Stacy Risenmay

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How to Get A Smooth Finish When Painting

By Stacy 97 Comments

Temperatures are above freezing (most days), the sun has been peeking out, and we have only been snowed on a couple of times the past couple of weeks, so you know what that means… It’s painting time! I have had this dresser in my basement for an embarrassingly long time. I brought it over from my sister’s house with the promise that I would paint it for her guest room. I finally got around to painting it and thought I would share my tips for how to get a smooth finish when painting. Plus, I have a giveaway so you can start all those projects that you have been procrastinating too!

This post is sponsored by Homeight but all ideas, opinions, and bad Coronavirus jokes are all mine ;) This post contains affiliate links.

BEFORE:

This multi-shaded orange beauty was dated and in need of a refresh.

 

 

Behold, the power of paint! My sister requested that I paint it the same color as her kitchen island. I think the dark gray was perfect.

 

How To Get a Smooth Finish When Painting

Proper preparation is a huge part of getting smooth results. This dresser had lots of dings and scratches that needed to be fixed before I could even think about cracking open the paint can.

 

 

Step 1: Putty & Sand

Putty any dings, dents, or scratches with a sandable wood putty. Overfill since most putties will shrink a little when drying. Allow it to full dry before sanding. Sand it down until it is flush with the wood surface.

Sand the entire piece. Paint will stick better to a non-shiny surface. Plus, this helps get rid of slight imperfections such as shallow scratches or water marks as well as any dirt or grime. Start out with a 120 grit and then go over it wit a 220. If you sand with a heavy grit sandpaper, it will leave little lines that will become obvious when paint is applied. There’s no need to use a sander. Hand sanding is fine. You are not trying to remove the previous finish. Make sure to sand the same direction as the wood grain.

 

 

Step 2:  Clean

Wipe off the dresser and make sure to get all the dust off. Paint sticks much better to a clean surface.

 

Step 3: Set Up Work Area

Even though the Super Finish Max has very little over spray, you will want to protect your driveway, garage, basement, etc from any paint. If you are working outside, this Spray Shelter also protects your project from getting leaves and such blown onto the wet paint. The set up is fast and easy. It is large enough to hold furniture with room to spare!

 

Step 4: Paint!

Choose a good quality paint, especially if the piece will get a lot of wear and tear.

Using a paint sprayer is going to be your best bet for a super smooth finish. No matter how talented you are, you can not get this quality of a finish by brushing on paint. If you want a factory finish (or what I like to call baby butt smooth), then you really do need to use a sprayer. I used my Super Finish Max.

It is much better to paint several thin coats of paint rather than one or two thick coats. If you apply it too heavily, you run the risk of the paint running and dripping. Apply the paint in long, even strokes going the same direction.

 

 

Once it has dried completely (I like to let mine cure a minimum of 24 hours) you can add the hardware back on. I updated this dresser by getting new hardware.

 

 

Can you see that baby butt finish? Aaaahhhh. Love it.

 

 

I had to photograph it in my house instead of my sister’s new guest room due to the Coronavirus and the Stay Home order. But I think it looks pretty cute here, don’t you think?

 

 

Now for the giveaway!

HomeRight is giving one lucky reader a large Spray Shelter! Now you can paint in your shelter while you “shelter in place”. Too soon? ;)

You must be at least 18 years old to enter. You must be a resident of the USA to enter. The giveaway will go from April 3, 2020 until April 10, 2020. A winner will be chosen by random.org and will be notified by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be chosen. The shipping of the prize is the responsibility of the company, in this case, HomeRight.

Enter below using the Rafflecopter Widget:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

PIN For Later:

 

 

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Filed Under: DIY & Tutorials, Painting 97 Comments

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  1. Cheryl says

    April 3, 2020 at 2:36 am

    I’m most excited to paint a couple of unfinished side tables.

    Reply
  2. Kathy says

    April 3, 2020 at 4:06 am

    I paint pieces all the time and am most excited to paint the table/chairs I got couple months ago, waiting for nicer weather. Love your dresser.

    Reply
  3. Alina says

    April 3, 2020 at 4:09 am

    I have a couple of nightstands that need some love.

    Reply
  4. A says

    April 3, 2020 at 4:11 am

    The dresser turned out beautifully. I would be most excited about painting several shoe cubbies we have in both the mud room and in the garage.

    Reply
  5. Brix says

    April 3, 2020 at 4:12 am

    I have a few chairs that could do with another coat of paint.

    Reply
  6. Jill Nelson says

    April 3, 2020 at 4:13 am

    Now more than ever – I wish I did have one of these!

    Reply
  7. Stafford says

    April 3, 2020 at 4:14 am

    I have a chandelier that I’d love to try painting.

    Reply
  8. Teresa says

    April 3, 2020 at 4:26 am

    Great update!

    Reply
  9. Bobbi Abbotts says

    April 3, 2020 at 4:32 am

    Gorgeous dresser!

    I have an amazing solid wood side table that needs some fresh paint!

    Reply
  10. Stacey M says

    April 3, 2020 at 4:41 am

    I have been wanting to paint my foyer table…teal!

    Reply
  11. Lilly Thomas says

    April 3, 2020 at 4:42 am

    Looks so pretty!! What a huge change… from old to elegant.
    I have quite a few jobs waiting for me to paint them. Love that HomeRight shelter!!!

    Reply
  12. Carla Erickson says

    April 3, 2020 at 4:47 am

    I am excited to try using a paint sprayer instead of a brush for that super smooth finish!

    Reply
  13. Alexis says

    April 3, 2020 at 4:49 am

    I have some shelves I need to paint. Free decor update during this corona virus time!

    Reply
  14. Anita says

    April 3, 2020 at 5:09 am

    I’m going to use this advice to paint an end table. Thanks

    Reply
  15. Jill says

    April 3, 2020 at 5:49 am

    Looks totally different. From average ugly to beautiful! Great Job.

    Reply
  16. Sean says

    April 3, 2020 at 5:49 am

    Most excited to paint a few frames for a gallery wall.

    Reply
  17. Erin Prohaska says

    April 3, 2020 at 5:53 am

    The dresser turned out great! I have an IKEA step stool that would be so cute sprayed green and then a little cabinet across the kitchen that I’d paint to match it (and swap out the hardware on). Thanks for the opportunity! ❤️

    Reply
  18. Janina says

    April 3, 2020 at 6:10 am

    Great paint job. The shelter is a wonderful idea.We are moving soon and l have a bedroom set l want to paint.

    Reply
  19. PEGGY SCHMIDT says

    April 3, 2020 at 6:11 am

    I would like to paint my interior doors. This would be perfect!

    Reply
  20. Lori Bowers says

    April 3, 2020 at 6:34 am

    Wow! Looks so good!

    Reply
  21. Melissa Storms says

    April 3, 2020 at 6:56 am

    I have had plans to paint my son’s bedroom set for a long time. I am planing to put a dark gray stain on the drawer fronts and painting the body black.

    Reply
  22. Karen says

    April 3, 2020 at 6:56 am

    Your dresser looks great, it’s amazing the difference some paint and new hardware can make. I paint a lot of furniture and this would be a big help!

    Reply
  23. Mary B Tyner says

    April 3, 2020 at 7:06 am

    I love refinishing old furniture

    Reply
  24. Rosa L. Garrett says

    April 3, 2020 at 7:09 am

    I can’t wait to paint my outside furniture. Thanks for the chance to win. The chest looks great! Such a dramatic change.

    Reply
  25. Cindy says

    April 3, 2020 at 7:19 am

    I am just excited thinking I will soon be able to paint outside and paint and buffet I’ve had for years in the basement.

    Reply
  26. Julie Waldron says

    April 3, 2020 at 7:23 am

    I’m most excited to paint some old dining room chairs.

    Reply
  27. Kristin Howard says

    April 3, 2020 at 7:35 am

    I would love to have one of these spray painters. I recently stripped the hatch of a boat (with a sandblaster) and would love to have a spray painter to finish it. The nooks and crannies would be impossible w/out one. My soon to be coffee table would certainly benefit from a spraryer!

    Reply
  28. kathy Persons says

    April 3, 2020 at 7:52 am

    My grandma had an old vanity with a huge mirror I want to refinish~

    Reply
  29. Colleen says

    April 3, 2020 at 7:57 am

    I have a dresser I’d like to paint. This would be perfect!

    Reply
  30. Christine E-E says

    April 3, 2020 at 8:04 am

    Oh my gosh. I have a list of items to paint. My dining room table would be my first project. I bought it 20+ years ago when I was first divorced & furnishing my condo. It’s seen a lot of use (meals, crafting, card games, jigsaw puzzles, cookie making etc) & would look great in a gray-blue paint color.

    Reply
  31. Jan says

    April 3, 2020 at 8:04 am

    I’m redecorating my living room and my budget requires I repurpose some of my furniture which I will paint! This “tent” would come in so handy and make the job easier!
    Your sister’s chest turned out gorgeous!

    Reply
  32. Amber Hawkins says

    April 3, 2020 at 8:21 am

    That turned out awesome and seems I need to up my game! Much faster than brush painting and looks so much nicer too, I’ll have to invest in a sprayer. Now here’s hoping I win that tent!

    Reply
  33. Lisa A. says

    April 3, 2020 at 8:26 am

    I really need to clear out the garage and get painting!!

    Reply
  34. Jean says

    April 3, 2020 at 8:32 am

    Not too soon! We all need to laugh!

    Reply
  35. Jennifer says

    April 3, 2020 at 8:43 am

    I need to paint my baseboards.

    Reply
  36. Susan Tompkins says

    April 3, 2020 at 9:00 am

    I have an entertainment Center that would be a lot easier to paint if I had a shelter and supermax sprayer ! I never thought of that technique while dreading the work involved using a paintbrush , wow!

    Reply
  37. Linda Waugh says

    April 3, 2020 at 9:11 am

    I would be very appreciable if I were the special winner of this sprayer. I would certainly put it to good use with many painting projects. This sprayer would be just perfect for getting the smooth finishes I was unable to get on my pain projects in the past. Thanks so much for this opportunity!

    Reply
  38. rana durham says

    April 3, 2020 at 9:13 am

    my storage box

    Reply
  39. Stacey says

    April 3, 2020 at 9:19 am

    I have my grandma’s dining room set…….table, six chairs, china hutch and buffet that NEED to be painted. They are waaaayyy outdated. Great giveaway!!

    Reply
  40. Amy Dusseault says

    April 3, 2020 at 9:36 am

    I am going to be painting my entire kitchen- Cabinets drawers and all.

    Reply
  41. Michelle says

    April 3, 2020 at 9:36 am

    I have a couple of dressers to paint myself…I have wanted one of these paint shelters for a couple of years! Thank you for the giveaway.

    Reply
  42. Danalin says

    April 3, 2020 at 9:37 am

    I have several quarantine projects that this would be awesome for! :) Love the color you chose for the dresser!

    Reply
  43. Jackie Burrell says

    April 3, 2020 at 9:49 am

    I am really excited to get my patio chairs painted and also the doors and drawers of my kitchen cabinets.

    Reply
  44. Allison Hyde says

    April 3, 2020 at 10:00 am

    I want to get brave enough to paint my kitchen table, but I’m just not there yet!! That dresser looks so good though!

    Reply
  45. Sharon Sommer says

    April 3, 2020 at 11:31 am

    I have a table to try and paint and also chairs.. I am very afraid of the overspray.

    Reply
  46. Linda C Johnston says

    April 3, 2020 at 11:45 am

    I’m thinking you should negotiate your sister for this piece! lol Looks amazing! Thanks for all the valuable information. Sure would love to win this super prize!

    Reply
  47. Audrey Stewart says

    April 3, 2020 at 12:06 pm

    I am wanting to paint to side chest and a cabinet.

    Reply
  48. MaryB says

    April 3, 2020 at 12:06 pm

    I have a chest of drawers and two nightstands that are waiting to be painted.

    Reply
  49. ammy Cianciulli says

    April 3, 2020 at 12:33 pm

    i messed up cabinet doors in my kitchen ! AUGH! have the painter but could the tent!!

    Reply
  50. Taylor First says

    April 3, 2020 at 12:33 pm

    I’m most excited to paint the antique bed frame from my guest room!

    Reply
  51. Karen Anderson says

    April 3, 2020 at 1:29 pm

    My garage door and back fence are overdue for a facelift!

    Reply
  52. Teresa Carter says

    April 3, 2020 at 1:56 pm

    I would love to paint to night stands! Thanks for the tutorial Stacy!

    Reply
  53. Sue Gnacinski says

    April 3, 2020 at 1:58 pm

    You refinished/painted that drawer set to perfection!
    The updated hardware made it amazing…I actually have drawers with the same older type…LOL
    I am ALWAYS looking for a way to paint without the overspray mess…today was one of those days.

    Reply
    • Sue Gnacinski says

      April 3, 2020 at 2:00 pm

      Sorry, I didn’t answer the question…LOL
      I want to repaint 2 metal plant stands that got all crappy.

      Reply
  54. Mandi says

    April 3, 2020 at 1:58 pm

    Ah I love this! Great work! Been thinking about repainting my kitchen table🥰

    Reply
  55. carol clark says

    April 3, 2020 at 2:09 pm

    my cabinets in my bathroom

    Reply
  56. grace says

    April 3, 2020 at 2:19 pm

    Wow, Stacy that dresser is gorgeous .. thank you for sharing us the process. We have similar dresser that I have been wanting to paint over – maybe I can try with your process – hoping the spray shelter would be handy ;-) Thank you for the chance!

    Reply
  57. Kelly D says

    April 3, 2020 at 4:11 pm

    I want to paint my coffee table.

    Reply
  58. Tina says

    April 3, 2020 at 4:36 pm

    This spray shelter looks awesome! I can see so many uses for it besides just painting with a sprayer. Wow!

    Reply
  59. Cindi says

    April 3, 2020 at 4:56 pm

    I have a dining buffet from the 70’s I can’t wait to paint navy blue!

    Reply
  60. Anjanette says

    April 3, 2020 at 6:34 pm

    I have a sofa table that needs an update in a fun new color.

    Reply
  61. angie g says

    April 3, 2020 at 6:49 pm

    I’m excited to paint my daughter’s dresser

    Reply
  62. Anne Marie says

    April 3, 2020 at 7:16 pm

    I have a sewing table that needs paint – would be excited to make it look pretty.

    Reply
  63. Camille says

    April 3, 2020 at 7:33 pm

    You have the greatest ideas and most pleasant approach. Thank you for opening my mind to possibilities…

    Reply
    • Camille says

      April 3, 2020 at 7:37 pm

      I’m most excited to paint my kitchen cabinets. They are medium brown and make the room dark. I’m doing that as soon as TN “stay at home” mandate is lifted!

      Reply
  64. Elle says

    April 3, 2020 at 8:08 pm

    A bookcase that I want to change the paint color on and some frames.

    Reply
  65. Tammie says

    April 3, 2020 at 9:23 pm

    I would love to paint a couple of bookcases in the spray shelter. Spray painting them in the shelter would make the job go so much faster!

    Reply
  66. Lane Reynolds says

    April 3, 2020 at 10:24 pm

    I love you finished piece. I would paint a three drawer dresser that I have. Also, I have a framed mirror I would like to paint.

    Reply
  67. Kristin C says

    April 3, 2020 at 11:06 pm

    I have a console table. I bought a sprayer but I am afraid to use it without something to block the wind and guard other stuff. This will be perfect! Thank you!

    Reply
  68. Rebecca B says

    April 4, 2020 at 12:48 am

    I need to paint all the trim in my house and a few of the doors.

    Reply
  69. Holly says

    April 4, 2020 at 3:07 am

    This looks amazing!

    Reply
  70. Mary Kaiser says

    April 4, 2020 at 5:54 am

    Wow that turned out so good!! Tell sister she may not get it back as it looks so good where you have it, LOL! I need to find a piece like that for my house.

    Reply
  71. Carol Freeman says

    April 4, 2020 at 8:02 am

    I received the sprayer for Christmas. I have some bedroom furniture that’s needs painted. I’m looking forward to trying it out once the weather warms up some. Thanks for the instructions.

    Reply
  72. johnny hutchens says

    April 4, 2020 at 10:05 am

    I am painting my deck furniture. This shelter to paint in would be wondrful.

    Reply
  73. Sandy Stevens says

    April 4, 2020 at 12:35 pm

    I wish I had seen this before I had painted an old tv cabinet that I had. It would’ve turned out so much better! Oh well, next time I’ll do better! My next victim is our kitchen table!
    .

    Reply
  74. Cindy Brooks says

    April 5, 2020 at 12:57 am

    I have a dresser and an end table waiting for some new paint!

    Reply
  75. L. E. Bruce says

    April 5, 2020 at 11:01 am

    We just moved and now I have room to paint! I have plans for a bookcase and a small round table.

    Reply
  76. Whitney says

    April 5, 2020 at 1:40 pm

    I really want to paint my kitchen cabinets!

    Reply
  77. Jamie says

    April 5, 2020 at 4:10 pm

    I have a nightstand that could use a new look! The dresser looks great!

    Reply
  78. Cassie Coleman says

    April 5, 2020 at 11:20 pm

    I have a dresser much like the project you show here that has needed repainted for years. I love the gray color you used.

    Reply
  79. Sue Johnson says

    April 6, 2020 at 11:37 am

    Beautiful! I love to see old things made new and fresh! 😍

    Reply
  80. Lindsie says

    April 6, 2020 at 12:19 pm

    The best part of this post is the shoes you are wearing while painting. Your feet are all dressed up lol!

    Reply
  81. Linda says

    April 6, 2020 at 4:53 pm

    I would like to paint doors to mostly bedrooms and bathrooms for a nicer, fresher look.

    Reply
  82. Amy B Reed says

    April 6, 2020 at 11:02 pm

    I have several painting projects that are on my to-do list including painting a set of end tables and repainting my interior doors and trim.

    Reply
  83. Jeremy McLaughlin says

    April 7, 2020 at 9:16 am

    I am excited to paint my outdoor furniture.

    Reply
  84. Katie says

    April 7, 2020 at 12:43 pm

    I want to paint an old dresser a fun color… perhaps a shade of purple!

    Reply
  85. Julie says

    April 7, 2020 at 1:38 pm

    Excited to start working on my shed!

    Reply
  86. Autumn says

    April 7, 2020 at 7:11 pm

    I bought the paint sprayer!! I’ve wanted one for YEARS!! Thanks for the recommendation!

    Reply
  87. Lily says

    April 9, 2020 at 12:42 pm

    This would be awesome for my upcoming move!

    Reply
  88. Amanda Whitley says

    April 9, 2020 at 11:44 pm

    i am excited to paint a bookcase my in laws picked up for us at the thrift store.

    Reply
  89. Tammy Catterton says

    April 10, 2020 at 7:00 pm

    I have a dresser like to redo in gray or black

    Reply
  90. Celeste Herrin says

    April 10, 2020 at 8:39 pm

    I am most excited to paint my coffee table! I have been putting it off, but with a spray shelter I would do it in a heartbeat!

    Reply
  91. Cassandra D says

    April 10, 2020 at 9:38 pm

    The vintage dresser.

    Reply
  92. Jenny Ham says

    April 10, 2020 at 9:38 pm

    Porch furniture is what I am excited to paint.

    Reply
  93. Kelly Woods says

    April 10, 2020 at 9:40 pm

    My daughter’s desk. Thank you 💗

    Reply
  94. Cindy@CountyRoad407 says

    June 30, 2020 at 12:09 pm

    Looks fantastic and very smooth! Love the color too! Pinned

    Reply
  95. Donna @ Modern on Monticello says

    July 6, 2020 at 1:34 pm

    I have a paint sprayer and need the reminder to use it more often instead of grabbing a brush. Thanks for a great tutorial. The color is perfect for that dresser. #HomeMattersParty

    Reply
stacyWelcome! I'm sharing our adventures as we fix up our 1938 cottage. Whether it is big or small, I think everyone should love their home and I don't think it takes a lot of money to make a space your own.
 

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