How to Get a Smooth Finish with Chalk Paint

When I first started painting furniture with chalk paint, I had no clue what I was doing. With everything, practice makes perfect! At first, I’d just slap the chalk paint on and thought the resulting brush strokes were inevitable. But I’ve since learned a few key things to do to get a flawless finish. If you want my BEST tips for how to get a smooth finish with chalk paint, you’re in the right spot!

how to get a smooth finish with chalk paint

Let’s start with the video tutorial so you get an overview on what I did. Then, I’ll dive in with more details below:

If the video doesn’t work here, you can watch it on YouTube here. P.s. I’m trying to build that page up, so if you’d subscribe, I’d really appreciate that!

SUPPLIES

how to avoid brush strokes

If you want to not have brush marks on your chalk painted furniture, do these key things. They might sound small, but they’ll result in a smooth finish!

Thin any super thick paint by adding water and mixing well. Chalk paint can thicken up when the lid is left off, so make sure to leave the lid on when not in use.
Keep the brush damp when painting by misting it with water before dipping it in the paint. If you ever feel like you’re dry brushing the furniture, it’s time to mist that brush again.
When painting furniture, go with thin coats of chalk paint. You will NOT get full coverage on one coat, so go for two thin coats.
Spritz the furniture with water before painting. You only want a little water or you might get runs, but keeping the furniture wet makes for a glass like finish.
If after the first coat you have a run or brush strokes, just lightly sand the problem areas. Clean off the dust from sanding and continue to the second coat.

I thought I’d show you these steps in action with a piece of furniture I just bought! It was a $10 laminated thrift store find.

step 1

Start by putting on a thin coat of slick stick primer if you’re working with laminate furniture. Let it dry and do a second coat of slick stick. Let that dry overnight. This primer will make it so the paint won’t scratch off (a problem when painting super smooth furniture)

step 2

Next, start painting on the chalk paint. Remember to mist the brush before painting and mist the furniture too. Apply a thin coat and then let it dry.

Repeat with a second coat. If you see any brush strokes sand them away. But honestly, if you’re wetting the brush and misting the furniture while painting thin coats, you’ll get a crazy smooth finish!

step 3

And now just finish up waxing the furniture by spraying it on and wiping it in. This’ll give it a matte finish that I love.

after

Ok, I know this was a super simple tutorial, but I find that sometimes the little tweaks can make such a big impact! I personally wish I’d know these tips when I first started painting with chalk paint!

Aren’t the lines on that little table cute!? It isn’t an antique, but I think it looks like it could be now! I’m happy that it’s living a great second life here now.

And also, $10 for that table is such a steal! Tell me- have you painted with chalk paint? If so, what’s your favorite piece you’ve redone? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments.