imnotsurprised2653]

Great tips! Thank you ♥️