How To Fix Brush Strokes In Chalk Paint

When recreating these chalk paint furniture ideas in your home, you may come across some brush strokes that are not as smooth as you would like. These marks can be frustrating, especially when you want your furniture to have a flawless finish. But here’s how to fix brush strokes in chalk paint to the rescue!

With a few simple steps, you can easily smooth out those brush strokes and get that professional and smooth look. So don’t worry if your attempts at using chalk paint leaves you with visible brush marks, just follow these tips to tackle them!

applying chalk paint using brush with text overlay

When working with chalk paint, you get a unique and beautiful finish that adds character to any furniture piece. It’s easy to use, versatile, and can give your home a trendy distressed look. However, it’s not uncommon to encounter some issues when using chalk paint, such as visible brush marks.

These visible brush marks and textures can occur due to the thickness of chalk paint. Chalk paint is thicker and doesn’t level out well on its own, so it’s important to take some extra steps to get a smooth finish.

So let’s look into how to fix brush strokes when using chalk paint, including how to prevent them in the first place. Let’s dive in!

Use High Quality Brushes with Chalk Paint

Since we’re talking about brush strokes, the type of brush you use for your chalk paint project is actually the most important factor. Using a high quality brush will not only help prevent visible brush marks, but it will also make your painting process smoother and easier. Brands like Zibra, Staalmeester, and Cling On offer a range of brushes that cater to different furniture painting needs, including painting with chalk paint.

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Zibra Paint Brush

The Zibra paint brush line comes in different shapes that cater to various furniture details, but for minimal brush marks, you’ll want to get the round brush. Zibra has high quality bristles that hold the paint well, allowing for maximum coverage and a smooth finish. These brushes are also budget friendly, so you can stock up on them for future projects.

The handles on Zibra brushes may be a little different than usual though, so it may take some getting used to. But once you do, you’ll be painting like a pro with minimal brush strokes in no time! Check out our DIY teal blue nightstands makeover where we used a Zibra paintbrush.

Staalmeester Paint Brush

If you’re looking for a brush that gives your furniture that true brush free finish, the Staalmeester Paint Brush is the way to go. It’s great for getting into those detailed spots easily, making it ideal for furniture with intricate designs. Its bristles are shed free, which means you’ll have a seamless application of chalk paint without worrying about any stray hairs getting stuck in your finish.

But you’ll need to prepare yourself for the price tag on these brushes. And you’ll need to get them online unless you have a local retailer that sells them. However, if you’re serious about getting that professional finish with minimal brush strokes, investing in a Staalmeester Paint Brush is definitely worth it!

Cling On Paint Brush

Let’s talk about the Cling On Paint Brush – these brushes also come in various shapes and sizes, making them suitable for different furniture and surfaces. They’re also known for their durability and minimal shedding, so you get a tool that will last you through multiple furniture projects. And the best part? They’re priced in the middle range, making them accessible to most DIY-ers!

But similar to the Staalmeester, you’ll have to buy these online, so keep that in mind when planning your project timeline. You can learn more about these best chalk paint brushes in detail here!

If you really don’t want any of those pesky brush marks, consider investing in these best paint sprayer for chalk paint options. They are a bit more expensive, but give you an even and smooth finish minus the brush texture – they save you time too!

Thin Out Chalk Paint

Aside from using a high quality brush, thinning out your chalk paint is another key step to get rid of those brush strokes. You just mix a little bit of water into your paint, and you’re good to go! This will make the paint thinner, which means it will take longer to dry than if you were using unthinned paint.

This extended drying time allows the brush strokes to flatten out and settle, creating a smoother finish. Just remember not to go overboard with the water, as this can affect the consistency and coverage of the paint. You can always add more water if needed, but too much may cause dripping and uneven coverage.

A 3-part paint to 1-part water ratio is a good starting point. Mix the water and paint well, and test it out on a small area first before applying it to your entire project.

Sand Brush Marks

Now the above steps are more on prevention, but what if you’ve already painted your furniture and you’re facing visible brush strokes? Well, you can fix them by sanding the dry chalk paint.

Sand those brush marks out with 220 grit sandpaper, gently going over the surface until the texture is smooth. Be careful not to sand too much as this can remove the chalk paint and reveal the wood underneath.

220 grit sandpaper to sand brush marks on furniture

This sanding step will also help prepare the surface for a topcoat. You’ll need to seal chalk paint because it’s not as durable on its own and can easily chip or scratch, and sanding will create a better bond for the topcoat.

So not only will you get rid of those pesky brush marks, but you’ll also be setting your furniture piece up for long lasting beauty. Here’s all about sealing painted furniture for more helpful tips!

So if you’re going to paint with chalk paint, make sure you have the right brush, thin out your paint, and sand any brush marks. And if you’re still not satisfied with the results, consider investing in a paint sprayer for a professional finish.

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How To Fix Brush Strokes In Chalk Paint