I’ve been re-doing old, cast-off furniture for about 7 years now.  It all started as an affordable way for my husband and I to furnish our home.  Then, I discovered that other people were interested in the pieces I had painted, so I decided to try my hand at making money painting furniture.
I’ve sold painted furniture at flea markets, antique malls, off Craigslist, Ebay, and Facebook. I even held a weekend long “Cottage Sale” in our backyard.
Now, I have a nice little “permanent” space at a great antique mall up in McKinney, Texas where I can easily showcase the pieces I have for sale. Â It’s a fun hobby, and has also been a profitable business for me.
Many things in the furniture painting world have changed though in the past 7 years. One of the biggest is the advent of time-saving furniture paints like Milk Paint, Chalk Paint, (or my favorite Fusion Mineral Paint).
Add to that the creation of Pinterest and the never-ending inspiration it provides, it seems like everybody and their brother is now trying their hand at furniture-flipping!
As a result of this boom, it’s getting harder to turn a good profit at this business as the supply of good old furniture dwindles and competition from other furniture painters grows.
So, if you are thinking of making money painting furniture I have a few tips to share about how to maximize the money that winds up in your pocket.
TIP #1 Â Set your Maximum Buying Prices
Before you can sell a piece of furniture, you have to buy one. But the prices to buy and the prices to sell can vary depending on where you live.
Every part of the country is different, so it’s a good idea to take some time to get to know your own local market before you begin buying and selling.
- How deep is the supply of good quality old furniture for you to buy?
- And more importantly, how much are people around you willing to pay for painted pieces?
Your local supply and demand needs to determine what you pay for a piece to re-do.
My goal is to price my finished pieces 2-3 times what they cost me.
After being in my area for five years now, I know what I can sell a dresser, chest of drawers, and dining set for.
I also have a maximum price that I will spend on any of those pieces. Â I will not pay over $75 for a chest of drawers, over $100 for a dresser, or over $125 for a dining set.
Here in suburban Texas, our local supply of old furniture is pretty thin, so my max prices may be higher than what you might be able to pay.
Having that maximum price though keeps me from getting “Craigslist crazy” and jumping on any piece that’s out there.
Be patient. Â Take time to find a deal.
TIP #2 Â Invest in Tools, Not Toys
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There are certain products I need in order to do quality work with my painted pieces. At the most basic level, those are really only 2 things:
- A good quality orbital sander
- AÂ good quality paint brush.
There are loads of products out there though being sold by furniture paint providers which I have not purchased, simply because I find them unnecessary.
Now, let me be clear–I am a faithful boutique brand paint user, and am frequently asked why I pay $20 – $40 for a quart of paint when I can get cheap “oops” latex paint to use for 1/4 that cost at Home Depot.
My answer is that I see my furniture paint as a tool–it saves me great amounts of time and works excellently for my projects.
So I will gladly spend the money for the paint, but I do not always buy the accessory paint brushes, wax brushes, stencils, buffing pads, pearl paint, tiny little mixers, plastic lid covers with spouts, etc.
So if you’re just starting out, there is no need to buy everything offered by your local furniture paint retailer–and I am a retailer myself!
As your business grows and you have greater capital, you can purchase some of those things later that you find fun or helpful.
As my business has grown over the years, I have purchased more of those accessory products and really enjoy using many of them. Â But they were not essential to my business when I was first starting out.
TIP #3 Â Curb your Paint Enthusiasm
Speaking of paint . . .  I do love and regularly use chalk paint and Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint
 (update April 2020, I now prefer to use Fusion Mineral Paint. I find it produces excellent results for a more affordable price, and it requires no wax…yes you heard me…no waxing required. If you’re interested, you can see my step-by-step comparison of Chalk Paint vs Fusion here.  But if you’re a die-hard Chalk Paint fan, my preference is Jolie chalk paint. Out of all the chalk paint brands, I’ve enjoyed using this one the most.
One way I have found to help my bottom line is to use my paint wisely.
I don’t go out and get a new can of paint every time I buy a new piece, but rather I always try to use the paint I have on hand first before purchasing new.
MIX PAINT COLORS TO MAKE THEM GO FARTHER Â
It’s so fun to look on Pinterest and get creative with new colors and techniques, but paint costs can really add up!
So instead I mix colors I have on hand to come up with new colors to try.
I also keep a can of Annie Sloan Pure White and Old White on hand, to tint any other chalk paint I have to a new shade.
Thinning your chalk paint with water also helps the paint last longer, and I have found that it still provides perfectly good coverage (I do not thin Fusion Mineral Paint with water).
DRY BRUSHING USES LESS PAINTÂ
Another technique for saving paint is to try dry brushing a project.
When dry brushing, you hardly use any paint, so it’s a great way to use up that last little bit hanging out in the can, and, it creates beautiful effects!
CUSTOM PROJECTS HELP BUILD YOUR PAINT SUPPLY
Lastly, I use my custom work projects as a way to build up my personal paint supply.
When painting a custom piece for someone, I build the cost of paint into the price I charge.  Typically, I have plenty of paint left over after their furniture is finished.  When this happens, your paint collection can grow a little at a time, rather than costing a fortune from the start.
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I hope that these strategies may help you as you try to launch out into selling painted furniture.
I wanted to offer simple, practical tips, but also want to say that it’s important to find your own creative “voice”.
Be unique, offer pieces that are different than what’s out there. Â Try new techniques, and maybe get creative with hand-painting.
Trust your creative instincts, and someone will come along who appreciates your unique vision and style!
UPDATEÂ – I’ve learned a few more things in the last year and recently wrote another post with 5 More Tips for Making Money Selling Furniture.
Hope it helps you go a little further in turning your creations into meaningful profit!
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Melanie, thank you for the great advice and honesty !!! I want to start painting some furniture my hubby and I purchased years ago for a different look, and someday I would love to have my own little piece of the world to sell what I’ve done too. Be well.
Sheila
Thanks Sheila 🙂 You never know what the future holds, maybe you will have your own business some day!
Melanie, thank you for the great advice and tips as this has been most helpful. I’m starting my own business here in the UK refurbishing old furniture and I will definitely look into using ‘fusion mineral paint’ as mentioned in your article as opposed to chalk paints i’m currently using at present. Once again thank you and all the best.
You’re welcome David. My I add that I am in love with all things British? I spent a semester of college in Reading, England and have been dying to go back ever since. I believe Fusion now has a dealer in the UK, you can look that up on FusionMineralPaint.com. Best of wishes in your business!
I’m curious to know if anyone has yet tried unicorn spit, and if it’s really as easy to use as everyone says it is. I’ve seen some really gorgeous pieces using the Unicorn spit. It’s interesting, to say the least. I can’t wait to try it, but i’m wondering if i’m going to be wasting my money? Also, I have asthma and I have cockatiels, So the non toxic, no fumes thing is what interests me the most.
I have painted alot of furniture always using my own recipe of plaster and SW paint….Here in the Ozarks, it is harder and harder to find pieces that are “a bargain” but the painted pieces just won’t bring a real high price, so the profit margin just isn’t that large. For that reason, I have put off buying and trying the AS paint even though I am so curious to see for myself what makes it so great. Some day I may try it. I seem to do alot of sanding, priming, etc and it would be nice to eliminate some of that work. This was a very nice and informative article. Thanks for sharing your experiences. I love the idea of sharing information instead of the competitive attitude that many people operate with.
That’s interesting Karen that painted pieces don’t sell well in your market. Like I said, it’s good to know your local market before you start trying to sell! The ASCP does save tons of time in sanding and priming, but it’s great to be able to use a less expensive product if you have the time to do the prep work. I’m so glad you found the post helpful, thank you for coming by 🙂
I live in Virginia, and I love to go antiquing when we go to the blue ridge mountains. The prices are considerably cheaper, and there is no shortage. It would seem that there is an antique store on every corner in the mountains. My guess is that there are tons of estate sales as folks pass on, and therefore antiques everywhere! One thing I notice is that when we come home, the closer we get to Richmond the more expensive the same pieces are.
A fantastic post. #2 is my favorite. I still have yet to purchase a fancy wax brush (old t-shirts work great for me) and I use the same quality paint brushes from Home Depot that I purchased years ago. I also dilute my paint down to the last drop! I put plastic wrap over the top and under the lids to keep the paint fresh. Thanks for the great post!
Thank you Suzanne! Glad you are a fellow t-shirt waxer. I told my husband the other day he needs to get rid of some more shirts though because I’m getting low on my wax rags 🙂
Thanks for these tips! I am just getting started painting furniture for craft shows and hope to get some special orders. In my area, the vintage look is just getting started and there are still lots of furniture to be had. I’m trying to get a feel what to charge. I know I can’t get what I would in larger cities downstate. Have a great week!
Hi Deborah. Sounds like you may be one of the first in your area to offer painted pieces! That’s a great opportunity. Thanks so much for stopping by 🙂
Fabulous tips and suggestions. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty
Thank you Marty!
I just found you on Nifty Thrift Tuesday- This was a very informative and helpful post! Thank you for sharing your tips on painting furniture to sell- I learned some valuable new tips!
judypimperl.blogspot.com
Thank you Judy! I’m so glad you found the post helpful. Have a great week 🙂
I love the way you think. I too have had to learn my limits. I live in a SoCalif small condo. Storage space is limited. So I get 2 wine barrel ‘s instead of 4. And collect smaller pieces rather than large.
But I have yet to plunge into the chalk paint world. But isn’t the waxing also a major part of the process? How much time would you say this requires?
Here’s to paint under r nails! Barbara Ann
Barbara Ann you sound like my kind of girl 🙂 About wax, you are right that chalk paint requires some sort of top coat (unless you’re doing something really small or decorative that won’t be used much). You can use a poly or a soft wax. I prefer soft wax because I find it easier to apply and over time it will cure down into the paint and harden to provide a great topcoat. There are many different kinds of wax out there sold by different chalk paint companies. They all cost between $25-30 for their regular size can, but one can will go a long way. Time wise, it’s quicker than applying a poly also. You can apply it with a brush or rag, and then just let it dry overnight and buff it a little afterwards if you like. Currently, my favorite wax out there is the Paste Wax by The Plaster Paint Company. It’s fantastic! Hope that answered your question, feel free to comment again for email with any others 🙂
Excellent tips Melanie! Thanks for the bit about your maximum budget for buying certain pieces and the mark-up percentage you apply when selling them – very helpful.
Thank you Marie. I’m so glad you found the information helpful. I’ve learned so much from the blog world, it’s nice to be able to pass along a few tidbits of advice myself. Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for the tip on the new wax. I had never heard of that brand. I’ve been painting and selling for many years. I use everything from milk paint to enamel. I’ve used ASCP and CeCe. But the way to go for chalk paint is to make your own. I’ve found that Behr paint works the best. Get the little samples for $2.50 and the Plaster of Paris. That little sample jar will be more than enough for a dresser. I use the 2:1 ratio (2 paint 1 PP). It sands and finishes just like the name brands. I always sand my dressers before I start painting anyway. Sometimes I apply shellac cut w/denatured alcohol to seal the wood before I paint (especially if it’s mahogany). The end result with my homemade chalk paint is no different than the name brand ones. Try a sample pot with the PP on a small item. I’ve done tons of furniture with the homemade and have never had an issue. And I can do whatever color I want for pennies!!
Thank you Beth for walking through your homemade recipe. I have never tried mixing my own chalk paint but have heard many people say it works well too. I like how quick and easy it is to just open up a can of commercial chalk paint, but maybe this summer when I have some extra time I will give your recipe a try. Thank you so much!
Great tips, especially the one about not investing in fancy toys! Thank you for sharing this at History and Home this week. Take care – Dawn @ We Call It Junkin.com
These are all fantastic tips! When I started selling- I had to learn real fast to set that maximum buying price- or I would just eat it. Still haven’t curbed the paint enthusiasm but…. 🙂 Thanks for the info!
Found you on we call it junkin’s linkup!
[email protected]
http://shabbynot4gotten.blogspot.com
Thanks! So glad you thought it was helpful. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
great info in this post. you are so special to spend the time to write this. I’m wondering where you buy the wax you mentioned? I live right up the road from McKinney and will be there tomorrow to check out your latest bedroom set you posted. If I can buy that paint company’s wax in McKinney or Frisco, would you please let me know? Thanks for all the help.
Hi! Yes, the wax I mentioned (The Plaster Paint Company wax) is now being sold at the mall where my booth space is located, Antique Company Mall in downtown McKinney. It really is wonderful! I hope you enjoy it, thank you so much for stopping in to see the bedroom set 🙂
The best place to sell furniture online is Shippi.com because they can take care of the shipping for you and you don’t have to deal with UPS or Greyhound.
Great! Thanks! I will check out that link.
Great tips! Do you have a pricing guide for clients? For example, 3 drawer dresser is…chairs with and without arms is…I am refinishing furniture here in AL and love it. I am starting out but have already sold a few pieces on consignment at a local boutique. I remain troubled by the pricing for custom pieces though. I have seen a few pricing guides online by different shops but the prices seem high to me (maybe because Im still building my confidence) I understand knowing my market and I feel like my market may want something for a low low price! Its tough because it takes hours on certain pieces and you work so hard. If you do not have a guide, is it just a gut thing? Lengthy reply! Thanks in advance.
Hi Bonnie. Those are great questions! I have some general ideas for you, but unfortunately not a concrete answer. Custom projects are tricky, and when I take one on there are several questions I go through to determine my price: How large is the piece? (small dresser vs large dresser); how complicated of a paint treatment do they want? (just a simple distressed white, or multiple colors, hand-painting, etc), is there any repair work that needs to be done? (filling holes, fixing broken veneer); Do they want the top painted or sanded down and re-stained? (I always charge more for a re-stained top); Is it a piece that is time consuming? (like painting dining chairs vs a simple dresser–they dresser is bigger, but much simpler to paint); am I painting just one piece or a whole set for them? (I will usually discount if someone brings me a whole set). For me, the answers to all of those questions go into pricing a project. You want to make it worth you time, so price it accordingly. Also, be sure to always include the cost of paint in your quote. For dressers, I have charged from $100-$250. Beds $80-$120. Nightstands $50-$75. I have yet to do a custom dining set refinished, but if I did I would probably ask at least $300, because those are alot of work! Hope that gives you some things to think through. Please feel free to email me any time with more questions that may come up, and best wishes in your business!
Thanks so much Melanie! I’m glad to see that learning how to price items will improve some with time. I appreciate your input!
Hi Melanie-
I have refinished furniture and kitchen cabinets many years ago but enjoyed it. Had an article in our local paper about chalk painting and it sounds interesting. What is the best way to get started and learn the technique? Are there web sights to go to or videos like youtube? I also have a question about an old piece I have. I refinished it several years ago with tongue oil. The wood really has an odor to it like an old smell. Think the piece is oak but not sure. My question is there a way to get the odor out of the wood? Also, could it be the tongue oil breaking down? Thank you so much.
Mike
Hi Mike! Thanks for your comment. Unfortunately, I don’t have any insight into your smelly tongue oil issue. Have you tried setting it outside in the sun to “air-out”? Or setting some bowls of white vinegar inside the drawers or cabinets for a bit to soak up the odor? I have found those two things helpful with old-smelling pieces. About the chalk paint, there are many, many bloggers and YouTube videos out there walking through the chalk paint method. If you are already familiar with painting and refinishing furniture, chalk paint won’t be a big leap for you. If you have a local chalk paint retailer, you can also check with them to see if they teach workshops. Many of them do. Good luck to you!
Melanie, your advices are so important and on time! I am seriously thinking about my own restore/painting furniture business here in Spain. I have taken note of all of them, thank you!
Take care,
Anne.
That’s so fun! I never thought my blog would reach Spain, thanks for stopping in 🙂
Hi Melanie, I’m just starting out, like you I refurnished my home painting up bargain pieces I sourced, and I’ve decided to try to and turn it into my business. But, there’s a lot to learn…your blog looks like a fantastic place to pick up tips. Thank you, I’m going to keep you bookmarked! 🙂