10 Tips to reduce brush marks

So, you're about to transform your favourite dressing table by painting over the dark wooden finish? But you're starting to get anxious about your abilities?

We've all been there -- "what if I'm a terrible painter", "what if I'm unhappy with it", "what if it looks messy and amatuerish?" 

It doesn't matter if you want a distressed or aged look, or a smooth modern finish, you still want it to look professional don't you? 

Of course you do!

Most of that comes down to simply reducing brush marks -- yes it can be that easy!

Here are 10 tips to reduce brush marks when painting furniture:

1. Use a good quality paint, such as the Vintage Paint range. Vintage Paint has self-leveling ingredients that will help your finish to smooth out evenly.
2. Use a good quality synethic brush. Natural bristle brushes, which are often used for chalk paint, will give your finish a rougher texture. 
3. Prepare your surface carefully. Lightly sand with 120 grit sandpaper to smooth it out, fill any unwanted scratches etc with wood filler, give it a really good clean with detergent, and rinse well. 
4. When applying the paint, paint in the direction of the grain. 
5. If necessary, thin out the paint slightly so it will flow better and dry slower. 
6. Paint quickly to avoid the paint drying whilst you are still working. Do not paint in the direct sun, in hot temperatures (or in the very cold) or in breezy conditions. This will speed up the drying and prevent the paint from leveling out.
7. Avoid overloading your brush and applying the paint too thickly. It is better to paint in thin, even coats if you want a smooth finish.
8. Keep an eye open for drips and edge buildup and remove quickly. 
9. If possible, paint on the horizontal (like when painting a table top) not the vertical (like when painting a door). Horizontal surfaces allow the paint to level out, whereas vertical painting doesn't. If possible, take out dresser drawers and remove doors so you can paint them flat.
10. Lightly sand between each dry coat, rubbing the sandpaper in the direction of the grain. Remove all sanding dust before repainting.