Paint Brands and Brushes Every DIY’er Should Use
Bring new life back into your home with these awesome paint brands.
Projects and refinishing have been favorite creative outlets for me for many years.
Growing up, I was completely oblivious to the fact that all of the tools and resources I could imagine for DIY, were right there in my south Kansas City home.
If I could turn back the clock, I would, so I could learn how to use all of these tools and equipment.
I could have been a ‘domestic diva” in the kitchen and garage! But, I am still working on that.
The first piece of furniture that I recall refinishing on my own was a garage sale dresser that I found for $20. I painted it white with purple sponge-painted drawers for my daughter, then a toddler.
Quality Paint Brands and Brushes
Rust-Oleum Paint and Primer Spray Paint is an easy update for those flea market iron/metal finds. Black can be used to update pieces for décor in multiple design styles.
Rust-Oleum Metallic Spray Paint is another great product. This paint can be found in multiple colors such as rose-gold oil-rubbed bronze, pewter, aged copper, silver, etc. This product is suitable for wood, metal, plastic and masonry projects.
There is a reason people love chalk paint. It’s easy and forgiving. With no need to strip the finish or sand prior, chalk paint is tops in my book. Annie Sloan chalk paint was my first attempt with this product and remains on my preferable paint list.
It is recommended to use wax to protect it, which I am still trying to get used to. Yet, the thickness of chalk paints that contain clay, give a remarkably smooth application.
Some of my favorite chalk with clay brands are Wise Owl, and CeCe Caldwell. Generally, I only branch out with a new brand if I cannot find the paint or color I need easily. Sometimes it’s fun to mix a custom color from two within the same line.
Rust-Oleum Metallic Spray Paint is another great product. These can be found in multiple colors such as rose-gold oil-rubbed bronze, pewter, aged copper, silver, etc.
This product is suitable for wood, metal, plastic and masonry projects. A little investment in high quality products and supplies can make all the difference in the enjoyment and ultimate value of your chosen product.
Easy Stains and Poly Products
I bought a dresser for me and an armoire, now close to 100 years old. On these pieces, I first tried my hand at stain and discovered a product called Minwax Polyshades. The combination of stain and Polyurethane in one step, is easy.
That armoire still looks great 20 years later repurposed as the “coat closet” in my entryway. For final protective coats, I prefer Polyurethane for going over stains and water-based Polycryllic for protecting latex paints.
Using the Polyurethane on latex will turn your project yellow (especially frustrating when you have applied over white paint). Most of the time, I use two or three coats of this and apply with a sponge brush.
It begins to dry quickly so working fast with a thick coating is advised and after each brush stroke, returning to that spot and lightly and slowly, dragging the brush keeps those air bubbles diminished.
Using this allows you to simply dust your furniture with a dry soft cloth in the future without using any wax or chemicals. This works really well for protecting your treasures from bumps and scratches.
General Finishes Top Coat has also served me well. They also have a water-based High Performance product and the beautiful and popular Java Gel Stain.
Sanding
Though most of the paints and stains I use to refinish do not require prep sanding, it is very important to sand smooth between coats. This covers the brush stroke and improves the look noticeably.
For smaller pieces, I prefer sanding blocks and on larger pieces of furniture, I use an electric palm sander. This investment saves a lot of time. A variety sand paper and blocks in the various grit sizes should be kept on hand.
The Right Brush for the Job
Typically, I spend more for good paint brushes when they are needed for applying polyurethane stain products. My favorites are Purdy paint brushes.
For just the clear coat over paints and stain, I prefer to use sponge brushes. If I can find these in packs of several in various sizes, that is a bonus.
For first and second coats of paint, the cheaper brushes will often suffice. Sanding in between coats with a fine sandpaper will smooth out the roughness and brush marks anyway.
I use small craft paintbrushes (think watercolor or acrylic type brushes) for touch ups, tiny carved details, correcting out of control distressing, lettering and for painting baseboards and trim in the house.
A package of detail brushes in various sizes and brush shapes can be found easily in discount and craft stores.
Disposable Items
Vinyl and plastic tablecloths are much
cheaper than drop cloths for painting.
These work particularly well when I’m
spray painting. Not every husband
appreciates multiple bright patches of
grass on the lawn they just mowed and
edged. I’m not admitting to anything here…
Wrapping my paint brushes in Saran Wrap
when I finish a coat of paint or stain, allows
me to reuse them for the next coat. No need
for the expense of a new brush each time.
Putting them in an extra fridge or beverage
cooler after wrapping will allow for even more
time to keep them fresh. Clearly, this only works
when you will be applying the next coat of the
exact same paint or stain color. Before beginning
a project, I make certain to have many damp and
dry shop towels and paper towels on hand.
What are some of your favorite paint brands and products? Let us know in the comments below or send us an email! Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more!