10 Best Brushes for Smooth Chalk Paint Application

Chalk paint has become a favorite among DIY enthusiasts and furniture painters. But picking the right brush can make or break your project.

Unlike regular paint, chalk paint needs special brushes to achieve that perfect vintage, matte finish. 

Many beginners make the mistake of using any old brush, only to end up with streaks and uneven coverage. In this guide, we’ll look at the best brushes to help you get professional-looking results with chalk paint.

Want to transform an old dresser? Planning to give new life to kitchen cabinets? Using the right brush makes your painting journey much easier.

We’ll explore both natural and synthetic options that work well with chalk paint. You’ll soon understand why certain brushes create better results than others.

Why Do You Need Special Brushes for Chalk Paint?

You may wonder, “Why can’t I just use any brush for chalk paint?” While it is technically possible to use a regular paintbrush, there are significant advantages to using brushes specifically designed for chalk paint.

Chalk paint has a thick, creamy consistency, which requires a brush that can handle its texture and provide smooth coverage.

Regular brushes, like those used for latex or oil-based paints, often lack the firm bristles to apply chalk paint evenly.

If you use a regular paintbrush, you may find that the bristles tend to leave streaks or that the paint doesn’t go on as smoothly as you’d like.

Special chalk paint brushes, on the other hand, are designed with firmer bristles that distribute the paint more evenly. They also allow you to control the flow of paint more easily and ensure a smooth finish with minimal brush strokes.

Using the right brush is key to achieving the clean, professional-looking results that chalk paint is famous for.

Easy and Effective Brushes for Chalk Painting

While many options are available, some brushes work better than others for chalk paint. Here are a few brushes that are known for their performance:

1. Annie Sloan Flat Brush

Annie Sloan’s flat brush is one of the most popular brushes for chalk paint. It has firm, natural bristles that work well with the thick consistency of chalk paint.

The flat shape allows for smooth, even coverage over large areas, and the brush’s size is perfect for painting furniture and cabinets.

• Pros:
  • High-quality natural bristles
  • Designed specifically for chalk paint
  • Perfect for large, flat surfaces
• Cons:
  • It can be a bit expensive
  • It may not be ideal for small, detailed areas
• Recommendation: Great for large furniture pieces, cabinets, or walls. Choose this for a smooth, professional finish.
• Cost: Approximately $30-$40

2. Zibra Premium Paintbrush

Zibra brushes are known for their high-quality synthetic bristles. Their angled brushes, in particular, are perfect for detailing edges and corners.

These brushes work well with chalk paint and provide a smooth, streak-free finish.

• Pros:
  • Synthetic bristles that work well with chalk paint
  • Angled shape for better control in tight spots
  • Comfortable handle
• Cons:
  • It may require multiple coats for even coverage
  • Slightly stiffer than other brushes
• Recommendation: Ideal for detailed work, corners, and edges. Great if you need control and precision.
• Cost: Approximately $12.95

3. Purdy XL Brush

Purdy’s XL brush is a top pick for larger projects. Its stiff bristles make it easy to apply a smooth coat of chalk paint over large surfaces, and its ergonomic handle makes it comfortable for long painting sessions.

• Pros:
  • Works well with chalk paint
  • Firm bristles for smooth application
  • Durable and reliable
• Cons:
  • A bit bulky for fine detail work
  • It can be heavy for long projects
• Recommendation: Choose for larger projects or surfaces that need quick coverage.
• Cost: Approximately $25-$30

4. Wooster Shortcut Brush

Wooster’s Shortcut brush is a great option for smaller projects. It has a short, thick handle that gives you more control over your strokes, making it ideal for painting small furniture pieces or intricate designs.

• Pros:
  • Short handle for better control
  • Works well for smaller areas
  • Comfortable grip
• Cons:
  • Not ideal for large surface areas
  • We may need to clean more often due to the size
• Recommendation: Best for small furniture pieces or detailed trim work.
• Cost: Approximately $10-$12

5. Pro Grade Paint Brush Set

Pro grade paintbrush set offers a variety of brush sizes, making it versatile for different projects. It’s an affordable option for beginners who need multiple sizes for various tasks.

• Pros:
  • Variety of brush sizes in one set
  • Works well for chalk paint and other finishes
  • Great for beginners
• Cons:
  • Bristles may not hold as much paint as high-end options
  • May shed bristles initially
• Recommendation: A good starter set if you’re new to chalk painting and want a range of sizes.
• Cost: $7.95

6. The Chippy Brush

The Chippy Brush is known for its soft bristles; this brush helps create a distressed, shabby-chic finish, making it ideal for vintage furniture and textured looks.

• Pros:
  • Soft bristles for a more textured, distressed look
  • Good for creating a shabby-chic finish
• Cons:
  • Not ideal for smooth, flawless finishes
  • Requires extra cleaning
• Recommendation: Best for achieving a textured, rustic finish, especially on furniture or decorative items.
• Cost: Approximately $3.99

7. Dixie Belle Mini Brush

Dixie Belle Mini brush is a small, round brush designed for detail work. It’s perfect for edges, trim, and smaller furniture pieces and provides a smooth, streak-free finish.

• Pros:
  • Small and perfect for detailed work
  • Great for edges, corners, and trim
  • High-quality synthetic bristles
• Cons:
  • Takes longer for large projects due to the small size
  • Not the best for big surfaces
• Recommendation: Ideal for small projects or fine detailing, like painting drawer fronts or small décor items.
• Cost: Approximately $5-$10

8. Rust Oleum’s Chalked Paint Brush

The Rust-Oleum Chalked Paint Brush is designed for use with chalk paint, featuring synthetic bristles that allow for smooth application with minimal brush strokes. The ergonomic handle provides comfort for extended use, and the brush is perfect for both large surfaces and fine details.

• Pros:
  • Soft and flexible bristles
  • Ergonomic handle for comfortable use
  • Affordable price
• Cons:
  • Bristles may wear out quicker than high-end brands
  • Not as firm for thick chalk paint
• Recommendation: Great for beginner DIYers on a budget. Use for smaller furniture pieces or crafts.
• Cost: Approximately $10-$15

9. PaintPixie Mini Pixie Brush

This PaintPixie small, natural bristle brush is perfect for intricate, detailed work. It’s great for creating fine details and is known for its even finish without streaks.

• Pros:
  • Great for intricate designs
  • High-quality natural bristles
  • Provides an even finish without streaks
• Cons:
  • Small, so it is not ideal for large surfaces
  • May require more time for big projects
• Recommendation: Best for adding delicate details and designs to furniture or trim.
• Cost: Approximately $15-$25

10. Wooster Shortcut Angled Brush

 

This Wooster shortcut angled brush is designed for corners, edges, and trim; this angled brush features an ergonomic handle and high-quality synthetic bristles for a clean, professional finish.

• Pros:
  • Angled for perfect edges and corners
  • Comfortable, ergonomic handle
  • High-quality synthetic bristles
• Cons:
  • A little small for bigger surfaces
  • It can feel stiff when applying thick paint
• Recommendation: Choose for detailed work, edges, and trim.
• Cost: Approximately $12.95

Which One to Choose Over the Other?

• For Large Projects, Go for Annie Sloan Flat Brush or Purdy XL Brush. These are designed to handle big areas and cover quickly.
• For Detail Work: If you need precision, the Wooster Shortcut Brush, Zibra Premium Paintbrush, or Dixie Belle Mini Brush are ideal. They give you control over tight corners and small areas.
• For Textured Finishes: The Chippy Brush is great if you want a distressed or rustic finish.
• Budget-Friendly: The Pro Grade Paint Brush Set and Rust Oleum’s Chalk Paint Brush offer good value and versatility for those on a budget.

How to Choose the Best Brushes for Chalk Paint? 

Choosing the right brush for your chalk paint project can seem difficult with all the options available. To make the decision easier, let’s break down the factors you should consider when selecting a brush: 

1. Brush Shape

The shape of the brush affects how it applies to paint. Brushes come in many shapes, each designed for a specific type of job. Here are the most common shapes used for chalk paint:

Flat Brushes

A flat brush is the go-to option for covering large, flat surfaces. It spreads paint evenly and provides smooth, even coverage without too much texture.

A flat brush is your best bet if you’re painting furniture or large surfaces.

Round Brushes

Round brushes are great for detail work, edges, and corners. They are particularly useful for smaller surfaces or areas that require more precision.

They allow for more control over paint placement and are perfect for intricate designs or finishing touches.

Angled Brushes

Angled brushes are perfect for corners and edges. The angled bristles help you paint along lines, avoiding smudges or paint drips on areas that should remain unpainted.

These brushes work well for painting trim or other smaller, detailed areas.

Fan Brushes

If you want to create texture or a distressed finish, fan brushes can be a great tool.
They are often used to create soft, textured effects or to blend paint together for a smooth, uneven look.

2. Brush Size

The size of the brush is another important factor to consider. You’ll need a larger brush for big, flat areas and a smaller one for detailed work. Here’s what to look for:

• Large Brushes: For large surfaces such as cabinets, tables, or doors, a bigger brush (around 2-3 inches wide) is ideal. It allows you to cover a larger area more quickly and efficiently.
• Small Brushes: For more intricate work, like painting trim or the edges of furniture, opt for a smaller brush (around 1 inch wide). Small brushes give you better control in tight spots and ensure that paint only goes where you want it to.

4. Bristle Material

The bristle material is a key factor in how well a brush performs with chalk paint. Chalk paint brushes typically come with either natural or synthetic bristles. Let’s take a closer look at both types:

Natural Bristles

These brushes are made from animal hair, such as hog or pony hair, and tend to be thicker and stiffer.

They are ideal for chalk paint because they hold more paint and provide a smoother, more even finish.

Natural bristle brushes are especially helpful for achieving a distressed or textured look, as they create a bit more texture in the paint.

Synthetic Bristles

Synthetic bristles are made from man-made fibers like nylon or polyester. These brushes are typically softer and more flexible than natural bristle brushes.

While they’re less absorbent than natural bristles, they can still work well with chalk paint and are often more affordable. Synthetic brushes are great for creating smooth finishes with fewer brush strokes.

5. Handle Type

The handle of the brush is another factor to consider. Brushes come with either wooden or plastic handles, each with its own pros and cons:

• Wooden Handles: Wooden brushes tend to be more durable and comfortable to hold. They provide a good grip, especially when working on larger projects that require a lot of control. The added weight of the wooden handle also gives you more precision.
• Plastic Handles: Plastic handles are typically lighter and easier to maneuver. They are often less expensive than wooden-handled brushes but can lack the durability and comfort of their wooden counterparts.

Brush Strokes: How to Avoid Them

One of the biggest challenges with chalk paint is preventing visible brush strokes from showing up on your project. Here are a few tips to minimize brush strokes and get a smooth finish:

1. Use the Right Brush

As mentioned earlier, using a brush with firm, natural bristles will help minimize brush strokes. The stiff bristles help you apply paint evenly and control the flow of paint more easily.

2. Work in Thin Layers

Avoid applying too much paint at once, as thick layers are more likely to result in visible brush strokes. Instead, apply thin layers of chalk paint and allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next one.

This will help you build up an even, smooth finish over time.

3. Sand Between Coats

After the first coat dries, lightly sand the surface using fine-grit sandpaper. This helps smooth out any brush strokes and imperfections before applying the next layer of paint.

Be sure to wipe away any dust before applying the next coat.

4. Use a Light Touch

Don’t press too hard on the brush while painting. Use light, long strokes, and let the brush glide across the surface. Overworking the paint can cause streaks, so it’s important to keep your strokes fluid and gentle.

5. Brush in the Same Direction

To avoid streaks, always brush in the same direction. Brush vertically or horizontally, depending on the area you’re working on. Avoid going back and forth in different directions, as this can leave unwanted lines.

Can You Use a Regular Paintbrush for Chalk Paint?

You can use a regular paintbrush for chalk paint, but it may not provide the best results.

Regular paintbrushes tend to be too soft or too stiff for chalk paint, making it difficult to apply an even layer. This can lead to visible brush strokes or a patchy finish.

If you choose to use a regular brush, be sure to choose one with stiff bristles and a medium-to-large size. A brush that’s too small may require too many coats to cover the surface, while a brush that’s too large could be harder to control.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right brush for your chalk paint project is key to getting a smooth, professional finish.

While regular brushes can work, it’s best to use brushes specifically designed for chalk paint. Look for brushes with firm bristles, the right size for your project, and a comfortable handle.

Remember to apply thin layers, work in the same direction, and sand between coats to avoid brush strokes. With the right tools and techniques, your chalk painting projects will look beautiful and last for years. Happy painting!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best brush for chalk paint?

A firm, synthetic or natural bristle brush designed for chalk paint, such as a flat or angled brush, works best.

Can I use a paintbrush for chalk paint?

Regular paintbrushes can work, but brushes made for chalk paint give smoother results.

Why are special brushes needed for chalk paint?

Chalk paint is thicker, and special brushes help apply it evenly without streaks.

What size brush should I use for chalk paint?

Use a large brush for big areas and a small brush for detail work.