Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!

Budget friendly supplies for the beginner painter.

Purple Star emoji 32 items
Curated tips of Paint , primers , sealers and furniture stripper for the beginner Painter.
Sections
6
 
 
 
 
 
 

Primers

The Ultimate Guide to Priming furniture for Beginners. Picking the right primer for the job. 

 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
Easy to use its tintable, it blocks stains and it's water-based, plus easy clean up. Perfect for the beginner. (Affiliate link)
Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Interior/Exterior Multi-purpose Water-based Wall and Ceiling Primer ( 1-quart )
 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
Great product it will block stains and order. This is a shellac based product so you will need to use Alcohol for clean. (Affiliate link)
Zinsser BIN Interior/Exterior Multi-purpose Shellac Wall and Ceiling Primer ( 1-quart )
 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
Water base primers are much easier to clean up for the beginnier. This has great coverage. (Affiliate link)
KILZ Original 1 gal. White Water-Based Interior Primer, Sealer, and Stain Blocker L200301
 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
Perfect for stains on walls or furniture, Stain Blocker formula. #commissionearned
KILZ KILZ 2 ALL PURPOSE 1 gal. White Interior/Exterior Multi-Surface Primer, Sealer, and Stain Blocker 20941

Paint

All beginner painters need to have a spray paint and a roller paint that will leave a smooth finish, is easy to use, and easy to clean up. 

 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
I use this paint for my baseboards and trim. Its so much easier to clean. (affiliate link)
Glidden Premium 1 gal. Pure White Base 1 Semi-Gloss Interior Paint GLN6411N-01
 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
Beginner Friendly Chalk paint easy to use, but must be sealed for durability.
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Graphite 1L
 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
Very beginner friendly , easy to use and clean up , but must be sealed for durability.
Dixie Belle Chalk Finish Paint - Drop Cloth 32oz
 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
This paint leaves a smooth finish even when using a microfiber roller. Easy to use and clean up.
General Finishes Water Based Milk Paint, Persian Blue, 1 Qt
placeholder
 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
My favorite spray paint color. Its versatile and elegant. It was perfect for my tall bar stool. great refresh. Love this color. (Affiliate link)
Rust-Oleum Universal 11 oz. All Surface Metallic Oil Rubbed Bronze All Surface Spray Paint and Primer in One 249131

sealers

Sealers are used to protect floors and painted projects to make them more durable for daily use.

 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
Water based sealer used to protect  project and create a more durable service. (Affliliate link)
Varathane 1 qt. Clear Satin Water-Based Interior Polyurethane 200241H
 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
I have used this many times . I the satin finish when sealing furniture. (Affiliate link)
Minwax Polycrylic Water-based Clear Transparent Satin Interior Stain ( Half-pint )
 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
Using high gloss finishes can bring and upscale lacquer (High gloss) feel to a piece of furniture . (Affiliated link)
Minwax Polycrylic Water-based Clear Transparent Gloss Interior Stain ( Half-pint )
 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
I love matte sealer over black paint brings elegance to your project and still has the project from a sealer. Easy clean up (affilate link) great for beginners
Minwax Polycrylic Water-based Clear Transparent Matte Interior Stain ( Half-pint )
 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
Great sealer perfect to use with Dixie belle paint. This sealer is water resistant and durable perfect for high traffic table and chairs.
Dixie Belle Gator Hide Polyacrylic Topcoat 16oz

Stripper, pads & wool

  Best products for stripping, removing residue and achieving a smooth flawless finish on furniture. 

 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
I have used this stripper many times and it works well.
Paint Supplies
placeholder
 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
Great product for beginners . Low odor product that works well. Use protective gear. (Affiliate link)
Citristrip 1 qt. Safer Paint and Varnish Stripping Gel Non-NMP QCSG801
 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
I use these to remove stripper residue . It can be used wet or dry. I use it with mineral spirits. (affiliate links)
3M Hand Sanding Pads 3 7/8 in. x 6 in. x 5/16 in. Very Fine, 220 Grit, (2-Pack) 7447
 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
#0000 is what I use most. I use it on Furniture project  and other stained projects. Great to have on hand at all times. (Affiliate link)
Homax Super Fine Grit Steel Wool (12-Pad) 10120000-6
 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
Mineral spirits can be used to remove and stripper residue from projects . It has worked for me many times. (affiliate link)
Klean-Strip 1 qt. Odorless Mineral Spirits - CARB Formula QKSP94005CA
 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
These gloves are comfortable and durable #affiliatelink
HDX Pop-N-Go Black Disposable Heavy Duty Nitrile Gloves, Size Large (40-Count) 104813700
 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
These are a must-have when using a stripper. A good, durable pair of gloves.
HDX Black Long Cuff 20 mil Reusable Neoprene - L/XL (3-Pair) 24117-012
 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
Easy to use low odor great products
Strip & Clean Furniture Stripping Kit - Soy-Based

Wall Paper

Wall paper can be an easy way to update or hide imperfections on walls. It can transform a space in a day. Here is what I would use to bring interest to my space. 

 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
Easy to use for the beginner. No paste is needed to line up your pattern and create a seamless finish; then,  peel and stick. Difficulty level 3 #commissonearned
Scott Living 30.75-sq ft Silver Vinyl Ivy/Vines Self-adhesive Peel and Stick Wallpaper
 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
Perfect if you are looking for wallpaper with texture. The bonus is that it's pre-pasted and paintable, which opens up design choices. No designs to line up. Difficulty level 2 #commissionearned
Scott Living 56.4-sq ft White Vinyl Paintable Textured Abstract 3D Prepasted Water Activated Paste Wallpaper
 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
A must have for every tool kit. #commissionearned
CRAFTSMAN PROREACH 25-ft Tape Measure
 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
This tool will ensure your projects are straight and level. #commissionearned
CRAFTSMAN Aluminum 24.0-in 3 Vial I-beam level
 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
A simple tool, but important. The snap off blade helps to secure a clean cut. #commissonearned
OLFA 9mm 1 -Blade Retractable Utility Knife (with Snap-Off Blade)
placeholder
 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
This tool works will to create straight lines and measurements. #commissionearned
Johnson Level 4-ft Metal Ruler
 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
This tool works great to smooth wall paper and remove air. #Commissionearned.
Roman Multi-purpose Wallpaper Smoothing tool

How to Strip Furniture and Cabinets

In this mini series of videos, I will show you the best ways to strip your furniture and paint cabinets for a flawless finish. I'll also demonstrate how to strip furniture step-by-step, fast and easy.

 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
My process for stripping furniture
How to strip Furniture || Stripping made easy
placeholder
 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
Here is the process of stripping a kitchen. It takes time and patience but you can do it.
How to strip a kitchen || what it really takes
 
Zeita Rutledge profile picture
This is how to achieve a flawless finish with a paint roller
How to Achieve a Smooth Cabinet Finish with a Roller (Easy Step-by-Step Guide)
placeholder