Author Notes
These are the best tools that I’ve found and are based on years of testing. You’ll find examples of how I’ve used them throughout this website. Most of these tools are items that I’ve bought myself. Some I have received as gifts but I only share items that I regularly use and recommend to friends.
This page includes affiliate links so you can easily find the products. If you purchase a product, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me to continue creating free content for you.
My Favourite Tools
xTool M1 Laser Cutter
A versatile tool for laser and blade cutting and engraving.
Hole Locator
Use this guide to accurately plan handle hole locations before drilling.
Painter’s Pyramids
Keep furniture off of the floor. Paint to the bottom and get a smooth finish right to the edge.
Marxman
Applies chalk through fixing holes, to show where holes needs to be drilled.
Small Hammer
Smaller, lighter, and more control for people with smaller hands.
Cordless Glue Gun
A cordless glue gun is such a convenient tool to craft with.
Staple Remover
A heavy-duty staple remover to easily remove stapled-on fabric.
Carbide Scraper
Easily remove paint and old finishes without a chemical stripper.
Mister Bottle
Keep chalk paint lightly damp to ease applying paint and moving it around when blending.
Spray Can Handle
A handle to attach to a spray paint can. The trigger grip gives you the whole handle to squeeze instead of just the nozzle.
Spray Tent
Keep the wind out and stop paint from going on the floor.
Moving Wheels
Move furniture around easily, either when working on it or when transporting it.
Furniture Dolly
Keep furniture off of the floor and easily move it around to paint each side.
Locking Wheels
These moving wheels lock into place so are great for both working on a piece and transporting it.
Wheelie Stool
Make working more comfortable and convenient to move around the piece.
Preparation
Spray Bottle
Decant TSP cleaner into a ready-to-use spray bottle.
White Lightning Cleaner
A good choice for cleaning furniture before starting a painting project.
Rubber Sanding Pads
Wrap sandpaper around these shaped rubber pads to sand non-flat surfaces.
Mirka Sandpaper
Highly flexible sandpaper with comfortable soft backing.
Tack Cloths
Easily remove sanding dust before painting or staining.
BIN Zinsser Primer
A shellac-based primer for blocking bleed-through and hiding wood knots.
Paint and Sealers
Spray Paint
Good coverage and comfortable trigger grip.
Frosted Glass Spray
Creates a semi-transparent frosted coating on surfaces.
Mirror Effect Spray Paint
Create a reflective mirror like finish.
Crystal Clear Protective Coat
Oil-based formula provides a durable protective coating with rust prevention.
Cleaning
Paintbrush Cleaner
Easily removes paint, grease, dirt and oil from brushes and hands.
Paintbrush Comb
Works great to separate bristles and allow removal of paint.
Brushes and Rollers
Paintbrush
These vegan-friendly, USA-made synthetic brushes are made to last.
Wax Brush
Natural blend bristle brush, excellent for painting, blending, or waxing.
Chip Brush
A versatile brush, designed with natural bristles for enhanced durability.
Corner Painter
A triangular-shaped sponge that easily paints both walls of a corner in one stroke.
Staalmeester Roller
10cm micro fibre rollers for a smooth finish.
Blue Sponge
For a smooth finish with either paint or a top coat.
Stencils and Transfers
Decor Transfers
Furniture decals are the easiest way to add creativity to your furniture.
Decoupage Paper
Add a beautiful image with decoupage paper on wood, plastic, metal or glass.
Stencils
Create a raised pattern or simply apply the stencil with paint.
Cricut Machine
Cut over 100+ different types of materials for wide range of DIY projects.
Stencil Sheets
Mylar material, reusable, washable, and recyclable. These blank stencil sheets are strong and durable.
Craft Supplies
Gorilla Wood Glue
100% waterproof and incredibly strong, but still easily cleans up with water.
Frog Tape
Not just for painting lines. Also use to pull out drawers after removing handles.
Rotary Cutter
Easily cut straight edges on fabric.
Artist Syringe
Measure paint quantities accurately when creating mixes of different paint colours.
Spray Adhesive
Attach stencils temporarily with this lightweight adhesive.
Sponge Dabber
Easy, affordable way to apply paint to stencils.
Brayer
Roll out bubbles or creases while applying decoupage paper.
Handles and Hardware
Bronze Cup Handle
Vintage handles with antique brass finish.
Gold Bar Handle
Modern square cabinet handles with brushed brass finish.
Black Bar Handle
Budget-friendly, lightweight, stainless steel bar handles.
Cast Iron Handle
Solid cast iron handles, built to last and both indoor and outdoor use.
Floral Knob
Classic mushroom knob shape knobs for modern decor.
Dragonfly Knocker
Tarnish resistant, antique brass finish, dragonfly door knocker.
Books
Rescue, Restore, Redecorate
Furniture finishing recipes, techniques, and tips.
The Furniture Bible
Everything you need to know to identify, restore and care for furniture.
The Artist’s Way
A must-read for every artist which offers techniques for growth and self-discovery.
Mad About The House
Ideas and inspiration for every budget, to work through your home room by room.
