Tools – Love My DIY Home

From Gun Cabinet to Display Cabinet – Upcycle, Don’t Toss!

We go to garage and estate sales looking for deals or just something fun for our house, our kids or to flip. I guess you could call us “PICKERS.” I don’t usually have anything in mind. I can look at something and envision something else. DH can’t do it at all. I’ll say, Oooh, wouldn’t that look good in blue with a dark glaze and he’ll say, “Ok, if you say so.” He’s learned to rely on my vision. I rely on his ability to size something up that needs repairs and know whether it’s a good buy. After all, he’s the one who will be fixing it. I’m fortunate. He’s pretty good at fixing things. We saw this gun cabinet turned shelving unit at a garage sale. I’ve always looked for narrow cabinets. Too often they are very wide and take up too much space. This one was narrow … Read more

[VIDEO] A Cat Condo for 2 – Part 2

This is the second video in my Cat Condo for 2 series. Click the link to see the first video, Cat Condo for 2 Part 1 where I show you the beginning stages of this redesign. I didn’t my first attempt, so I started over – I’m inviting you to come along as this dresser turns into my Mia and Max’s beautiful Cat Condo for 2. In this video, I show you how I changed course from my original plan of using a green distressed look to a much better design using completely different paint colors and techniques: raised stenciling, stenciling, and color blending. If in doubt…don’t. Sometimes we don’t like the course we are on and need to change it. Just do it. You’ll be happier in the end. Some of the Products Used in this Project: Retique It Gothic Grey, Spiced Cider, Willow, Camelot & Midnight Black Ultratique All-in-One Paint Retique It Royal … Read more

[VIDEO] Product Review – Phone Camera Lens Kit by Isaac Jones

Isaac has been working with me creating videos for 5 years now. Believe it or not, his first set of videos were when he was 12. He helped me put together a course for kids, demonstrating how to redesign furniture – CREATIVE KIDS FURNITURE ART. He was pretty amazing back then – but now? WOW. He’s a pro at age 17. This video is his review of tiny little lenses you can add to your phone to enhance your photos. In my case, I use them when I stage my redesigned furniture. I’ve bought and or downloaded several products, apps and programs he’s recommended because he takes the time to learn them and finds the ones that are the best price for the quality. Take a look. If you love photography and would like to take some cool shots or need to extend the usability of your phone, this kit might … Read more

Apply [Retique It] Polyacrylic Without Drag

When I first started redesigning furniture, applying the topcoat was very frustrating for me. It dried too quickly, giving me drag. Drag happens when you swipe another strip of poly overtop poly that has already started to dry. It’s tricky to get a good application when the poly dries too fast. This could happen if the room you are working in is very dry or too warm. So make sure there’s enough humidity in the room and/or the proper temperature to give you time to work. No matter what I did back then, I couldn’t get a smooth, consistent finish. After lots of sleepless nights, then plenty of practice and research, I discovered a method that works AND a product that makes it so very easy. In this video, I demonstrate applying Retique It Polyacrylic with a detailer sponge. Easy peasy! The Polyacrylic (interior water-based polyurethane) and Polytique It (exterior … Read more

[VIDEO] Painting Without Tape – Tip Wiggle Push!

Years ago a friend told me while we were painting walls in our new house to “Get a good brush and stop using tape.” I took her advice and have translated that into using the same method on my furniture to save time and frustration. As you probably know, it’s always a concern that paint will seep under the tape when painting. Sure there are ways to prevent that, but it adds steps and I’m all about “quick and easy.” In this super short video, I show you several simple methods on how to use a brush to paint without tape. Yes, it does matter what brush and paint you use. Always use good quality products. One of my favorite detail brushes that delivers a nice finish is the Wonder Brush from Retique It. Go visit my store, Furniture Flipping Market – it’s full of great products for furniture flippers. … Read more

Cleaning Paint Brushes

If you want your painting supplies to last, take good care of them. I’m super picky about cleaning my tools, especially my brushes. I try to get my paint brushes to as close to new looking as possible by cleaning them until I’m satisfied all of the paint is out. Here’s an extra tip: If you find it has dried before you were able to wash the paint out, soak the brush in hair conditioner or fabric softener for a day or two and you’ll be surprised at the results! In less than 1 minute, I show you in this video the simple process I use to wash out my brushes. These little tips by experienced furniture flippers can save you $ and much disappointment – go the extra mile to keep your tools in good shape. How’s that for a quick tip. You can find more on my Youtube … Read more

Fixing a Sloppy Paint Job

Here’s a little tip to save you some time and effort. I bought a dresser from Marketplace and the drawers had some messy painting going on. Drips, over painting, scratches, bristles embedded, etc. The worst part were the drawer sides. My options for fixing them were: painting them, stenciling over the mess, or sanding it off. I didn’t like any of those options. I thought on it a while and came up with a better option. It was easier than any of the three choices I originally thought I had and it worked. Here is the finished project – you can click the pic to go right to the post about this project: This is an example of the super short videos I create for my Blueprint members. I’ll be sharing some of them with those who wish to see the nicky picky details that most experienced furniture flippers have … Read more

[VIDEO] Sanding and Stripping a Finish Tips

When do you sand and when should you strip? One or the other or both? First you need to give each a try, sanding and stripping, to become comfortable so it’s easy to know which is best for the job you have to do. Pick a small piece and give it a go! If you’ve never done it before, basic prep can be intimidating. It doesn’t have to be. Here’s a short look at both methods using a Rigid random orbital with a dust bag and Soy Gel Coatings Remover, formerly known as Soy Gel. Thanks for visiting. I have lots of opportunities for you to learn furniture redesign and marketing, both free and paid, that will help you along in your journey to become a confident furniture flipper. I have a bunch of ways to follow me and my escapades listed below. Have a great weekend and happy painting! … Read more

Drips & Brush Strokes No More!

Do you stress over brush strokes? Do you fight with drips? I have a couple of methods for avoiding drips and brush strokes. Getting to know your paint, your brushes and your own way of doing things goes a long way to achieving the finish you desire. It takes practice, but once you get it down, you’re good. Here’s a video of one of my three methods I use to avoid brush strokes and drips, and flawless finish: Let me know if you have questions! Blessings, FURNITUREFLIPPINGMARKET.com

Tips to Save Your Paint Brushes from Dying

Yes, I said, “dying,” not “drying.” But it’s pretty much the same, isn’t it? But maybe not… I’ve been painting for many years, so I’ve run into issues with brushes. Paint getting into the ferrule, hairs falling out and drying in the paint, dust, globs, contamination, paint drying in the brush. You name it, I’ve experienced it. But fortunately I learn from my mistakes and can share solutions with you. In my Random Furniture Flipping Tips Video Series, I have a few that might be helpful to you. Here’s #74 & 87 from that series. I’m working on a bonus for my Blueprint members where I’m posting all of my brush reviews and tips for September’s bonus and ran across these tips thinking they might help you as you paint your decor and furniture. Have you joined FFB yet? Enrollment is closing soon, so, don’t wait. My tips videos are … Read more