A STEP BY STEP HOW I PAINT FURNITURE SPINDLES WITHOUT BRUSHMARKS #SLAPITON – YES, I REALLY DO SLAP IT ON! [VIDEO]
Hi guys, When I first started painting furniture — spindles were a nightmare. I hated painting them. Whether they were chair spindles, legs on a piece of furniture or ANY type of rounded piece with any type of detail, I dreaded it. It never turned out smooth. It always looked messy. I always ended up with brush marks.
Well, I’m so excited about today’s makeover and sharing this technique with you. My sister Andrea requested this video. When she saw me painting spindles on another makeover, she was thoroughly amused and impressed… her words not mine! She said she’s NEVER seen anyone do it like this.
So, I guess if I look a little silly slapping on the paint (and yes, I literally slap it on – video included below), if it helps one of you with just one paint project – mission accomplished. 🙂
So along with the debut of the #slapiton #siblogpainttechnique – I’m also joining my Furniture Fixer Upper friends. I’ll be sharing their makeovers and tutorials at the bottom of today’s post and I can’t wait to see what they’ve been up to…
…but first here’s the curb-shopped side table I started with…
I found this cutie four doors down from my house. The table is solid and well built, but its little spindle leg had fallen off. Nothing a little shim and Liquid Nails couldn’t handle.
Here’s the new look!
And check out these spindles painted with a paintbrush!
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HOW TO PAINT FURNITURE SPINDLES – NO BRUSHMARKS::
First, let me say there are a NUMBER of ways to get smooth painted spindles and I think I’ve tried them all.
I’ve used my spray gun, spray paint from a can, I’ve tried various brushes from round, soft, synthetic, natural and I’ve also used a sponge. The only thing I haven’t tried (and I did buy one because I’d like to try it at some point) is a painter’s glove. Aside from spraying with my spray gun, my slap on method is my hands down favorite even though it goes AGAINST what everyone else does!
STEP #1:: Clean
I started by giving this piece a super good cleaning with TSP mixed with water.
STEP #2:: Sand
The legs were not sanded but I did give the tabletop and second shelf a sanding to smooth out the surface and remove the old finish. Check out how to sand without dust here!
I ended up priming with Kilz Primer (spray can) to stop bleedthrough before I painted.
STEP #3:: Repair Leg
To repair the leg, I used Liquid Nails along with a small wood shim. If you have a screw hold that has worn, using a shim along with some glue is a great way to give it total grip again.
STEP #4:: PAINT SPINDLES [VIDEO TUTORIAL] #SLAPITON
If you have any issues with the playback, feel free to watch it on my Youtube Channel here.
STEP #5:: PAINT TOP AND ADD TRANSFER
After I painted the top in this Fluff Chalk Mineral Paint, I added French Ceramics, a gorgeous blue and white floral furniture transfer. You can check out my full tutorial on How To Rub On Furniture Transfers here. To soften the look, the transfer was sanded down.
STEP #6:: PAINT DETAILS ON SPINDLES
Using my same #slapiton #siblogpainttechnique I added details on the spindle with this Ceramic Chalk Paste which matches the French Ceramics transfer perfectly.
Isn’t she sweet?! I think this little table would make a great addition to a bathroom or work really nicely as a plant stand.
And again, check it out… NO BRUSHMARKS! 🙂
And now for some FURNITURE FIXER UPPER FUN!
I know you’re going to LOVE what this creative team of girls do. It’s inspiration and techniques six-fold! 😉
Below are their BEFORE photos – visit the links underneath to see the amazing AFTERS and to learn how they did it! I’m heading over to take a peek right now myself! x
5. Confessions Of A Serial DIYer
LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF THIS #SLAPITON SPINDLE PAINTING METHOD… OR FEEL FREE TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE… I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU. IT MAKES MY DAY! 🙂
Happy furniture painting my friends!
Denise x
RELATED POSTS::
How To Apply Furniture Transfers
Adding Graphics | Vintage TeaCart Makeover
Pottery Barn Knock-Off Buffet Makeover
Stop Bleed Through When Painting
5 Ideas To Update An Old Desk
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Bless your heart! I have an old spindle backed rocker to refinish but put it off because I dreaded painting those spindles – on the back, under the armrests and also under the seat, holding the “rockers”. I have dry-brushed before and believe this process will work beautifully! I would never have thought of this technique myself so I am truly grateful for your video. What was going to be a dreaded project that might have ended up at Goodwill is now an exciting thing to think about. Can’t wait to choose the paint and get started!
Thanks Julie, and I’ll bet you’re going to have some fun with this #slapiton technique! 😊
I came across doing spindles the same way on my own years ago too. It didn’t seem right to paint down a curved spindle. I ended up slapping the paint on around the spindle…It just seemed natural to me.. It’s the only way I have ever done it!
#slapiton works! P.S. I just wanted to throw it out there that it also works when painting terracotta vases! I paint those for my plants and it works like a charm… I’d imagine anything cylindrical, really. Thanks again!
Hi Lindsay! YES!!! #slapiton works on ANYTHING cylindrical! Love that you use it on vases… I bet they look amazing!
Wow that is awesome- thanks!! Just wondering why you don’t spray the spindles? I just found your blog so I’m not sure if you spray furniture or not but that is my preferred way, and seeing as you sprayed the flat areas? Also I find that the more I sand or disrupt the previous finish – the more chance of having bleed through from tanins. A previous comment mentions shellac which is much easier than sending and priming.
Also I think you like saying “slap it” a little much! Lol
Hey Karli! I do spray a fair share of furniture. This is just another way of doing spindles to prevent brush marks because many people don’t feel comfortable spraying and/or don’t own a spray gun. And ya, maybe I just like slapping it on…LOL 😉
This is certainly a worthy technique but I have considered using a sock over a glove. Have not tried it yet but that too may work. Thoughts?
Hi Pat! I’ve never tried this method but that may work. I have used socks for waxing and it works amazing.
I have been using this same method but deal with a lot of splatter. How do you handle the splatter or do you not have that issue,?
Hi Wendy! If I overload my brush I do end up with a little splatter. I’m always super careful to keep the paint on the brush to a minimum. Hope this helps.
The table turned out gorgeous, Denise! Especially with the pretty transfer to make it more chic. xo
Thanks Jen! Love your makeover too! XO
I love this cute table. I discovered that slap-on technique when I first started painting furniture and painted a baby crib. I remember thinking, “I don’t think this is the right way to do it, but it sure speeds things up!” Great minds think alike!! I’m going to use this idea on a cheap vanity and bench, probably from Target or something, that I’ve been wanting to paint and donate to a local shop that gives furniture, etc., to kids that are aging out of the foster care system. I want them to have something that looks good….even if it isn’t great furniture. Thank you for all your brilliant inspiration!
Hi Cara… yes, great minds! hehe 😉 And what a GREAT cause. Many of my best friends growing up were foster kids. Our next-door neighbor at the time was a foster parent so I know first hand how difficult it can be from all the stories I heard. Thanks for doing such great work! XO
Hi Denise. I love how this little table turned out. Your method of painting spindles actually looks like a lot of fun. Thank you for sharing your technique in the video. I also found the bloopers hilarious:)
Hi Monique! This method of painting spindles IS FUN! Gets a little frustration out to… just be careful you don’t splatter paint on your face. hehe 😉
that’s how i learned to put on my face foundation, lightly brushing back and forth and not slower brushing…
Really!!! You just taught me something new… I’m going to try that! 🙂
Does this method work with latex paint? I want to paint my stair rail to match my woodwork even though I use chalk paint on many projects. I can’t wait to use this method!Thank you!
Hi Sammie! It sure does! 🙂
i don’t pre=sand anymore but after cleaning i spray with shellac and that helps me wet destress faster, IF i want the wood to show through so it saves a TON of time and i only sand to SMOOTH out things. Easy peasy
love this tip!
That is a sweet table now, Denise! The transfers and the paint colors are beautiful together. I also paint spindles side to side, but with a smaller brush. I can see how the bigger brush makes it go much faster. You could start a #slapiton movement!
I think we should start a #slapiton movement! 😉 And thanks so much for the kindness on the table. I was shocked at what a great match the Fluff and Provence were. They matched perfectly with the floral transfer.
Hi Denise,
That’s exactly how I paint spindles too lol. You are super fast and effective !,!
The table came out gorgeous . Thanks for sharing !!
Thanks, Maria! … and doesn’t it work great! 🙂
Denise, you are BRILLIANT !!!
I just received the link in an email to this video and I have a little table with 8 spindles that I have been putting off. Soooo I went right out to my workshop and tried your technique. It’s flipping amazing!! — and actually a lot of fun, haha
Thanks for the great tips and tricks
You’re awesome 🙂
Amazing right!?! 🙂 I’m SO HAPPY you tried it on your 8 spindle table and it works for you. I find it a real time saver too. And ya, it’s fun!… or if you ever want to get out some frustration, grab a spindle project and #slapitON 😉
Shut the front door!! I always paint spindles from side-to-side as you suggested but never have I used a large brush and slapped it on – GENIUS!! The little table is gorgeous, love the blue & white transfers paired with the pretty blue chalk paste.
….”shut the front door”….LOL… I like that reaction. 🙂 A bigger brush gets the job done SO much faster, I find! And I was shocked at how well the Provence Chalk Paste matched the French Ceramics… perfectly. 🙂 Can’t wait to head on over to see your apothecary cart!
Hi Denise!
Well…I have been reading your blog for months, learning all I can about the best furniture painting techniques. I can honestly say that with your “slap on” video I now have the confidence to tackle the dining room set that has been waiting for some love.
Who knew?!? My greatest concern was that my paint job would look too sloppy (aka- brush marks).. Chair and table legs….get ready to get “slapped”!
Thanks for all your excellent photos, descriptions and videos Denise – definitely inspiring me!
Oh, this makes me happy Tracy! Good luck with your dining room set and have fun with slapping it on! 🙂
Ha ha that is exactly how I paint spindles lol!! Hey! It works! Your table turned out nothing short of gorgeous!! XOXO
It works like magic right!!??!! And thanks for the table kindness Christy. You can’t go wrong with that gorgeous floral! xo
This is so pretty! When I saw the first pic I thought hmmm it’s missing a leg hahaha. I love the save and the makeover! the blue and white are perfect!
Thanks, Kandice! I was going to do them all the same but a little more ‘whimsy’ seemed to suit it better. Can’t wait to see your makeover. Heading over now! 🙂
Would this technique work on fatter table legs? I recently bought some that had already been painted (several times) and they look awful. My plan was to strip them down to the wood and start over, but I don’t want them to end up looking just as bad as they did when I got them!
It sure does Jenna! If you go take a look at the finials on this painted headboard, I used the exact same #slapitON technique with them! For your previously painted table legs, if it were mine I wouldn’t bother stripping them down entirely but I would sand to knock down the bad paint job before repainting. 🙂 Just my two cent. 🙂
Oh thank goodness! I really didn’t want to strip them (SO much work!) but they are SO awful! Sanding them smooth is probably one of those “duh” things that comes with painting furniture all the time 😉
Brilliant technique, and that table is so sweet! Love the blue decal. Looking forward to meeting you at the Prima event!
Hi Marcia! So looking forward to meeting you too!! Every time I think about going I get butterflies in my stomach and I don’t know if it’s me being super excited or super nervous. Probably a bit of both.;) Anyway, glad you like the table and #slapitON technique. 🙂
Thank you, thank you, for showing us this technique! I love your videos- they help so much. I’m out to buy a bigger brush!
Hi Toia! A bigger brush will cover more area and give quicker results but it works with smaller brushes too. You can give it a whirl with whatever brush you have on hand! 🙂
Prettiest little tale EVER
Aw, thanks DiiB! XO
So pretty, & just love the video!
Thanks, my friend! XO 🙂
That’s a fantastic idea. Wish I knew about it a few months ago 🙂
If or when you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it works for you! I’ll bet you’ll be amazed. 🙂
Can’t wait to try this! I hate painting spindles!
I think most people do…lol. 😉