JustBeginning
Beginner's guide

So you're getting into furniture flipping

Furniture flipping is one of the few hobbies where you can profit while you learn. Buy a beat-up dresser for $30, spend a weekend sanding and painting, and sell it for $200. The gear that matters most is less than you'd think, and the biggest beginner mistake isn't buying the wrong things — it's buying everything at once before you've finished a single piece.

By Colin B. · Published June 3, 2026 · Last reviewed June 3, 2026
A woman is sanding a wooden table outdoors.

Photo by Carl Tronders on Unsplash

The 60-second version

If you only buy 3 things to start:

  1. BLACK+DECKER Random Orbit Sander BDERO100 — The random orbit sander every furniture flipper starts with — it does 90% of the work without gouging the wood.
  2. Rust-Oleum Chalked Ultra Matte Paint — Rust-Oleum Chalked Paint sticks without primer on most pieces and costs half what Annie Sloan does.
  3. Rust-Oleum Chalked Paint Wax — A good chalk paint wax is the difference between a piece that looks finished and one that looks amateur.
Budget total
$120
Typical total
$250
Your first flip can easily cost more in supplies than you sell for — that's normal. By piece three you'll know which supplies you actually use.
At a glance

Our top pick in each category

The fastest path through this guide — each best-starter pick by category. Scroll for the budget and upgrade alternatives.

CategoryTop pickPriceWhere to buy
Sanders & PrepBLACK+DECKERBLACK+DECKER Random Orbit Sander BDERO100$$ See on Amazon →
Chalk PaintRust-OleumRust-Oleum Chalked Ultra Matte Paint$ See on Amazon →
Brushes & ApplicatorsWoosterWooster Shortcut Angle Sash Paintbrush 2-Inch$ See on Amazon →
Waxes & TopcoatsRust-OleumRust-Oleum Chalked Paint Wax$ See on Amazon →
HardwareAmerockAmerock Everyday Heritage Matte Black Knobs (10-pack)$ See on Amazon →
Safety & Cleanup3M3M Half Facepiece Respirator 6502QL$$ See on Amazon →
Before you buy anything

A few things worth knowing first

Find your first piece before buying anything. A thrift store dresser or Marketplace score for $20-40 is your classroom. Having the piece in front of you tells you what prep it actually needs — some want heavy sanding, some just need cleaning and paint.

Chalk paint is not the only option, but it's the right starting point. It sticks to most surfaces without heavy sanding, it's forgiving, and the matte finish hides imperfections. Learn with chalk paint before you try latex or milk paint.

Your sander is the tool that earns back its cost on piece one. Don't skip it or try to do everything by hand. A $50 random orbit sander will save you four hours of elbow grease on a single dresser.

The gear

What you actually need

person using Makita sander

Photo by Olga Kononenko on Unsplash

Sanders & Prep

Prep is 70% of a good flip. You don't need to strip a piece to bare wood — most chalk paint just needs scuff-sanding to give it something to grip. A random orbital sander handles that in minutes. For pieces with layers of old paint, you'll want to go deeper. The right sander for beginners is a 5-inch random orbit — it's fast, hard to mess up, and works on flat and slightly curved surfaces. Budget for a pack of 80-grit and 120-grit discs.

Sanders & Prep — what's the difference?

A few common shapes, each making a different trade.

Random Orbital (5-inch)

The right starting sander. Fast on flat surfaces, won't gouge.

Orbit size
5/32" throw
Best for
Flat panels, tabletops, drawer fronts
Speed
Fast (12,000 OPM)

Best for First piece, most pieces — the default choice

Tradeoff Won't reach corners or carved details

↓ See our pick
Detail / Triangle

Corners and carved surfaces a 5-inch disc can't reach.

Pad shape
Triangular
Best for
Inside corners, spindles, carvings
Speed
Slower (slower OPM)

Best for Chairs, ornate sideboards, pieces with raised detail

Tradeoff Too slow for large flat surfaces — you need both

↓ See our pick
Hand Sanding Block

No tool needed. Slow but fine for small touch-ups.

Cost
~$5
Best for
Final scuff-sand, distressing edges
Speed
Slow

Best for Distressing edges intentionally, final 220-grit pass

Tradeoff Exhausting on anything larger than a small nightstand

Best starter
BLACK+DECKER

BLACK+DECKER Random Orbit Sander BDERO100

$$

The standard entry sander for furniture flipping — 5-inch pad, random orbit action that won't leave swirl marks, and a dust bag that actually catches something. Lightweight enough to run for an hour without fatigue. It's what most beginners buy, use for years, and never feel the need to upgrade.

What we like

  • 5-inch random orbit pattern won't leave swirl marks on wood
  • Lightweight at 3.5 lbs — comfortable for a full dresser session
  • Hook-and-loop pad accepts generic 5-inch discs, not proprietary

What to know

  • Dust bag fills quickly on heavy paint removal — empty often
  • Vibration becomes noticeable after 45+ minutes of continuous use
See on Amazon →
Upgrade pick
DEWALT

DEWALT 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander DWE6423

$$$

When you're doing multiple pieces a week, the DEWALT earns its premium. Better dust collection, more consistent speed control, and a more comfortable grip for extended sessions. The build quality noticeably outlasts the BLACK+DECKER when you're putting in real hours.

What we like

  • Variable speed dial — slow start prevents surface scratching
  • Dust collection system outperforms bag-style budget sanders
  • Motor handles continuous use better than entry-level options

What to know

  • Heavier than budget models — feel it after an hour of overhead sanding
  • Not worth the jump until you're doing 4+ pieces per month
See on Amazon →
Specialty pick
BLACK+DECKER

BLACK+DECKER Mouse Detail Sander BDEMS600

$$

For spindles, carved details, and tight inside corners where a 5-inch pad won't reach. The BDEMS600's triangular pad and narrow finger attachment sand places a large orbital can't touch. Most beginners start furniture with flat dressers and don't need this yet — but once you take on a chair or a decorative sideboard, you'll wish you had it.

What we like

  • Triangular pad reaches into corners orbital sanders can't touch
  • Finger attachment sands tight spindles and carved accents

What to know

  • Too slow for large flat surfaces — pair with orbital, not replace it
  • Specialty papers cost more per sheet than standard disc packs
See on Amazon →
a blue dresser with flowers on top of it

Photo by Juan Smith on Unsplash

Chalk Paint

Chalk paint is the standard for furniture flipping because it sticks to almost anything without stripping or priming — a light scuff-sand is usually enough. It dries fast, sands easily between coats, and the flat finish is forgiving of brush strokes. Two coats cover most pieces. Annie Sloan invented the category; Rust-Oleum made it accessible at half the price. Both work. Start with Rust-Oleum, move to Annie Sloan once you know what colors you actually want to stock.

Best starter
Rust-Oleum

Rust-Oleum Chalked Ultra Matte Paint

$

Thirty-two ounces for under $15, available at every hardware store, and it behaves exactly the way chalk paint should. Sticks without primer on most surfaces, covers in two coats, and sands smooth between layers. The color range is limited but the neutrals are good. Start here — you'll use up a quart figuring out your technique before committing to pricier paint.

What we like

  • Under $15 per quart — test colors without expensive commitment
  • Available at any hardware store for same-day starts
  • Covers most furniture in two coats without primer

What to know

  • Color range narrower than Annie Sloan — limited custom mixing
  • Dries fast; overworking the brush lifts the layer beneath
See on Amazon →
Upgrade pick
Annie Sloan

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

$$$

The original chalk paint, and still the benchmark. The coverage is exceptional — most pieces take one heavy coat or two light ones — and the pigment quality means colors stay true after waxing. More importantly, the range of colors is wider and more curated. Once you're selling regularly and want your pieces to look consistent and premium, Annie Sloan is where you go.

What we like

  • Best color depth in chalk paint — neutrals and deep tones stay rich
  • Coverage rate beats Rust-Oleum — often one coat on raw wood
  • Widely trusted by resellers; buyers recognize the name

What to know

  • $45+ per liter makes experimentation expensive
  • Only available online or at specialty stockists — no hardware store
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
Plaid

Folkart Home Decor Chalk Paint

$

Eight ounces for around $5 — cheap enough to test a color before committing to a full quart. Good for small accent pieces or testing a new color on a board first. Coverage is thin, so plan on three coats on anything porous, but for small projects and color testing it's the right way in.

What we like

  • Cheapest per-ounce entry into chalk paint — ideal for color testing
  • Wide color range at craft stores for easy in-person comparisons

What to know

  • Thinner consistency needs 3 coats on porous surfaces
  • 8-oz size is too small for anything bigger than a nightstand
See on Amazon →
some paint and some brushes on a table

Photo by Karolina De Costa on Unsplash

Brushes & Applicators

Chalk paint brushes aren't special — they're stiff, natural or synthetic bristle brushes that hold a good load of paint. A 2-3 inch angled brush gets into most furniture details. A foam roller cuts application time on flat panel doors and drawer fronts in half and gives a smoother finish with fewer brush marks. You do not need expensive brushes to start — a $10 chip brush set will get you through your first three pieces.

Best starter
Wooster

Wooster Shortcut Angle Sash Paintbrush 2-Inch

$

Professional-grade brush that holds more paint than cheap chip brushes and leaves fewer bristle marks. The angled tip gets into corners and under drawer lips without dripping. Painters have trusted Wooster for decades — this is the brush you use on one piece, clean immediately, and it lasts through 20 more.

What we like

  • Holds more paint load than chip brushes — fewer reloads per stroke
  • Angled tip reaches under drawer lips and into frame corners
  • Professional grade at a price you won't mind replacing

What to know

  • Must be cleaned within 30 minutes — chalk paint dries in the bristles
  • Angle shape takes a few strokes to get used to if you're new to it
See on Amazon →
Specialty pick
Purdy

Purdy Jumbo Mini Roller Kit 4.5-Inch

$

A foam roller on flat drawer fronts or cabinet doors cuts your painting time in half and produces a noticeably smoother finish than a brush. Use a brush for edges and details, roll the flat surfaces. The technique flip that pros use on cabinet jobs translates directly to furniture flipping.

What we like

  • Smoother finish on flat panels than any brush technique
  • Cuts application time in half on drawer fronts and cabinet doors

What to know

  • Useless on curved or detailed surfaces — still need a brush for those
  • Rollers soak up more paint than brushes — waste adds up on small jobs
See on Amazon →
a paint can with a brush on top of it

Photo by Maciej Karoń on Unsplash

Waxes & Topcoats

Chalk paint needs a topcoat — it's porous and will absorb every fingerprint and water ring without one. Wax is the traditional finish: you apply it with a brush or rag, buff it out, and it gives a beautiful, soft sheen. The downside is that wax isn't waterproof and needs reapplication every couple of years. For pieces that will see hard use — a dining table, a kitchen cabinet — a water-based polycrylic gives more durable protection with a slight sheen. Match the topcoat to what the buyer will actually do with the piece.

Best starter
Rust-Oleum

Rust-Oleum Chalked Paint Wax

$

Designed to work with Rust-Oleum Chalked Paint but works fine over any chalk paint. Easy to apply with a brush or lint-free rag, buff out to a soft matte sheen in minutes. Comes in clear, dark, and white — the dark wax antiqued into crevices and edges is a signature furniture-flipping look. Start clear, experiment with dark once you're comfortable.

What we like

  • Clear and dark wax options — dark antiqued into details is a signature look
  • Easy to apply and buff — forgives amateur technique
  • Available at hardware stores for same-day finishing

What to know

  • Not waterproof — unsuitable for dining tables or high-use surfaces
  • Won't bond over poly or sealed finishes — surface must be chalk paint
See on Amazon →
Upgrade pick
Annie Sloan

Annie Sloan Soft Wax

$$$

A softer, more workable wax that buffs out to a gorgeous depth. The consistency lets you work it into carved details and get a very even finish without drag marks. Pairs with the Annie Sloan paint system for a result that photographs and sells at a premium. Worth it once you're pricing pieces above $300.

What we like

  • Softer than Rust-Oleum wax — works into carved details without drag
  • Finished look photographs beautifully — a premium resale signal

What to know

  • Expensive at $30+ for a small tin — get more coverage from Rust-Oleum
  • Overkill for utility pieces or anything under $150 resale
See on Amazon →
Specialty pick
Minwax

Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish

$$

When wax isn't durable enough — dining tables, bar carts, anything that will see daily use and spills — switch to polycrylic. Water-based so it won't yellow like oil-based poly. Apply with a foam brush in thin coats. Not the chalk-paint aesthetic, but the right answer for practical furniture.

What we like

  • Water-resistant and durable — right for tables, bar carts, nightstands
  • Water-based formula won't yellow over light chalk paint colors

What to know

  • Requires light sanding between coats — more steps than wax
  • Slightly more sheen than wax — less characteristic of the chalk look
See on Amazon →

Hardware

New hardware is the detail that takes a piece from 'painted furniture' to 'styled furniture.' Pull the drawer knobs on any thrift store piece and you'll usually find stamped brass or plastic from the 1990s. Replacing them with matte black, brushed gold, or ceramic hardware costs $15-40 and adds $50-100 to the perceived value of the piece. Buy a measuring tape and know your hole spacing before you order — center-to-center measurements matter.

Best starter
Amerock

Amerock Everyday Heritage Matte Black Knobs (10-pack)

$

Matte black knobs are the single most versatile hardware choice for painted furniture — they read modern without being trendy and photograph well. Amerock is the house brand at most hardware stores, which means consistent quality and easy returns if the hole spacing doesn't match. Buy a pack of 10 and you'll have enough for a full 6-drawer dresser with spares.

What we like

  • Matte black reads modern — photographs well in resale listings
  • Standard 1.25-inch screw fits most furniture without drilling
  • Available at hardware stores — easy to exchange the wrong size

What to know

  • Knobs only — drawer pulls (two-hole) need a separate search
  • Matte black shows fingerprints more than brushed finishes
See on Amazon →
Specialty pick
Homdiy

Brushed Gold Drawer Pulls 3-inch (10-pack)

$

Brushed gold pulls on a navy or forest green painted dresser is the look all over furniture-flipping TikTok right now — and for good reason, it sells. These Homdiy pulls are sturdy, the finish holds up, and at $20 for 10 you can put a full set on a dresser without agonizing over the spend.

What we like

  • Gold on dark paint is the trending look that sells quickly on Marketplace
  • 3-inch center-to-center fits most mid-century dresser pull holes

What to know

  • Brushed gold finish chips on heavy use — not for high-traffic drawers
  • Trendy now; consider whether it'll still read well in 12 months
See on Amazon →

Safety & Cleanup

Chalk paint is water-based and relatively low-hazard, but sanding generates real dust — especially on older furniture that may have lead paint if it's pre-1978. A P100 half-face respirator is the correct protection for sanding anything old. Nitrile gloves keep wax and paint off your hands. A canvas drop cloth protects your workspace. None of this is expensive, and skipping it is how you ruin a floor or inhale something you shouldn't.

Best starter
3M

3M Half Facepiece Respirator 6502QL

$$

A P100 half-face respirator for sanding furniture — especially anything pre-1978 — is the purchase you'll be glad you made. The 6502QL uses push-button cartridge attachment so you can swap filters in seconds. Sanding dust from old furniture isn't a minor irritant; wear the respirator.

What we like

  • P100 cartridges block sanding dust and lead paint particles
  • Quick-release cartridges swap in seconds without tools

What to know

  • Cartridges sold separately — budget another $10-15 for filters
  • Hot and foggy in warm weather — take breaks in fresh air
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
Trimaco

Canvas Drop Cloth 9x12 ft

$

Canvas catches sanding dust and paint drips without slipping across the floor like plastic sheeting. A 9x12 drop cloth protects your entire workspace and folds up to nothing when stored. Buy one and you'll use it every single flip.

What we like

  • Canvas stays put — won't slide under furniture the way plastic does
  • Catches sanding dust and paint drips in one reusable cloth

What to know

  • Soaks up paint spills rather than containing them — wash before reuse
  • Heavier than plastic sheeting — takes more space to store
See on Amazon →
Going deeper

Your first weekend of furniture flipping

Most people overthink it. Here's what the first flip actually looks like — from finding the piece to posting the listing — with the mistakes that cost you time and money explained before you make them.

Read the guide →
Save your money

What you don't need yet

Beginners get pressured to buy a lot of stuff that doesn't help them play better. Here's what we'd skip on day one.

  • A paint sprayer — HVLP sprayers produce beautiful results but require thinning the paint correctly, cleaning the gun between uses, and a well-ventilated space. Master brush and roller technique first on five pieces minimum.
  • A heat gun or chemical stripper — Most pieces painted with chalk paint don't need to be stripped to bare wood. Scuff-sand and paint. Save the stripping tools for heavily damaged or lacquered pieces.
  • An air compressor nailer — For repairing loose joints and backs, hand tools handle your first pieces. A nailer makes sense when you're doing structural repairs on every flip.
  • Fancy chalk paint palettes — Pick two or three neutral colors you'll actually use — white, off-white, and a dark tone. Twelve colors sounds strategic but you'll use three and the rest will dry out in the tin.
  • Professional-grade wood filler — A $6 tube of DAP spackling compound handles most nicks, scratches, and small gouges on painted pieces. The pro products matter when you're doing structural repairs.
  • A drum sander — Belt and drum sanders are aggressive tools that can ruin a piece of furniture in seconds. A random orbital sander is the correct starting point for 95% of flipping work.
First week

Your first seven days

A short, real plan to get from gear-on-doorstep to actually playing.

  1. Find your first piece. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist free section, or a thrift store. Target: solid wood dresser or side table for under $40. · Action
  2. Pick up sander, sandpaper (80-grit and 120-grit), chalk paint, wax, and a brush from any hardware store. · Buy
  3. Clean the piece thoroughly. TSP substitute or a degreaser. Paint won't stick well to grimy furniture. · Action
  4. Sand the whole piece lightly with 120-grit to scuff the surface. You're not stripping — just roughening the sheen. · Action
  5. Apply two coats of chalk paint, letting it dry 1-2 hours between coats. Don't overwork the brush. · Action
  6. Apply wax with a lint-free rag or brush, work in sections, buff with a clean cloth. Let cure 24 hours. · Action
  7. Replace the hardware. New drawer pulls instantly elevate the finished piece — this step photographs better than it seems. · Buy
  8. List it on Facebook Marketplace. Take photos in natural light against a clean wall. Price it at 2-3x what you paid for the piece plus supplies. · Action
FAQ

Common questions

Do I need to strip furniture before painting it with chalk paint?

No — that's the point of chalk paint. A light scuff-sand with 120-grit gives it something to grip, and it adheres to most surfaces without stripping or priming. The exception: lacquered finishes and glossy polyurethane sometimes need a wipe-down with liquid deglosser before chalk paint will stick.

Can you actually make money flipping furniture?

Yes, but not on your first piece. Most beginners break even or lose $20-30 on piece one while they figure out technique, timing, and pricing. By piece three or four you'll have a process and a better eye for what pieces sell. Regular flippers with volume do $200-600 per month as a side income. It compounds with sourcing skill.

What kind of furniture sells best when flipped?

Dressers and nightstands consistently move fastest — every household needs them, they're abundant at thrift stores, and paint transforms them dramatically. Dining tables sell well but require more prep and sturdier topcoats. Chairs are harder to flip profitably because of labor — skip them to start.

What's the difference between chalk paint and regular latex paint?

Chalk paint is specifically formulated to adhere without priming on most surfaces and dries to a flat, chalky matte finish that's easy to distress and wax. Latex paint needs more surface prep, dries harder, and requires more coats. For furniture flipping, chalk paint saves you the prep steps that make latex work on non-porous surfaces.

How long does a furniture flip actually take?

Most dressers or side tables take 4-6 active hours spread over two days — half a day for cleaning and sanding, then paint coats with drying time in between, then wax and hardware on day two. Don't try to rush it into one day; letting coats dry properly is what separates a good finish from a scratchy one.

Is it safe to sand old furniture? What about lead paint?

Furniture made before 1978 may have lead paint. Don't sand it dry without a P100 respirator. A lead test kit from any hardware store costs $3 and takes 30 seconds — worth doing on anything old. If it tests positive, either paint over it without sanding or take the piece to a professional stripper.

Going further

Where to next

Related hobbies

Browse by category

Authoritative sources

  • Furniture Flip on TikTok — The real-time pulse of what's selling and what techniques people are using. Filter by 'most liked' to see what finishes photograph and list well.
  • r/furnitureflipping — Active community with before/after posts, pricing questions, and sourcing tips. Search 'first flip' to read what beginners actually struggled with.
  • Annie Sloan Blog — Technique-focused content from the chalk paint inventor. The how-to videos on distressing, dark wax application, and color layering are genuinely useful.
  • Salvaged Inspirations (YouTube) — One of the most-watched furniture flipping channels. Step-by-step technique videos with real before/after pricing. Start with any dresser makeover video.
  • Facebook Marketplace — Your primary sourcing and selling platform. Set saved searches for 'dresser', 'nightstand', and 'furniture free' in your zip code.
  • EPA Lead Paint Safety — If you're sanding pre-1978 furniture, read this. Lead paint safety is the most underemphasized hazard in furniture flipping content.

As an Amazon Associate, JustBeginning earns from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commission from other affiliate programs linked on this page. Editorial recommendations are independent — we don't choose products based on commission rates.