How to Seal Painted Furniture without Streaks // 3 Tricks for a Perfect Finish

[@betseywilson2437]

You are by far the clearest and most informative source I've found, and I've been painting and sealing furniture for over twenty years. Kudos and thanks!

[@LovelyEtc]

Wow! You totally made my day. Thank you!

[@jassicabowlin9172]

Isn't that the truth!! So glad I clicked on her video!

[@jwickstead]

The tip about mixing paint in is genius. I’m in middle of applying polycrylic over black latex paint on wood. I had some streaking and watched a video where a guy uses wet sanding to smooth it out but it wasn’t a smooth process for me. It made a mess and I had to repaint and re- topcoat. This time I did about 6 thin layers to avoid the problem I had with wet sanding which I had reluctantly planned to do tonight but with luck I came across your video with your mix in paint tip. I’m going to ditch the wet sand and instead try your method of adding paint to the polycrylic. This is first time I have ever sealed something that has been painted. I didn’t know you could. I use polycrylic all the time for sealing raw plywood etc. I roll on fast with a foam roller then take paper towel and wipe it off leaving a perfect streak free surface. I’ll check out your other videos! Thanks

[@LovelyEtc]

I love hearing that my tips are helpful. That is my goal with sharing these videos and DIY projects. It really is a timesaver.

[@LilyBecca]

I used to paint professionally, and I always had my primer tinted the color I was painting. I now do the same with furniture, except I tint it myself since I am using small quantities of primer. One other trick is to use a brown paper bag instead of sandpaper between coats of sealer/finish. I found this trick from a finish carpenter I used to date. I now save the brown paper packaging that comes with my Amazon shipments. It works so well. It's equivalent to about a 2k grit sandpaper.

[@Tile-and-Error]

@@LilyBeccagreat tip! I saw the paper bag trick in another comment somewhere. I'll try it!

[@IMOO1896]

Interesting you use paper towels to wipe sealer, I find paper towels leave much lint and break down with tiny rolls of broken paper left behind. This is technique for sure, just a wet sanding, I’ve never had much luck with either and I’m still looking for that ease of application that gives great result, - for me it’s the unicorn I’m still searching for.

[@lorrieney1346]

I subscribed! Thank you. You’re showing the example of what is thick vs thin was so helpful as well as tinting the poly. Plus, you’re gracious and your voice is calming. Born teacher! Grateful!

[@LovelyEtc]

Thank you so much for your kind words and for subscribing!

[@sashiez1]

Thank you so much, I'll try and purchase that for my upcycled chairs! 🙌🏻😊

[@LovelyEtc]

You're welcome. Good luck with your upcycle!

[@kathyhinlicky8076]

Asked for the paint color but forgot to say great job with the video. Lots of good information in a succinct manner. A+

[@LovelyEtc]

I am glad you found the video helpful. I went with General Finishes Westminster Green, but that has been discontinued. A close match is Fusion Mineral in Pressed Fern. Here is my affiliate link if you want to check it out. www.amazon.com/Fusion-Mineral-Paint-Pressed-Fern/dp/B084CVZPHS?hvadid=416712880520&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14431552063120042997&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1027084&hvtargid=pla-902089184815&psc=1&mcid=fea5a7ba11be3091bd65805bc33e6823&adgrpid=93354452825&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=416712880520&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14431552063120042997&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1027084&hvtargid=pla-902089184815&gclid=CjwKCAjww_iwBhApEiwAuG6ccNS5DKGtN1reS20DZtiz5FOSis6EbIW2fQ2tdN6Iwfs_FkzfTOQygBoCHUkQAvD_BwE&linkCode=sl1&tag=lovetc0b-20&linkId=6934630774805030586eb149f2a2aee2&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

[@LilyBecca]

These are fantastic tips! The other thing I am interested in is the difference between uaing a poly based finish vs a paste or wax, but not with chalk paint. I see this a lot on chalk paint, but I rarely use chalk paint so I'm very curious, but afraid to try some of those waxes and pastes over the paint I use which is Benjamin Moore Advance or all in one paints like Heirloom Traditions or different brands of mineral paint, acrylic paint, or urethane enamel paint

[@LovelyEtc]

I'm so glad you found these tips helpful. I do have a post here about top coats that you may want to check out. www.lovelyetc.com/best-top-coats-for-painted-furniture/

[@stellamartinez7142]

Thank you. You are an excellent teacher.

[@LovelyEtc]

Thank you for your kind words! I love to hear that!!

[@annawilliams7116]

Thank you! this was super helpful!

[@LovelyEtc]

So glad it was helpful!

[@malauniab5692]

Super helpful! Thank you!!!!!!

[@LovelyEtc]

So glad you found it helpful!

[@pamelabailey6663]

Wow! Thank you. This was amazing! I am a new subscriber.❤

[@LovelyEtc]

Thank you for subscribing! Glad this was helpful.

[@sharmainesepehr1749]

Hi there! This video is really helpful, thank you. I just wanted to ask whether this same method and sealers would work okay over decoupage paper?

[@LovelyEtc]

I'm so glad you found it helpful! Yes, you should be able to follow the same process with decoupage paper. Of course, be sure to check the instructions for the paper first.

[@LarryThomas-m6t]

Thank you for this very helpful video. What is the name of the blue sponge you're using. I'd like to order some. Thank you.

[@LovelyEtc]

You are welcome. The blue sponge is an applicator sponge and they work great. Here is my affiliate link: amzn.to/3wz5RWb

[@elizabethbarclay9252]

So great! What are those blue sponges? Will the ordinary foam sponge work? (that's all I have at the moment)

[@LovelyEtc]

The blue sponge is an applicator sponge made specifically to work with paint, car wax and other household chores. It is one of my favorite ways to seal paint. Unfortunately, I don't believe a regular sponge will work as it does not have the durability of an applicator sponge. This can be cleaned and reused. Here is my affiliate link if you want to try it: amzn.to/3wz5RWb

[@kathyhinlicky8076]

I LOVE the paint color on this piece. What is it? Thanks.

[@LovelyEtc]

Hi. I used General Finishes Milk Paint in the color Westminster Green, however, it has been discontinued. Fusion Mineral Paint Pressed Fern is also a great option. Here is my affiliate link if you want to check it out: www.amazon.com/Fusion-Mineral-Paint-Pressed-Fern/dp/B084CVZPHS?hvadid=416712880520&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14431552063120042997&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1027084&hvtargid=pla-902089184815&psc=1&mcid=fea5a7ba11be3091bd65805bc33e6823&adgrpid=93354452825&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=416712880520&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14431552063120042997&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1027084&hvtargid=pla-902089184815&gclid=CjwKCAjww_iwBhApEiwAuG6ccNS5DKGtN1reS20DZtiz5FOSis6EbIW2fQ2tdN6Iwfs_FkzfTOQygBoCHUkQAvD_BwE&linkCode=sl1&tag=lovetc0b-20&linkId=6934630774805030586eb149f2a2aee2&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

[@bobstl8647]

I have the top of a breakfast room table I need to seal. What about GatorHide from Dixie Belle. I know it's tough to get right, but it seems like that might be the toughest finish for this high-traffic piece??? What would you recommend as the best choice? Feel free to suggest whatever you think is best. Plus, is the blue sponge still the preferred application tool? Thank you very much!

[@LovelyEtc]

Hi! I have an article all about the best top coats for painted furniture that should answer your questions here www.lovelyetc.com/best-top-coats-for-painted-furniture/ Also, the blue sponge is my favorite because it is super easy to use and really gives a smooth finish. Plus, it is inexpensive!

[@roths7]

Great tips. Was this a matte finish? semi-gloss? probably not gloss? Your paint color looked so much lighter when added to the sealer. Does it actually dry the color of the base paint? I know you said you did it on that piece...which looked amazing, by the way. Also, when using this method, in which you add paint to the sealer, did you have to mix a large amount so that it covered the whole piece? what I'm getting at is this....if you mix up multiple times for multiple parts(sides, tops, drawers), the ratio isn't going to be the same.....but can you see a color difference? This is a great idea that I'd like to try. Also, have you ever tried this out with water based stain? Hopefully, awaiting your prompt reply. Thank you very much

[@lorrieney1346]

She indicated that although the polycyclic is white when wet it dries clear and see through. She added the small bit of paint to tint the poly. So when it dries, only the actual paint color shows through. The white goes away, and the paint color is not thinned. Not made different. Genius technique for sure!!

[@LovelyEtc]

thank you for your help!!

[@graceowens3214]

Thanks for the tips! Can you use these sealants for furniture painted with oil based paint? I am looking into using a water based polyurethane for my sealer but am not sure if I can use it on the oil based paint I painted the piece with

[@LovelyEtc]

I would definitely read the instructions for the exact type of paint you are using. It is hard to answer without knowing the brand. I also have an article about top coats for painted furniture here: www.lovelyetc.com/best-top-coats-for-painted-furniture/

[@mackenziemccoy581]

I’ve been applying water based polyurethane to painted furniture and it is taking the paint off of the piece! I’m using valspar satin interior paint

[@NewCandy1]

Gosh, I wonder what is going wrong. By now, I guess you've fixed the problem. Can you share with us?

[@LovelyEtc]

Can you please let us know if you identified the problem? I did not have this happen. Was your paint completely dry before applying the poly?

[@mackenziemccoy581]

@@LovelyEtc I didn’t fix the problem, I just put on another layer of paint and left it unsealed

[@jenniferwright9606]

I’m looking for a sealer to used over Lowes Cabinet & Furniture paint (oiled-enriched enamel). I looked into MinWax Polycrylic (water based) and they said to let the paint cure 30 days first. Is there something I can use before the 30 days (do you always wait this long?) Is this necessary bc of putting water based over oil-enriched paint?

[@LovelyEtc]

I have a few articles about topcoats that you may find helpful. They are www.lovelyetc.com/best-top-coats-for-painted-furniture/ www.lovelyetc.com/best-topcoats-white-furniture/ www.lovelyetc.com/top-coats-for-black-furniture/ However, I always say to follow the recommended instructions. You can use the furniture gently initially but I would wait the 30 days especially if it is something that is used daily like a dining table. Hope that helps!

[@roths7]

@@LovelyEtc I'm a little confused with the 30 days. Are you saying that you should wait 30 days after painting to topcoat or that to be careful for 30 days after applying the topcoat?

[@CrochetDoll07]

Can you use these sealers with any paint or only on flat paint?

[@LovelyEtc]

They should work well with any paint, however, it is best to check the instructions on the type of paint you are using to make sure it is safe to use.

[@kylegreen8531]

I tried those foam pads and they leave behind little blue pieces in the finish.

[@LovelyEtc]

I wonder if you were pressing too hard when you were sanding? I have used these many times and didn't have that experience. It could also be how they were stored?

[@NewCandy1]

Looks like you painted over the hardware, specifically the hinges, on your green secretary? I thought that was a no-no.

[@LovelyEtc]

Hi! I added new hardware, however the 2 small hinges on the front I did paint. I liked how it blended and focused on the hardware. It is always a matter of preference, so you can certainly refinish the hinges if you like.

[@NewCandy1]

@@LovelyEtc -- Hmmm ... Thanks!

[@EveBrinker-qv1ki]

What kind of paint do you use

[@LovelyEtc]

Hello! For this paint project I went with General Finishes Westminster Green, but that has been discontinued. A close match is Fusion Mineral in Pressed Fern. Here is my affiliate link if you want to check it out. www.amazon.com/Fusion-Mineral-Paint-Pressed-Fern/dp/B084CVZPHS?hvadid=416712880520&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14431552063120042997&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1027084&hvtargid=pla-902089184815&psc=1&mcid=fea5a7ba11be3091bd65805bc33e6823&adgrpid=93354452825&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=416712880520&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14431552063120042997&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1027084&hvtargid=pla-902089184815&gclid=CjwKCAjww_iwBhApEiwAuG6ccNS5DKGtN1reS20DZtiz5FOSis6EbIW2fQ2tdN6Iwfs_FkzfTOQygBoCHUkQAvD_BwE&linkCode=sl1&tag=lovetc0b-20&linkId=6934630774805030586eb149f2a2aee2&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl