Dry Brush Technique

Take a clean, dry chalk paint brush. Dip only the tip of the brush into your second color so that the bristles are barely coated and remain separated from each other.

Important: Use only a very small amount of paint. If you have picked up too much paint, simply wipe the brush off on some newspaper or a paper towel.

Now for the exciting part! Apply your second coat of chalk paint to the dry surface using quick, back-and-forth strokes. Start with light pressure using only the tip of the brush. Then, gradually work your way up using more pressure. For additional effects, you can also use vigorous dabbing motions to work the paint into crevices and enhance the distressed look.

Tip: Always pick up only a small amount of paint on your brush rather than dipping it generously into the paint pot. This gives you more control over the effect.

Achieve more depth and character with just a few brushstrokes: the dry-brushed second color highlights the edges, textures, and details of your piece of furniture, while the base color remains visible. This creates a lively, handcrafted look that you can make either subtle or high-contrast, depending on your color choice.

Would you like to try the dry-brush technique on your next project? Download the instructions as a PDF and get started.