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    Home » Home Remodeling » Painting

    Published: Jun 8, 2021 by Rachel

    The Secrets To Painting without Brush Marks

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.
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    Get the beautiful painted finish you have dreamed of! Learn how to paint without leaving tons of brush strokes by using the right products and the best techniques.

    In many applications, avoiding brush marks and streaks is the ultimate goal. After all, you spent a lot of energy prepping your project. You want it too look professionally done.

    It is one of the things that I get asked most about with my painting projects. Well, I am divulging my secrets today!

    In today’s tutorial, you’ll learn:

    • How to paint without brush strokes or marks
    • Which products work best for your next painting project
    • Painting tips and techniques for the smoothest finish

    This guide uses furniture as an example, but it is applicable to all kinds of projects like walls, trim, and even cabinets!

    Painted Dresser with title reading tips for painting with no brush strokes.
    Contents show
    1 The Best Method
    2 Tip #1- Lower Sheen
    3 Tip #2 – The Right Paint
    4 Tip #3 – The Best Brushes for Smooth Finish
    5 Tip #4 – Painting Techniques
    6 Tip #5: Additives for Smooth Paint
    6.1 WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE RIGHT WAY TO PAINT FURNITURE? CHECK OUT THESE POSTS:

    The Best Method

    The best way to paint to avoid brush strokes is to use a high-quality paint sprayer. This is the paint sprayer that I currently use and love. However, not everyone has one of these on hand and some projects are easier being painted by hand. Our stair rails and balusters, for instance, had to be painted in place.


    If you are interested, we have an excellent guide to getting a professional finish painting with a paint sprayer.


    But you can still get a real professional, smooth finish painting with a brush if you follow these tips!

    Two end tables showing matte vs satin sheen with no brush marks.

    This piece was hand painted with Country Chic Chalk Paint. 

    Tip #1- Lower Sheen

    The easiest way to paint without brush marks is to paint with a matte or chalky paint. Flat paint hides imperfections, including brush strokes the most.

    My absolute favorite matte paint is this one by Fusion Mineral. It comes in lots of trendy colors and is pretty durable on its own.

    Tip #2 – The Right Paint

    Benjamin Moore Advance Black painted stair knob closeup showing the satin sheen.
    Taken with a high-definition macro lens. We left the woodgrain for a classic style.

    Even with a higher sheen paint, you can get a smooth finish by using a high-quality paint with a long working time. Working time is how long you have before the top layer of paint starts to dry, basically how long you have to manipulate it.

    Using cheaper paints and pigments will usually result in less than professional results. My favorite paint for higher sheens is Benjamin Moore Advance (satin) or Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Line or RustOleum Cabinet Transformations. I have had good luck with Country Chic Chalky Paint as well (I personally dislike Annie Sloan Chalk Paint primarily because of the short working time.)

    Tip #3 – The Best Brushes for Smooth Finish

    I have tried MANY, MANY brushes and the single best brush I have ever used is this type for details and these larger ones for flat surfaces. The brown taklon are my favorite, but I like the golden as well. These are actually for artist’s painting, but they are amazing at painting household projects. You can also get them from most craft stores. These brushes are usually small and great for details and such, but I have painted doors and other items with them as well.

    Tip #4 – Painting Techniques

    If you are able to work fast enough, paint in shorter strokes for the best coverage. Then go back and lightly smooth out the paint by dragging the brush from one end to the other. You will smooth out any ridges between the shorter strokes. You cannot do this if the paint starts to dry though, so with this technique you have to be quick.

    • Don’t press too hard on the brush. If the brush fibers start to fan out, you are pressing too hard.
    • Wet your brush with water before painting. This will let the paint not dry out at fast in the bristles and pre-softens them.
    • Paint in the details and then smooth over.
    • Going back over semi dry paint will cause ripples. If you miss a spot or made a mistake, smooth it with sandpaper when dry and the next coat will fix it.
    • You want to apply a thin coat, but don’t “stretch” the paint on the brush. Reload often.
    • Always paint in one direction.

    For large, flat areas (such as cabinet panels, drawer fronts, or use a microfiber roller. The paint will dry too fast to make large areas brush mark free. Some paints work better with foam rollers, some with microfiber.

    Gray chalk painted desk with gold handles.
    This desk was completely painted with a brush and a dense foam roller.

    Tip #5: Additives for Smooth Paint

    Floetrol is an additive you can add to the paint that will help your paint stay wet longer and gives a thinning effect. It is very popular in acrylic pouring hobby.

    I would give a word of caution about using additives. Additives won’t take the place of better techniques; they just make it easier for the paint to self-level. Also, some paints don’t work well with them, such as Benjamin Moore Advance.

    Always test an area first before going all in to see if these products help.

    WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE RIGHT WAY TO PAINT FURNITURE? CHECK OUT THESE POSTS:

    • The Best Paints for Cabinets and Furniture
    • How to Paint A Bathroom Vanity
    • The Best Way to Protect Your Painted Furniture
    • 9 Amazing Furniture Transformations
    • How to Paint a Refrigerator
    • Removing Wood Grain for a Smooth Surface
    • How To Paint Oak Kitchen Cabinets like a Pro

    Now you know the key things to do when painting with a paint brush that will keep brush strokes from showing up on your project. I use these techniques and processes all the time with glorious results!

    Weekend DIY project. A pegboard organizer in the craft room above the desk workspace.

    Grab our free series "Weekend Home Projects that will Transform Your Life"

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    For more painting techniques and Ideas, check these out:

    White painted dresser side shot.
    How To Paint Furniture White
    White outdoor table with black chairs on a deck.
    How to Spray Paint Outdoor Furniture
    Front of craftsman log cabin house with bay window and staircase that are stained.
    Tips for Painting the Exterior
    White painted kitchen cabinets with stainless drawer pulls.
    Save Time Painting Cabinets

    PS I love seeing your creations! Be sure to take a photo and tag #cravingcreative on Instagram! You can also stay in touch with me through following me on Instagram, Pinterest, and subscribing to the newsletter!

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    1. Nancy says

      August 12, 2021 at 1:20 am

      What colour black did you use for handrail
      Thank you

      Reply
    2. PAUL ALVEREZ says

      August 24, 2020 at 4:35 pm

      I came to this website looking for advice on how to remove brush marks considering i already painted my drawer. sadly sanding it down a bit did not work and i’m stuck

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        August 25, 2020 at 10:03 am

        I am sorry to hear that. If you already have brush marks that are in the paint, sanding it down (just enough to get the brush marks out) and then adding a final coat again is your best option. I often use a sprayer for speed and to have no brush marks. Also, the flatter the sheen (less shiny), the less likely you are to see brush marks. A very smooth roller is another option.

        Reply
        • Nancy says

          February 18, 2022 at 7:36 am

          I do many projects by hand, you will need to sand out your brush marks, apply your paint in thinner layers, angle your brush when applying the paint. And finally do not ever go over your paint after it has set a little. For example, once you have applied the paint to a section of your project and have gone on to the next but notice that there is a spot on the previous section do not try to fix it. It will get taken care of in the second coat.
          I have done a number of furniture pieces, four kitchens and several bathroom vanities, all by hand and no brush strokes, proper prep is essential, tilted brush very important, light sanding between every coat a must in my opinion and good quality paint.

    3. David Wills says

      May 22, 2020 at 2:07 pm

      Every time I try to paint I left some brush marks. After reading this I found myself that I’m a fool to choose the right brush and also some time I’ve made mistake to choose the right type of paint. Thanks a lot for your pro guide.

      Reply
    4. David says

      November 28, 2019 at 11:53 am

      I’ve learnt something new & creative things through this article. Tips can be applicable on my next painting. Thanks for this innovative write up. Keep writing like this.

      Reply
    5. Sutton Turner says

      October 26, 2018 at 11:25 am

      I like how you stressed the importance of finding the right brush. We are doing some painting this weekend with my friends. Thanks for the tips on painting.

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        October 27, 2018 at 8:05 am

        Thank you so much for your kind words! The brush does make a huge difference.

        Reply
    6. Erin says

      August 31, 2018 at 10:20 pm

      What feet did you settle on?

      I’ve been lugging this suite of furniture around since the late 90s and love what you did!

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        September 04, 2018 at 8:25 am

        We actually ended up going with a very simple design here. I, personally, liked the bit more contemporary and simplicity.

        Reply

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