Chalk paint is incredibly easy to use, has a super fast drying time, and comes in so many pretty colors. But, I have found that some brushes work better than others. Today, I’m sharing what I believe are the BEST chalk paint brushes for your project.
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Top Picks for Natural Bristle Brushes
Infiniti Elements Natural Brushes
New Renaissance Natural Bristles
Other good natural brush options to consider: Annie Sloan, Dixie Belle, and Amy Howard.
Top Picks for Synthetic Blend or Synthetic Brushes
Chalk Painted Furniture Examples
If you haven’t used chalk paint before, you may be wondering how it actually looks on furniture makeovers before you go out to purchase a new brush and all of the other supplies needed to start your project.
I’ve completed countless chalk paint projects in our home. Here are a few of my favorite:
- Our kitchen table makeover where I used Amy Howard One Step Paint (chalk paint) in Linen on the base of the table as well as the chairs (minus the seat):
- Black chalk painted piano. My daughter and I seriously did this in an afternoon and it’s beautiful:
- Painting outdated brown barstools with white chalk paint;
- A post FULL of before and after chalk painted furniture:
TIP: You can make your own chalk paint at home with this simple recipe.
I think it’s important to clarify the type of brush I would suggest for chalk paint when attempting a furniture makeover.
Natural Bristle versus Synthetic, explained
If your project is to be completed with a chalk paint, I highly recommend a natural bristle brush.
Natural bristle
Natural bristle brushes are made of animal hair, will hold onto the paint better and give a more even coat with less streaking than synthetic brushes when using chalk paint. They provide a more rustic look.
When using a natural bristle brush, the paint goes further with less need to add more paint to the brush.
This is especially important when using chalk paint as it dries REALLY quickly. In a matter of minutes, usually 20-30 minutes, a thin coat of paint can dry.
The negatives with natural is they are often more expensive and shed bristles onto your project. With proper care, natural brushes can last for a very long time, making the cost justifiable.
As for the shedding bristles, as I mentioned earlier, chalk paint is quite forgiving. If you notice a bristle has shed in your paint after it has dried, simply sand the surface slightly and apply more paint as needed to that area.
With a good natural brush, the shedding typically is much less of an issue after the first 2-3 uses.
Synthetic
Synthetic brushes are man-made bristles, made of nylon and/or polyester. They tend to be much less expensive than natural. In general, synthetic have a smoother finish than natural brushes, but in my opinion, that is not the case with chalk paint and other fast drying paints.
Because these brushes have slicker bristles, they require a more frequent reload of your paint onto the brush. Because of this, synthetic brushes will likely cause more brush marks with chalk paint. But they are excellent for application of latex paint.
They also are a great option for those that want to avoid using a brush made from animal hair.
Synthetic Blend brushes
A blend is often a good compromise. Because the animal hair brushes (natural) are more expensive, this can be somewhat of a deterrent for some. First, let me say, it shouldn’t be. These brushes can last for YEARS if properly cared for.
But, if the price tag is too hefty for the natural brush, the synthetic blend options above are great alternatives.
Avoid Chip Brushes
Chip brushes are the really inexpensive, in other words “cheap”, brushes you can often find for under $1 a piece. These low quality brushes will not leave you with the best outcome.
They have a lot of bristle shedding and leave brush marks. It’s worth it to invest a little bit and have a quality brush you can use for years to come.
Use different brushes for chalk paint and wax
It’s best to have a different brush for the chalk paint and wax. I personally tend to not even use a wax brush as I like to apply wax with a lint-free cloth! Just my personal preference.
How do you get a smooth finish with chalk paint?
As mentioned, the brush you choose will certainly have an impact on how smooth your painted furniture will look. A natural bristle brush is your best bet, but you can certainly have a beautiful end result with a synthetic brush.
Sanding lightly before applying wax is helpful in getting rid of brush strokes. There is some controversy on whether sanding should be done before or after waxing. Personally I feel it is just a little easier to do before waxing, so that’s good enough for me!
How do you clean brushes after using chalk paint?
Clean your brushes by rinsing them thoroughly in warm water. If needed, use a mild grease-cutting soap to help remove the chalk paint.
The same is true for cleaning a brush after using wax, except you will definitely need to use a grease-cutting soap.
Avoid any harsh chemicals when cleaning your brushes. If possible, allow your brushes to hang to dry after washing.
Grab a brush and happy painting!
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I’m April – a DIYer, home organization fanatic, and simple gal who loves a simple craft. My mission is to help you create a home AND LIFE you LOVE!