General Painting TIPs for beginners

1.  Just have fun and try a small simple piece first.  Simple meaning not too many parts to it or to many intricate details.  Also go with a neutral or light color.  People often think WHITE is the simpliest way to go.  To the contrary it is actually one the more challenging.  Go with a neurtral grey or linen color or one of these gorgeous blue and green tones that are available today.  I am just in love with so many of them. 
2. Allow yourself plenty of time as I know whatever I am jumping into (even if I think the pool is shallow and I know what to expect).  I have learned only one thing is certain….it will take me 3x longer than I estimated.  I don’t give myself a time frame anymore.  For one thing I have learned you actually self yourself short when you do this as the process itself is the journey not the finished product.  You are being improved as much as that project your working on so allow for growth and enjoy the adventure.
3. Don’t be overwhelmed by the huge plethora of products out there.  Most manufacturer’s have their own version of cleaners, primers, paint brushes, waxes, paints, applicators, containers, topcoats, stains…the list is endless.  Just because you are painting with one manufacturers paint doesn’t mean you need to use all their products.  Are they worth trying, yes 100% but are they necessary to have them all before you start a project, NO. 
4. You need a good stain blocking primer that can be versatile to use on many projects. 
5. You need a few good paint brushes and don’t go for the cheap ones necessarily.  Brushes are important so buy a few good ones in different sizes and styles. 
6. You Tube is such a great tool for learning and product reviews.  Remember though it took those You Tubers countless hours to do what you watch them do in a 10 min video. 
7. As far as supplies go, you need a good brush, some drop clothes (plastic shower curtain liners, old sheets, old matress pads all make great drop clothes), primer, top coat.
8. Top coats are a dime a dozen these days and there are just as many strong opinions regarding them.  Some swear by water based only and just as many swear by oil based.  Same goes for wax, bees wax and finishing oils.  One can be overwhelmed by the many choices BUT when just getting started you cant go wrong with a good clear wax and a good poly type clear coat in satin or matte. 
9. Begin with pieces that are mostly 100% wood and in good shape.   While there are amazing things you can do to restore furniture this all takes time and some know how.
10. Allow your own creative characteristics to shine!!  There are so many ways to do something and there is certainly no exact science to furniture painting.  Experiment and find what techniques and styles for best for you.  If you’re a neat organized person more than likely you will take that into your painting and do it methodically and as neatly as possible.  If your fun and creative and have a wild flare about you then you will bring all that energy into your painting.  It is uniquely yours and there is great fun and satisfaction in the process. 

Happy Painting!!