Need the perfect gift for the furniture painter and refinisher in your life? Or, maybe YOU are the refinisher and ready to gift yourself some essential items to take your business to the next level!

This refinisher's gift guide is a compilation of amazing products & tools to help a refinisher do what they do best – create!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links.

PAINTING ESSENTIALS

PAINT

You can't have a refinisher's gift guide without PAINT! And, let me tell you… there are SO many incredible lines to choose from! Here are some of my all-time favorites I recommend.

Recommended Paint Lines:

Fusion Mineral Paint

The Chippy Barn by Amulent

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

Shackteau Interiors Milk Paint – use MEG15 for 15% off your order!

Old Barn Milk Paint

Why do I love & recommend these lines? Because they are ultra-low or no VOC while proving amazing coverage, and high durability. Plus, the color lines are truly stunning!

In addition, they also allow your refinisher to create the style they love -from a sleek and modern finish to an ultra-chippy look as if weathered for years.

APPLICATORS

Zibra Paintbrushes

My absolute favorite way to paint and refinish furniture is by using my Zibra paintbrush collection. Why? Each has a specific function that makes every job easier. (REALLY!) Their detail brushes are a must!

PROS: Specialized, nylon bristles, no shedding, hold an amazing amount of paint, easy to clean, & get the job done perfectly with a smooth finish. Basically, any refinisher would be thrilled to be gifted one or all of these!

Zibra Paintbrushes & Functions:

Triangle brush: This brush can't be beat when tackling edges, corners, or cutting in. I will even use it over flat surfaces for a one-brush project.

Round brush: The conqueror of spindles! Seriously, I don't even look at spindles without my round brush in hand. It gives a polished finish in a fraction of the time as a normal brush.

Fan brush: I've come to LOVE this brush so much, because it contours amazing to different shapes and surfaces, especially molding. It works great for applying topcoats and hemp oil too!

Palm pro: Refinishers will see all sorts of furniture pieces and some with very tight-to-reach areas. The palm pro has the perfect short handle that fits amazing in your hand and these tough-spots.

Square brush: Tight or narrow surfaces? No problem! The square brush is seriously the perfect size for these, like dresser trim, moldings, and mirrors.

Chiseled wedge: Don't be fooled by its looks. This isn't your average brush! The slightly tapered edge lets you cut in, but its thickness can hold a ton of paint to cover big, flat surfaces.

I get asked all the time how I get such a smooth finish using a brush, and I can honestly say it's because of these brushes. You can find the whole line on Zibra's website or a select variety in Home Depot and Lowes stores. Your refinisher WILL thank you!!

Spray Gun:

If your refinisher doesn't want to paint exclusively by hand, a paint sprayer or spray gun can give your refinisher a truly professional-grade finish. With proper use, a sprayed finish is very clean and provides efficient coverage with no brush marks.

Graco Truecoat DSP 360 Paint Sprayer

My husband gifted me this paint sprayer for Mother's day a few years back. Mind you at the time we were not expecting AKA only mama to our lazy bulldog… but I was over-the-moon, regardless!

A great feature of this sprayer is it is airless. Airless means consistent output = consistent finish. It also features little to NO thinning of the paint required! It comes with two nozzles for different applications and the clean up is relatively easy.

Here are some of the additional items needed for successful spraying:

Flexliner paint bags: easy to clean or toss after use & good for multiple color projects for easy change out.

Pump armor: protects your sprayers' pump in between uses and from freezing in cold weather.

Paper paint strainers: prevents paint chunks or unwanted debris from clogging your sprayer or getting in your finish.

Pre-taped painter's plastic: all-in-one tape and plastic that perfectly attaches to drawers to prevent overspray.

HomeRight Max Super Finish Max Home Sprayer

A true favorite in the refinishing world for a number of reasons: cost & coverage! This sprayer is budget-friendly but that doesn't mean it compromises a professional finish.

Spray Shelter:

Another gift I received that makes the refinisher's gift guide is a spray shelter. My parents gifted me one as a birthday present last year, and it has been amazing!

They are really a great investment for someone who wants to contain their spray but may not have space in a garage or shop for a permanent spray booth.

HomeRight Large Portable Spray Booth

Like putting up a simple tent, this portable sprayer can be stored when not in use and put up in under 10 minutes. I put a big drop cloth underneath, and within minutes I have a perfect space to spray up to a large dresser.

Beware, shelters may be overtaken by small children and dogs.

HomeRight Medium Portable Spray Booth

This smaller size is even more space-efficient for someone who is limited. They can easily fit nightstands or side tables, chairs, etc.

TOOLS:

Having a set of tools is crucial for the refinisher to expand their inventory! What do I mean by this? Well, if they have the necessary tools to repair, restore, or even change a piece of furniture altogether, they can expand the amount of furniture they can refinish!

We received a Ryobi toolset a few years back from our good friends, and it has been one of the best gifts! SO, it is a big item on the refinisher's gift guide!

This is the set we got and I highly recommend it. These tools allow your refinisher to be efficient and provide a ton of opportunity for next-level projects.

The set includes a drill, impact driver, miter saw, circular saw, jigsaw, reciprocating saw, flashlight, and battery packs that work on the whole set (plus a case!). I've outlined the items I think are most important for our refinisher's gift guide!

Often, you can find a great deal on a set but, you can also buy them individually depending on your budget and your refinisher's needs.

Drill

This drill is perfect for removing and replacing hardware and hinges efficiently on furniture. A driving kit and set of drill bits are also great to have for adding feet to furniture or creating new holes when repositioning hardware. (Like this desk's hardware update)

Miter Saw

A miter saw is great for cutting with precision! It adjusts from 0 to 45 degrees for achieving perfect angles. In addition, it even has a laser to guide your cuts so you get the right cut every time.

Circular Saw

A circular saw makes for one powerful sidekick in a refinisher's tool belt. It bevels from 0 to 50 degrees and has a laser for precision. It is perfect for wooden cuts of all kinds; from precisely measured new wooden tops to full deconstruction, like this vanity completely repurposed into nightstands.

Jig Saw

A jigsaw is great for curved or intricate cuts a refinisher will make. It allows for quick cuts and also plunge cuts! I love that I can cut into tight areas with this saw.

In addition to items in this set, I would recommend the following supplemental tools for the refinisher's gift guide that I use on almost every project!

Orbital Sander

I use my sander for every furniture project. It is fundamental in the prep process for an efficient scuff sanding. It also works great for removing old finishes and prepping wood surfaces for stain.

Stock up on some sanding pad replacements and you are set!

Brad Nailer

I was a little intimated to use this at first, but this brad nailer has been awesome! It is super easy to use and has been great for adding new tops, attaching loose pieces or new trim, and adding new back panels to pieces.

Multi-Tool

A small tool but one that definitely comes in handy! This multi-tool helps your refinisher cut down hardware screws to the perfect length. No more long screws sticking out in the drawers.

PREP ESSENTIALS:

Clamps

Prepping often includes repairs to a piece. Having a set of small clamps and a few long ones can be super handy to glue and clamp loose wood pieces all the way to dovetail drawers. These are heavy-duty, adjustable, and easy to use!

Bondo

This filler is a godsend for furniture repairs. From chipped or missing veneer, gouges or scratches, even missing pieces that need a mold – bondo is a furniture refinisher's gift guide essential! You can learn exactly how to use this fast-drying, super durable filler in my step-by-step bondo process.

Shellac

After bondo, and after sanding, Shellac is a refinisher's best friend. Why? It helps to stop bleed-through or tannins in the wood that can come through when paint is applied. Using a few coats of Shellac can stop stubborn bleed-through areas rather than painting 6 coats of paint. It also helps seal in musty or smokey smells!

BIN Primer

Similar to Shellac, this primer is made by Zinsser and prevents stains and bleed-through! An essential for refinishers especially before painting a piece where bleed-through is expected, like painting a piece white. Rather than using many coats of your expensive furniture paint, using a few coats of BIN first helps you save time and money!

SHOP EQUIPMENT:

Shop Stool

This shop stool will be a lifesaver on your refinisher's back. Instead of leaning over or squatting all the time, this stool adjusts up and down and is on wheels making it extra simple to maneuver around pieces.

I also love the little collect-all spot below the seat which is handy for keeping tools or materials needed close by while working.

Shop-Vac

A staple for keeping a shop clean but also furniture pieces! Refinishers will use a shop-vac on every piece to vacuum out the inside and underside. After they sand a piece, it is perfect to help remove as much dust as possible before wiping it down.

Maybe they have a really big shop? Shop-vacs come in a variety of sizes making it super convenient to get the perfect size for them.

Work Bench

A true shop necessity on our refinisher's gift guide! You might even want to gift multiple workbenches or work surfaces like this. They are extremely helpful for holding your refinisher's immediate products or tools for projects. They might also do clamping or cutting off of it. A moveable option is very convenient too in order to work around multiple projects.

MOVING EQUIPMENT:

Furniture Dollies

For heavy pieces or even just awkward ones, these dollies make rearranging or shifting furniture pieces SO much easier. Often, I am able to get the pieces on these by myself so I don't have to wait for my husband's help. It's almost like you are gifting a furniture mover (almost!)

Set of Four Tri-Dollies

These individual dollies work great for moving and painting furniture pieces with legs versus a flat bottom. Each dolly is on casters and allows you to paint under and around the feet with ease.

Furniture Blankets

Furniture blankets are a must for the refinisher. Whether it is picking up furniture or making the final delivery of custom work, the last thing you want is to ruin a piece of furniture. These blankets provide protection from bumping around in the back seat or truck bed. Invest in a few of these instead of risking a beautiful new finish.

Ratchet Tie Down Straps

After wrapping the furniture in protective blankets, the next step is securing them to the vehicle with straps! These allow your refinisher to adjust the tightness around each piece, ensuring a safe trip home.

SAFETY:

Respirator

This is such an important piece of protective equipment! Even with amazing paint lines that are zero-to-low VOC, it is still important to protect yourself. When sanding previous finishes, applying paint, and topcoat, wearing a respirator is ALWAYS a good idea.

Don't think you're inhaling much? Take a look at the before and after on your respirator pads. Better caught in the pads than in your lungs, am I right??

Glasses

Protective eyewear is also a good idea. Especially while sanding, cutting, using chemicals like paint stripper, etc. you'll want to protect your eyes. After you have gotten sawdust in your eyes one too many times, you realize it isn't fun or worth it. Just wear glasses!

PHOTOGRAPHY:

DSLR Camera

When your refinisher is selling furniture, it is so important they have high-quality photos of their pieces! It helps a buyer picture the piece in their home and helps the refinisher get top dollar for their hard work! This Canon Rebel DSLR Camera is an awesome option for an entry-level camera, and the set comes with everything they need to get started.

Cell Phone with a High-Quality Camera

While a DSLR is great for professional-looking photos, it isn't mandatory. Cellphone cameras are continuing to evolve like crazy, making them a great option for a refinisher's photography needs! This iPhone features a triple camera system that is top-of-the-line!

Tripod

If your refinisher is using their phone's camera, this tripod is an easy accessory to gift, that packs a big impact. It is adjustable and allows for a steady and level photo to be taken every shot. It even comes with a remote! My sister gifted me this and it's been awesome.

Photography Lights

This lighting kit is budget-friendly but gets the job done! It is a great little set that will improve your refinisher's lighting when it comes to staging and photographing pieces. The set comes with two umbrellas, two tall stands and one shorter one, plus a case!

Staging Wall – Gift Card

A staging wall is another important aspect of a refinisher's business because it provides a consistent and clean backdrop for photos! It helps customers identify the refinisher's work quickly and gives a polished end photo to showcase each piece! They can go so many ways with this area, so a gift card to Lowes might be best to give them access to all options.

For example – they can choose their favorite flooring, create a shiplap wall, use beadboard, or choose wainscotting accents. The options are limitless and will go a long way in their business!

Gift the Gift to Create!

There are truly SO many amazing gifts to give your furniture refinisher! I hope this refinisher's gift guide makes gift-giving easier and brings joy to whoever receives them!

Sharing is caring!