Below are the go-to finishing tools and supplies I use to build my 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 at that time, so please keep that in mind when making buying decisions based on my recommendations below. Also, keep in mind 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 perform up to expectations. In the long run, If I find a better tool or product in the future, I will update this list.
And finally, after 20 years of buying tools, some of the tools have stood the test of time, but the manufacture no longer makes that exact model. If that is the case, I will try to find a comparable model to the one I use and list it below.
Not all, but most of the following links are affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you make purchases after following these links. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Spray Finishing Equipment
Fuji MPX-30 Gravity RP Gun with Cup
This is my go-to spray gun for just about 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 Polyurathane 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 manufacture’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 an absolute 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.