Below are the go-to finishing tools and supplies I use to finish custom furniture in my shop.
Are these tools the best? Maybe so, maybe not? When I buy tools, I try to buy the best tool I can afford or the best tool that makes sense for the current situation. Sometimes, this is the top-of-the-line tool on the market; sometimes, it is the best I can afford, so please keep that in mind when making buying decisions based on my recommendations below. Also, remember that we may have different skill levels and experiences. Some products take time to learn how to use and get good results, so your results may vary.
With all that said, rest assured if I have used a tool or product that performs below expectations, I will never include it in this list. I will also remove tools and products from this list if they do not meet expectations. In the long run, If I find a better tool or product in the future, I will update this list.
Spray Finishing Equipment
Fuji MPX-30 Gravity RP Gun with Cup
This is my go-to spray gun for almost every coating I apply, from Lacquers to paint. It pretty much covers it all, mainly because you can buy different cap sets to handle different viscosities of finishes.
For cap sets, I use;
The 1.0 mm for lacquers, shellac, and conversion varnishes,
The 1.3 mm I typically use for Polyurethane or thicker finishes that can’t be thinned as easily.
The 2.0 mm For Paints
This is all subject to the viscosity cup measurement of the finish and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Spray finishing has a lot of variables that will affect your results. From capsize to air pressure to temperature and humidity.
Consumable Finishing Supplies
Straining your finish as you pour it into your gun is a must. It only takes one dingleberry to plug your hole and cause a pour and nonexistent finish. These are cheap and will save you tons of aggravation when spraying finishes.
I keep these in stock for obvious reasons: you gotta mix the finish in something. I typically keep these two sizes in stock. The various finishes I use are measured in different quantities so it is helpful to have different scales and sized cups to mix in
Hand Finishing Supplies
I have found these gloves to be pretty durable, even though they are disposable.
These are great low-cost disposable brushes I use when I need to apply a stain or mop on a chemical for my patination art projects. I keep them stocked in a variety of sizes.
Blue Painters Tape Assorted Sizes
I go through this stuff like it’s candy. I keep every width in stock, so I have the right size for every application. I use it to mask off for painting and finish as well as create a damn to pour epoxy in to fill not holes. I also use it as a clamp to tape pieces of wood together while the glue dries.
