Achieving a professional-quality result often relies on using the right brush for the chalk paint. If you choose an inferior chalk brush, you’ll likely end up with uneven or streaky marks.
To help you achieve an even and smooth coverage and help you choose the right brush for your needs, our paint experts conducted tests to determine the best brushes for chalk paint.
Reviews of the Top Brushes for Chalk Paint Application
1. Infiniti Elementz Professional Chalk and Wax Paint Brush
Infiniti Elementz provides either a three-brush set for painting or a seven-brush set for chalk and wax. You may also choose a single chalk paintbrush if you already have many other brushes.
By getting the set, you can save money and take advantage of the brushes’ natural hair bristles. It provides superior control and first-rate results. It also features a durable wooden handle to ensure you finish your task correctly.
The Infiniti Elementz Professional Chalk and Wax Paint Brush Set is affordable, simple to maintain, and comfortable to use. It is a good option for artists seeking high-quality chalk paintbrushes without breaking the bank.
What We Like
- Quality natural bristle brushes
- Includes a wax and chalk paint brush
- User-friendly
- Large round chalk paint brush
- Durable handle
- Small and large chalk paint brush set
What We Don't Like
- Minimal loose bristles
- A set might not be ideal for others
2. Staalmeester Brush - J - Oval 2010 Series - #45
Staalmeester, a company in business for almost a century, has expanded into the chalk paint market. Their chalk paint brushes have a blend of synthetic and all-natural boar bristles and an ergonomically designed beechwood handle.
We adore it because of how easy and smooth the application is and its versatility. The Staalmeester Brush J Oval 2010 Series #45 oval paint brush can also paint, blend, decorate, and even wax. It also allows you to alternate between small and large areas without changing brushes.
Their six-piece set of folk art brushes includes tools useful for DIY furniture and arts and crafts projects due to their wide range of sizes and shapes.
What We Like
- Synthetic blend bristle
- Beechwood handle
- Made with natural boar hair
- Comfortable
- Easy clean up
- Compatible with milk paint
What We Don't Like
- A bit expensive
- Minimal shedding
3. Modern Art 4336965642 Chalk and Wax Paint Brush
This pair of the Modern Art 4336965642 Chalk and Wax Paint Brush includes one little round brush and one large round brush. Based on your needs each brush works wonderfully with chalk paint or chalk paint wax, based on your needs.
Nevertheless, the price of this chalk paint and wax brush set won’t break the bank. You can acquire them for much less than twenty dollars as a set. Even compared to more expensive alternatives, these chalk paint brushes are a bargain because of their durability and adaptability.
Their natural bristles are of the highest quality and are compatible with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and other leading brands.
What We Like
- Natural bristles paint brush
- Provides a smooth finish
- Durable as wax paint brushes
- Compatible with any DIY painting projects
- Affordable
- High-quality
What We Don't Like
- It may not be ideal for painting walls/larger projects
- Thinner handle
4. Colorantic Round Wax Brush for Chalk-Based Paint
The Colorantic Round Wax Brush for Chalk-Based Paint comes in an extra big, round, and oval shape, making it ideal for chalk and wax paint.
We like that the natural silk bristles have been boiled twice, so the brush can last longer and hold water well. It also has a grip with a comfortable shape to reduce strain on the hands.
To top it all off, the bristles are coated in a smooth material, making it perfect for adding second or multiple coats of paint. In addition to chalk and wax, this brush is versatile enough to use with various paints.
What We Like
- It can hold paint well
- Natural chalk paint brushes
- Comfortable
- Natural silk bristles
- Wax brush/chalk paint brush
- High-quality round brushes
- Compatible with acrylics, chalk paints, and more
What We Don't Like
- A bit expensive
- Ideal for larger DIY paint projects
5. MAXMAN Chalk & Wax Paint Brush Set
If you need a set of natural brushes without breaking the bank, consider Maxman’s two-brush set.
There are two brushes in this set, and while they are around the same size, they are shaped slightly differently. It includes one chalk paint round brush and one oval chalk paint brush. With this combo, the paint may be spread uniformly over any surface, no matter how hard or rough.
While the MAXMAN Chalk & Wax Paint Brush Set is intended for chalk, you can also use it with wax paint. Both chalk brushes feature natural hair bristles without a hefty price tag.
What We Like
- Includes small round brush and a flat brush
- Fairly priced
- Rust-resistant ferrule
- Provides natural brush strokes
- Quality natural bristles
- Handle has a hole for hanging
What We Don't Like
- Minimal shedding
- One brush might not be as comfortable
6. DIYARTZ Chalk & Wax Paint Brush for Waxing & Painting
DIY Artz has a wide variety of high-quality, reasonably-priced brushes. And if you want to stock up on supplies for texturing or making a hand-painted charm using chalk paint, this bundle of six brushes is ideal.
We like that all the brushes in this set are made of all-natural boar hair. These natural brushes also have a leather hanger strap for easy drying and storage.
The DIYARTZ Chalk & Wax Paint Brush for Waxing & Painting package has every size and type of brush you could need. The boar hair strands give off a great texture in the end product, and the chalk brushes’ oval heads assist in spreading paint out evenly across a wide variety of surfaces.
What We Like
- Includes round and oval chalk paint brushes
- Natural chalk paint brush bristles
- Ideal for various painting projects
- Fairly price
- Many options for the right chalk paint brush
What We Don't Like
- Not ideal for heavy use
- Requires you to store chalk paint brushes properly
7. Country Chic Paint Chalk Style Paint Brush
The Country Chic Paint Chalk Style Paint Brush is ovular in shape but also relatively flat, making it easy to paint in tight spaces.
Most notably, the bristles of this brush are made of synthetic material, and they have tightly packed bristles that are practical and highly economical. These chalk paint brushes work wonderfully with water-based paint, making you achieve a flawless finish without brush marks.
These are synthetic bristle brushes; therefore, they are cruelty-free for vegans. Neither the ingredients nor the finished product has undergone animal testing. We like that it’s a great vegan alternative for anyone looking for an ergonomic design and cruelty-free synthetic bristles.
What We Like
- Cruelty-free synthetic chalk paint brushes
- Best paint brushes for vegans
- Densely packed synthetic brushes
- Suitable for water-based paint
- No loose strands
- Relatively flat brush
What We Don't Like
- Not as textured as other chalk paint brushes
- A bit expensive
About Chalk Paint
Water-based decorative paint, known as “chalk paint,” can be used instead as an alternative to traditional chalkboard chalk.
It is a mixture of chalk, color, water, and other ingredients. When dry, it leaves a trendy chalky surface that is both natural and distinctive.
Whether you’re painting an indoor or outdoor space, this paint is a flexible option because you can use it on various surfaces.
As is probably already well known, Annie Sloan invented chalk paint in 1990 and continues to make it to this day.
There are numerous manufacturers on the market now, but Annie Sloan brushes and paints have earned a place in history.
If you find the best brush for chalk paint, they will work wonderfully for some home and furnishing design projects.
Chalk Paint Pros & Cons
Pros
- Wide coverage
- Flexible
- It doesn’t drip
- Distinct raw feel or texture
- User-friendly
- Little to no surface prep needed
Cons
- Some are not as smooth as other paints like latex paint and acrylics
- It fades and ages over time if not sealed
- Shaking is not needed
Can You Use Regular Brushes When Applying Chalk Paint?
According to our research, this depends on your definition of “regular brush.” If you mean an acrylic or latex paint brush is designed explicitly for that medium. Bristles made specifically for chalk paint are stiffer and more suited to applying paint, whether you’re painting furniture or walls.
But you can also use large flat brushes with chalk paint. The chalk paint brushes must have a hefty load capacity and remain durable yet malleable; nevertheless, you should use excessively stiff bristles since this can result in brush strokes.
Brushes with flat or round bristles are ideal for painting with chalk paint since they allow for greater precision and blending.
Are Using Foam Brushes Ideal for Chalk Paint Application?
In addition to holding a lot of paint, foam brush types distribute it evenly and smoothly, thanks to their impressive load capacity. Indeed, you can use a sprayer and foam brush with chalk paint to achieve a smooth, brushstroke-free surface.
You need to be cautious of how much paint the foam brush can hold, especially if this is your initial experience using one. Before applying on furniture or canvas, give it a test run, and apply two or three even coats.
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Brushes for Chalk Paint Application: Buyer’s Guide
The Shape of the Brush
Whether you’re painting furniture, walls, or something else, a wide variety of brushes will allow you to get the desired effect every time.
Each standard variety—flat, tapered, round (chisel tip), and angled bristles—serves a unique function and best suits a particular task.
Tapered Bristle Chalk Paint Brushes
The curved ends of these brushes prevent overspray when applying chalk coats in tight spaces like corners and between molding pieces. The same is true when waxing a painted surface.
Round Chalk Paintbrushes
It’s common to use round chalk paint brushes since it’s perfect for painting little, intricate details like cabinet hardware or artwork without worrying about the paint smearing.
Get a circular brush if you only get one type of brush for chalk paint. Oval brushes do the trick as well.
Flat Chalk Paint Brush
Use a flat chalk paint brush to cover large areas, such as walls, swiftly and evenly.
Oval Brush
Brushes in the shape of an oval are also widely used for applying chalk coats. They, too, come in small, medium, and big sizes, like their rounded counterparts. The longer bristles of the bigger brushes allow them to hold more paint.
Chip Brushes
While a chip brush has numerous potential applications, feathering and dry brushing are two of the most common ways to use it when working with chalk paint.
Chip brushes are cheap, typically costing less than a dollar each, but they won’t help you paint like a pro. To put it plainly, they do not work well with chalk paint.
They shed a lot of bristles, and the shedding is noticeable on the brush strokes. It’s a good idea to spend a little more money to get a high-quality brush that will last a long time.
Foam Brushes
Our experts recommend using foam brushes for both milk paint and chalk paint. [1] You can also use them for texturizing chalk paint, and they are commonly included with sets of chalk paint brushes.
Hair/Bristles
You can use any brush bristles to apply chalk paint; natural or synthetic bristles will do the job. Everything boils down to individual taste, design aesthetic, and desired project outcome.
Price
The cost of the best chalk paint brushes can vary depending on several factors, including the brand, size, and quality.
A good chalk paintbrush can cost between $10 and $30. However, some specialty or high-end brushes may cost more.
Quality
The best brush for chalk paint should not shed bristles as you paint. The strands should be firm enough to hold the paint but not so stiff that they damage your painting surface. Look for a brush that is easy to clean and maintain.
Natural Bristle Brushes vs Synthetic Brushes
Natural Bristles
Bristles for traditional paintbrushes are crafted from many types of animal hair. Manufacturers use hair from boars and other animals with a somewhat flexible yet stiff coat. Unlike synthetic bristles, those found in natural paint brushes result in more fine brush strokes.
Synthetic Bristles
Brushes with synthetic bristles are made from materials like nylon and polyester. Most natural bristle brushes can cost up to three times as much as their synthetic counterpart.
Fast-drying paints like chalk paint do not benefit from the smoother finish you get with synthetic brushes.
Synthetic Blend Brush
When using a chalk paintbrush, a combo is often the best option.
Some people may be put off by the higher cost of real animal-hair brushes; however, if used with care, these brushes can survive for decades.
Synthetic blends are excellent substitutes if the natural brush’s price tag is too steep.
Chalk Paint Brush vs Wax Brushes
Brushes designed for chalk paint are only for chalk paint, and wax brushes are for waxing over a surface finished with chalk paint. However, you can also use chalk paintbrushes for waxing.
You should use wax to protect your painting from the elements, you should use wax, which requires a special brush.
While the best chalk paint brushes tend to be spherical, wax brushes have tapered ends that allow them to go into tight spaces and around corners. Brushes used for waxing and painting with chalk can have varying lengths of handles.
Why Do You Need to Use Separate Brushes for Applying Chalk Paint and Wax?
While you can use most of the best chalk paint brushes with wax, having a dedicated brush for waxing ready is best if you use both mediums in the same space.
When using wax paint, you can improve the desired texture and appearance if the paint on the brush is removed thoroughly.
In addition, the handles of wax paintbrushes and chalk paintbrushes are typically distinct from one another. The difficulty or ease with which you apply a finishing coat of wax paint to your work may vary depending on this factor.
It’s best to have dedicated brushes for each sort of paint you’ll be using, although a chalk painting brush will do in a pinch if you need to apply wax paint.
Tips and Techniques in Using Brushed for Chalk Paint
Smooth Finish vs Brush Strokes
How to Achieve a Smooth Finish When Applying Chalk Paint
The brush you use to paint furniture will significantly affect its final smoothness. Nylon bristle brushes are ideal for chalk paint, although a synthetic brush will still produce lovely results.
Brush strokes can be removed by carefully sanding the surface before applying wax.
How to Avoid Brush marks When Applying Chalk Paint
Achieving a flawless surface after using chalk paint is crucial for its overall appearance. Make an effort to minimize brush strokes by moving the brush slowly and deliberately in all directions while you work.
Alternately, apply one coat in one direction and the second in the opposite. In addition to hiding brush strokes, leveling chemicals in some paint varieties provide a uniform surface.
You can also consider soaking your paintbrush in warm water before adding thin layers of chalk paint.
Because of the thick consistency of chalk paint, we recommend that you dampen your brush before applying the first layer and each subsequent coat of paint to provide a smooth and even finish.
Apply Multiple Coats
Adding a second layer of paint can create a stunning, long-lasting finish for your project. If you’re covering a dark stain with chalk paint, apply a primer to the surface to prevent the stain from penetrating the finish.
Consider Waxing
You can forego waxing your next project if you prefer a natural finish. Choose a wax paintbrush if you want a long-lasting finish or to achieve an aged appearance.
Depending on the brush and wax used, it is possible to use the same brush for both paint and wax.
You should use a synthetic-fiber brush for some waxes because they are thinner. Natural boar bristle brushes work well with other, thicker hair. Check the manufacturer for information on which brushes work best with your brand.
How to Condition Your Chalk Paint Brushes
A well-conditioned brush will retain its original form and last much longer. The condition of the brushes will determine how close they come to looking like new again.
Brush conditioning is similar to hair conditioning in promoting healthy, soft hair.
- Carefully rinse the brush and squeeze out the water.
- Submerge it in water and soap, fabric conditioner, or paintbrush conditioner, covering all bristles.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes. Doing the conditioning before all the bristles start to fall or show signs of wear is essential.
- Rinse with clean water and ensure all the conditioner is removed.
- Shake the brush and gently remove excess water with a paper towel.
- To dry, hang it upside down.
How to Clean the Brushes After the Chalk Paint Application
You should clean chalk paintbrushes after each usage. Do not use harsh cleaning agents like mineral spirits, detergents, or solvents on your brushes.
Doing so will dramatically reduce their lifespan and cause them to shed prior to or during subsequent use.
- Squeeze as much leftover paint from the brush as possible.
- Put your brush in a bowl of warm water with a squeeze of special soap, and gently wash it until the water no longer has any color.
- Using a paper towel, squeeze the water out gently. Do not split or disturb the bristles while drying the brush. Use swirling motions gently.
- To dry, hang it upside down.
- Wrap in a paper towel to keep its shape, but this is optional.
How to Store Your Chalk Paint Brushes
You should keep chalk paintbrushes out of direct sunlight to prevent fading and drying out, which can cause them to break.
- You can store chalk paintbrushes by placing them in a container or jar with holes drilled into the lid and then allowing the bristles to protrude through the holes. This will maintain its good condition by allowing air to circulate.
- You may just hang them up, as most brushes include a hole or a strap on the handle. Simply hang them up for convenience.
FAQ
Is it advisable to brush or roll on chalk paint?
You can apply chalk paint with a paintbrush or roller, but it’s easier to prevent brush marks when rolling on a wide surface.
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Our Top Pick For a Brush for Chalk Paint Application:
Infiniti Elementz Professional Chalk and Wax Paint Brush and Large
Our painters and woodworkers’ best brush for chalk paint is the Infiniti Elementz natural bristle brush. The large oval and small round chalk brush can provide an even and smooth coverage.
They hold a lot of paint, which makes them perfect for larger painting projects. The Infiniti Elementz is the right brush for anyone looking for a chalk brush set of two sizes and shapes.
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