There’s a few different ways on How to Get a Smooth Finish with Chalk Paint. My favorite technique right now is using a foam roller. We’ll talk more about that process in this blog post. You can also use a paint sprayer that is designed for chalk paint. Or you can use a hand brush and if you apply the paint correctly it will come out nice and smooth. You can follow us on Instagram for all the behind the scenes.
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How to Get a Smooth Finish with Chalk Paint
To begin the painting process we started by wiping down the piece with TSP. You can even use Dawn dish soap to wipe away the grim. I would recommend using TSP on all the chalk paint projects you do, from furniture to home decor. Once it was wiped down we looked for any flaws on the piece, this one had drill holes. So we got wood putty and filled in the holes. You want to wait until it’s completely dry then sand it. At the bottom of this post I have some frequently asked questions that might be helpful to you. But if you are wanting to try this but are a little scared with attempting, I do have an ebook that will help. A chalk painting ebook is available on my blog, and it will help you with all the basics of chalk painting to get started!
Chalk Paint DIY
Once the putty is sanded down smooth, putting a primer down will really help. When you are sanding down to raw wood, Boss by Dixie Belle will give you a really even paint finish. On this piece we didn’t have to prime the whole thing. So we just covered the spots where we sanded.
How to Chalk Paint a Bed Frame
Now that the primer is dry it is time to paint. I would start by watering down the paint a little, so it goes on thinner which will help get a smoother look. We used Fluff by Dixie Belle. Start by using a paint brush and getting in all the cracks and corners. If I were you I would do a quick layer with the paint brush and let that dry completely. Time to get the smooth look! With your watered down paint, use a foam roller to apply the paint to the bed frame. Do a complete second coat and let that dry. However many coats you do make sure the previous layer is completely dry.
Chalk Paint with a Paint Roller
Once my layers were dry I went back through with my paint brush and the foam roller. With the paint brush I touched up the parts that the wood was still showing through, then went over the brush marks with the foam roller. There it is, a perfectly smooth chalk painted bed frame! Take a look at how we chalk painted leather.
Since this was going in my room, I wanted a little bit of a distressed look. With my hand sander I lightly sanded over the details. I have this bed frame available in my Etsy shop.
Here it is in our bedroom, and I love it! The subtle distressing adds a bit more character to the room. As you can see it has such a smooth finish, and does not show brush marks. That is exactly what we were going for!
Now here are some frequently asked questions. Let me know if I can help you on any of your chalk painting projects!
Can you use a foam roller with chalk paint?
Yes you can. I would just do a first coat with a paint brush, then the second coat with the foam roller. It just gives a softer look.
How do I get a smooth finish on wood?
I would water down the chalk paint so it goes on thinner and smoother. If it is rough wood, I would first sand a little, then paint.
Can you seal chalk paint with polycrylic?
Yes. I do that for most of my mirrors that I chalk paint. I use a spray polycrylic. For furniture pieces, I like to wax them. But you can also seal furniture with polycrylic.
Check out our Chalk Painting over Metal Blog post here for more! Thanks for stopping by. Be sure to follow us on our socials for more!
I want to use rub and buff on a cabinet I have painted with chalk paint. I am also using polycrylic. What comes first the polycrylic or the rub and buff?
I would do the rub and buff, then the poly.
What wax do I use for chalk paint?
Hey Kelley I suggest a clear wax here is a link to what I would use.https://rstyle.me/+MnJwCHrtqEfz5N5gljm_cA
I used rustoleum linen white on an oak hutch
Three coats and it looked good but it wasn’t the antique color I was goi g for so I found one in Annie Sloan and painted over it
Now my hutch has major brush strokes and Is rough
What do I do ?
Ya I don’t recommend Annie Sloan myself. I would lightly sand it and use a brand like Dixie Belle.
I just used Magnolia chalk spray paint on a console table. I am finding that it feels fairly rough. Not sure if you are familiar with the product. I am planning on on using a gloss Polycrylic finish on top for a more modern look. Should I sand off the roughness before applying the poly or will sanding after application work. I may sand and go get a can and roll on to finish. Not happy with the spray. Any advice?
I would lightly sand before you spray and some sprays do leave a texture. In my experience spray painting is actually and art form so you might be better off brushing a poly on so it doesn’t texture.
Hi I have a bedroom set that is pine but it’s solid wood and I don’t mind the style. I would like to paint them with chalk paint but have never done it before. Do I need to sand the pieces even if they are in excellent shape? Any advice would be appreciated.
You should be fine with painting right over it!
My parents had french style furniture. I am a bit tired of them but I am terrified of ruin them. What would you do? Shall I chalk paint them? Many thanks.
I would definitely chalk paint them to give them an updated modern look! They are stunning once painted. Message if you have any questions!
Can I use chalk to paint a laminate brown colored desk white ? Do I need to sand it and prime it first? It has a removable top section that has a space for a computer screen and non removable open narrow shelves for storing items. Would you recommend spray painting those?
If I can use chalk paint for this project, which brands would you recommend?
Would latex paint be a better choice?
I’ve used chalk paint for a couple of pieces in my home, and loved not having to do any prep
work when I painted them. Thanks for any advice!
You don’t need to sand it and prime it first. Some laminates are better than others, but I would actually recommend using and oil based trim paint and I would just paint the whole piece and not use spray paint.
If it’s laminate I would use a bonding agent first so the paint adheres to the piece.
Yes that should work as well!
I am new in painting. I have iron chairs, do you think it is possible to paint them with chalk paint? Thank you for your help.
Maria
Yes chalk paint would be great! If you get a spray chalk paint it will go on a lot easier
Would you buy chalk paint from somewhere like hobby lobby or Lowe’s? Could I use spray paint to paint a head board?
I personally would not recommend it. You can use spray chalk paint, which I think they sell at Lowes. That should work good for a head board.
Hi.
I am refinishing some end tables. I have used homemade chalk paint on the legs and sides. I bleached and sanded the tops to lighten them up. They didn’t turn out as light as I wanted so I used a light stain. Now that I am sealing them the finish is rough. Do I need to sand between coats ? I am using a foam roller.
Thanks so much,
Kelly
Hi Kelly, Ive had this same problem with homemade chalk paint that’s why I use dixie belle. It just adds that extra step to sand between coats.
I want to repaint a piece. It’s shiny or glossy. Do I need to sand it down first? Also, what do you use or apply at the end once the piece is painted?
Hello Elizabeth, You could give it just a light sanding to rough up the surface. You definitely don’t have to go crazy with the sanding. Once it is finished you can add a clear wax for a sealant or a non yellowing polycyrlic.
Hope that helps
RHonda
I have a sleigh bed someone black lacquered over. I now want to paint it white, can I still only light sand?
Yes that should work! And then you might have to give it a prime
So, I’m painting a builtin desk right now with Rustoleum White Linen. I’ve put 2 coats on by brush but the paint is drying way too fast and so it’s streaky and the brush strokes are visible and it’s rough to touch. I’m afraid if I keep going with the brush it will end up not looking so good.
Should I be thinning out the paint? I’m thinking of a light sanding and then just use a foam roller. Or should I buy a better paint and paint over it. Any advise ?
Hello Kim sadly to say it’s the brand of paint. My favorite is Dixie Belle Fluff, I’ll share a link below. It goes on without brush marks and the coverage is amazing. You can just paint right over the other paint if that’s what you decide to do. Let me know if you have any other questions.
https://amzn.to/2BTVAXZ
Hi- I’m a little confused on the sanding- do I need to sand the whole piece or just the patches?
hello Sorry for the confusion. You do not need to sand the whole piece. I just sanded the spots that had wood putty. I hope that helps
Rhonda
Hi, I want to chalk paint my sleigh bed that has a dark finish on it. I am going for a coastal look with white/ cream and streaks of gray. What is your recommendation for a chalk paint color and wax?
Thank you
I suggest Dixie Bell Fluff, it’s a white color then apply clear wax. Then apply a grudge glaze on top. That should be the look your going for.
I am painting a huge oak wall unit with Rust-oleum chalk paint in Chiffon Cream (my first project and its huge)with a chalk paint brush. It’s taking hours and hours!
If I used a roller for the shelves and doors to save time, would the finish differ greatly from the “brushed” areas?
It is a bit of a different texture, so I personally wouldn’t. But I personally wouldn’t use rustoleum just because it’s so thin and will take more coats.
What about cherry furniture that bleeds through the paint? What are steps for painting?
If you’re nervous about it I would prime it first. Primer is always a good option. Me personally I haven’t had a problem with it.
What kind of a finish do you use for the polycrilic spray? (I.e. Satin, semi-gloss, etc)
I don’t want a real shiny finish, just soft. I’m going to start this project this weekend.
I just use satin and it is usually not too shiny but if you want no shine I would definitely use matte. Let me know how it goes!
It’s helped me. I tried couple of times to use chalk paint for my home projects but I couldn’t make it smooth. Definitely I’ll apply your guide next time. Awesome article for non-professionals.
Thank you so much! I hope it works out!
Do people paint inside drawers and wardrobes I’m painting a bureau
I usually don’t just because of my time frame but I think it would look stunning if you did!
I have several matching pieces that are going in the same room. I wanted a dark distressed look, which I achieved by starting with DB burlap followed by waxing the first piece in it’s entirety with DB dark brown wax. However it still wasn’t dark enough, so I went over that with DB coffee bean and wiped off and blended until I achieved the desired look. Looked great. Until I applied DB clear coat using a brush in the small areas, which wiped off the coffee bean.
Figured it was because The coffee bean doesn’t stick to wax. So I concluded I need to find a different process to achieve the same look for the remaining pieces. Any suggestions?
so a clear wax will remove the dark wax. I personally use a clear poly acrylic spray to seal all my dark wax items. I do so after the wax has cured. DB says it take 30 days. I wait about a day. One shouldn’t need to add a clear wax as a sealer after a dark wax .
Hope that helps
I am painting our 30 year old oak kitchen cabinets. I am brushing the first coat and thought it looked pretty rough. I am so glad I found your site and now I’m gonna go grab myself a foam roller. Wow, that’s going to help this job to go soooooo much faster!! I’m so excited!! I am so sick of looking at my very dingy washed out oak. I chose to use Rustoleum White Linen chalk paint, topping it with Rustoleum Aged Glaze and then their top coat. My kitchen’s gonna have some bling when I’m finally done! Thanks!
I am so glad I could help Juli! Let me know how it goes and if you have any questions feel free to ask!
Best
Rhonda
I want to distress my fireplace but I don’t want it to show the redwood that it is now… I want it to be grey with white coming through.. would I just paint those areas white before applying the chalk paint then sand? I dont want to mess it up! lol
hello
I would paint your grey first and then your white and wipe off the white with a wet wipe so the grey shows through, I hope that helps, if not send me a DM on Instagram with pictures and I can help further
Thx Rhonda
I appreciate your paint tips. I have painted several furniture pieces, in the past, and will be doing more in the future. It’s so much fun to transform a piece of furniture into a new version of itself. I also love the rug in your photo, and would love to know where I might find it.
Hello Paula, Painting is so much fun. You can really make a piece amazing! I believe this rug is from Boutique Rugs.
Thanks for all the updates about how to get a smooth finish with chalk paint. Above step by step guideline including pictures is truly praise worthy. It is pretty clear that you have been working hard while collecting the information. Keep up the good work.
Thank you! I’m glad I could help
do you carry a color that I could use in place of
Annie Slone Old White ;chalk paint her old formula
changed this year.
Annie Slone changed her old white chalk paint formula this year do you have a
color that I could use to complete a matching dining room set that I
painted her old white?
Hello Faye, I would recommend reaching directly out to ANnie Sloan to see about an exact match. Otherwise I’ve been using Dixie Belle Fluff, but it wouldn’t match what you’re doing.
Best
Rhonda
I want to paint my kitchen dining chairs with chalk paint, Dixiebell, but they are used everyday,all day. Would the paint hold up? I want to paint them a dark gray and then put a antique glaze over them. Can I put a glaze over chalk paint? Do I need to put a clear finish over them after the glaze? Sorry, so many questions. Love you IG and stories!
Linda
My apologies that my first message didn’t go through. I wanted to respond and say that a glaze would look great over dark grey but I would use a clear coat by krylon to seal your chairs after paint and glaze. Let me know if you have any other questions
Rhonda
Giving me confidence to paint the antique bed our girls slept in as little bitties 💗
Oh that would be so gorgeous Kim!