Dry Brushing Tips with Chalk Paint®

Dry Brushing is a technique where you off load most of the paint from your paint brush so there is minimal left.  So minimal, that after you apply the paint- it is almost dry already.  You are applying the paint very sparingly.  Often, I use a dry brush technique to achieve a specific look. 

When I say “off load” basically it means you are wiping a lot of the paint off your brush…or taking your brush and painting on another surface with the goal to remove as much paint as possible off your bristles. 

Here is an example of dry brushing Old White Chalk Paint® over a wood cabinet.  

If you have come into our Macedon, NY location on a weekend, you have probably met Courtney.  She is part of the team at THE PURPLE PAINTED LADY™ and is super talented!  (Courtney is on the left in the photo below)

And if you have needed help with a project, she is extremely knowledgeable about the products we sell!  Also in the photo on the right, is Britni.  Britni is also part of our team and is also extremely helpful, caCourtney Britni Patio Umbrella The Purple Painted ladyring and product savvy!  I think of these two as “peas and carrots” as when you see one of them, the other is not far behind!  Sometimes I call them “Fric & Frac.”  They often work together and like to think of themselves as “The Purple Painted Lady Dream Team.”

Well, on December 26th, 2015, Courtney did a dry brush demo on an old cabinet at our Macedon store using Old White Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan.

 

The Purple Painted Lady Old White Open Lid Quart Chalk Paint

Courtney was experimenting with this technique for the first time and I asked her to do a write up regarding some of the most important lessons she learned as to help others who are interested in trying this.

But first, here is the piece she completed with Britni modeling next to it.

Dry Brushing The Purple Painted Lady Old White Chalk Paint Annie Sloan

Courtney’s “How to Dry Brush” Tips:

1.) Use a brush with a flat edge or bristles cut in a straight line versus a round, domed top brush. The Purple Painted Lady Annie LARGE FLAT PAINT BRUSH

2. Have enough paint on your brush but not enough to paint a full solid line.

3.) Hold your brush more at an angle to get a better drag.

4.) Starting at the edge is good, but that will also be the area that receives the most paint…so, make sure to alternate the sides you start from! (For example- when doing the top of a cabinet or dresser- brush once starting from the left side, then next starting from the right side.)

5.) Work in linear sections so that your strokes look fluid.Dry Brush Technique Chalk Paint Courtney The purle Painted Lady 4

6.) It’s a good idea to have a damp cloth near you, that way you can blot your brush on the cloth, pick up some water and feather out the paint a bit easier.

7.) If the piece has architecture, alternate the sides you brush it from as so to have the paint laid from different directions.

8.) Paint inset panels first before painting the borders.

9.) For large surfaces, remember dry brush in the middle also to even out the appearance, versus just painting inward from the edges.

10.) Don’t be afraid to use sandpaper to soften strokes that may have been applied a little too heavy once paint is dry.

11.) Take drawers out before painting.Dry Brush The Purple Painted Lady close up

12.) Do not dip your brush into a cup of water to feather out the paint. Your brush will pick up too much water and create a wash which is a totally different look.

13.) Use a paper plate to pour some paint onto.  This is more important if using an older brush that may shed, since it is best that the stray bristles go into a plate or paper towel versus the quart of paint.

14.) Use a smaller Artisan brush to paint smaller ledges or hard to reach corners versus attempting to use a large paint brush.

15.) Dry brush WITH the grain of the wood.

Dry Brush Courtney The Purple Painted Lady Drawers

16.) As you drag the paint, lift up on the brush so it looks fluid and the stroke doesn’t stop abruptly.  Think of this as feathering out the end of the brush stroke.

17.  Lastly- always remember to take a photo of your piece “BEFORE” you start you painting project (unlike us, who forgot) and then share your photos on The Purple Painted Lady’s Facebook page HERE.

 
WANT TO WIN FREE STUFF?:
The Purple Painted Lady LOVES seeing “before & after” photos from her customers!  And in fact- we always send a thank you gift if we use your images and story.  So, please feel free to share your photos and a little write up by emailing them to Trish at takuntz@rochester.rr.com!  Remember to include a few details of your project, any tips/tricks that you like to do that help you, or even something you learned through the process that another person could benefit from!  Also, when posting photos on your personal Facebook page, Pinterest or Instagram boards, remember to hashtag us by noting this in your post  =>    #thepurplepaintedlady
 

BUY PRODUCT FROM …..THE PURPLE PAINTED LADY™:

First- if you have a local stockist- go visit them and build a relationship with them.  Go to them with your questions and project issues.  BUT- if you do not have a local stockist- we invite you to try our customer service!

As for buying any of the products we mentioned earlier in this post- I hope that you select The Purple Painted Lady™ to be your one stop resource!  We have two locations in western NY.  Check out our Information tab and come and meet us!  Otherwise- if you are not located near me- the following information may apply to you.  This information is directed to those who do NOT have a local stockist.  Because if you do – go and meet them, shop from them and build a relationship with them.  The guidance, information and knowledge they share with you – will be invaluable.  But, if you are in a location where there is no one selling paint products- and you must buy on-line- consider us.  With that said, visit www.anniesloan.com to find a stockist near you.
 
We are here to help you, our customers!  We want you to be successful!  And, just so you know, when you place an order with The Purple Painted Lady:
 
SOME OF THE REASONS WE THINK OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE IS THE BEST:
 
*  We have TWO locations in western NY to better service our customers.
*  We sell Chalk Paint® for $34.95
*  If you order before 3 pm EASTERN TIME any day Monday thru Friday – we will ship out your package that SAME day.
*  We ship orders out every week day all over the US.
*  We offer the lowest flat rate UPS shipping cost so if you are one town away or 10 states away- the shipping cost is the same.
*  We have awesome follow up customer service, too!
 
 
And- it is my paint sales that keep me in business and allow me to be here to help you.  (my shameless but honest plug)    Here is a link to our on-line shop=>  http://shop.thepurplepaintedlady.com/
 
: )  And I will be here to help you as you progress through your future project!  And if I do say so myself- we offer the BEST customer service that you will ever experience!Lastly- if I was helpful to you- ….please consider leaving a positive review on my Facebook business page sharing your positive experience or thoughts about The Purple Painted Lady.  Here is a link to my Facebook page=> http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Purple-Painted-Lady/291882785710    This really helps me!  (wink, wink!)
XO
Trish

The Purple Painted Lady™ ~ the serial no. is 86/641,416 with the US Trademark Office

PLEASE VISIT OUR TWO LOCATIONS!

our MAIN STORE at 77 West Main Street in Macedon, NY 14502

77 Main street with phone number

 

OR

3200 West Ridge Road in Rochester, NY 14626 (The Shops On West Ridge)

The shops on west ridge pic 3200 The Purple Painted Lady

 

 

Using Chalk Paint® on Open Cane Webbing

Lookie, lookie at this settee with open cane webbing that our customer Angela Giancarlo painted using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® in the color Coco and Annie’s Dark Wax.
 The Purple Painted Lady  sells online  Angela Giancarlo canned satee Coco 3
 
 
As you can see from the “before” picture below, Angela purchased the settee new.
 
The Purple Painted Lady Angela Giancarlo Setee AFTER WIthout cushions
 
 
 
 
DESCRIPTION OF COLOR USED:
 
Coco is the sophisticated side of neutral. It is more like a latte…very similar to Annie’s color French Linen. But Coco is more brown or chocolatey versus French Linen – who has a bit of grey. I love Coco paired with Old White and Antoinette. Yum…makes me think of Neapolitan ice cream!
Coco Sample Board
Painting coco dresser
Pardon the incorrect spelling on the name Coco below!
 
Cocoa
 
 
 
 
PREP:
Angela wrote, “Thus, neither the cane nor the wood was treated.  Before painting, I wiped the settee with a clean rag dampened with “Life O’Wood,” which is a wonderful product that has been manufactured in Buffalo, NY since 1914.  (I use Life O’Wood on everything I paint both before painting and afterward for regular dusting.)”    *****  DISCLAIMER: The Purple Painted Lady has never used this product called “Life O’Wood”  – but is in the process to try it.  So, stay tuned on our review of it!
 
In general~  The Purple Painted Lady typically recommends cleaning your piece using a rag lightly moistened with Mineral Spirits and then doing, a clean water rinse afterward.
 
ANGELA’S PROCESS:
Angela selected the fabric first (Robert Allen, “Raised Velvet” in “Ivory”) and then chose her paint color.  Angela’s tip is that it is always easier to choose a paint color to match a fabric, versus the other way around.  From the fabric she fell in love with, she decided to use Annie Sloan “Coco” because she wanted a “chocolate-y tone.”  Angela was excited to also use Annie’s dark wax to give the piece depth and rich.
 
ANGELA’S PAINTING PROCESS OVER CANE & WOOD:
Angela undertook different painting processes for the cane and the wood (since she knew the cane could have an issue with paint dripping otherwise.).
 
Angela painted the cane first.  She used a 1 1/2″ Purdy adjutant brush.
Purdy Boarder
 She painted slowly and in sections ~ small area-by-small area.  Cane is tricky — gloppy paint dripping through would make a real mess and likely ruin the piece.  Also, Angela added water to the Coco paint to thin it out.  She would guess she used a 3-1 ratio of paint to water. She applied three coats to the cane and forced herself to work slowly(!), which she said was really hard for her.
 
Next, she painted the wood trim using the small Annie Sloan domed top paint brush and applying two coats of Coco.
The Purple Painted Lady small Annie sloan Chalk Paint brush domed top
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Purple Painted Lady recommends a dry brushed technique for painting open cane webbing.  You will need to do a few coats of paint to build up your color, but you will not get any drips at all!
 
DARK WAX MADE INTO A GLAZE WITH MINERAL SPIRITS:
Dark wax tin The Purple Painted Lady
The images below are Dark Wax being applied right out of the tn over a dresser that The Purple Painted Lady painted in Coco.
Applying the Dark Wax to CoCoCoCo dresser with Dark Wax and email
 
 
As for waxing, Angela did not wax the cane — the thought of “glopping up” the cane was too scary for her! (and The purple Painted Lady totally agreed with her choice.)
 
Also, knowing that the settee is not a piece that will be used on a daily basis gave her greater comfort in her decision to skip the wax on the cane.  (BUT keep in mind- Chalk Paint® is an extremely durable paint.  It can be used for exterior use without a top coat!)
 
For the wood, Angela chose to skip the clear wax, and go straight to the dark wax because she wanted a chocolate-y color.
 
CREATING A GLAZE WITH DARK WAX:
She took the dark wax and created a glaze by combining equal parts of Annie Sloan Dark Wax and Mineral Spirits, following The Purple Painted Lady’s recipe!
The Purple Painted Lady Mineral spirits
 
She applied the glaze section-by-section using a waxing brush.
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Purple Painted Lady loves Annie Sloan’s wax brushes.  Check them out via the links below:
 
Annie’s LARGE Wax Brush which is shown on top of the photo below.
And then there is
Annie’s SMALL Wax Brush shown at the bottom of the photo.
 
Annie Sloan Wax brushes Length The Purple Painted Lady
 
 
For each section, I left the glaze on for about 20-30 minutes before wiping off with your totally awesome rags that are called “Better Than Cheesecloth.”
 
Better Than Cheese Cloth The Purple Painted Lady
 
Angela wrote:
Finally, I worked with an upholsterer to design and make the cushion and pillows.  We are all ready for the holiday season!  And I thank you, Trish, for your extraordinary customer service and treasure trove of information on your website.  – Angela
The purple Painted Lady Angela Giancarlo settee side table metal
Angela even painted the side metal table to match her settee in Coco Chalk Paint®.  Personally, I love Angela’s settee!
 
WANT TO WIN FREE STUFF?:
The Purple Painted Lady LOVES seeing “before & after” photos from her customers!  And in fact- we always send a thank you gift if we use your images and story.  So, please feel free to share your photos and a little write up by emailing them to Trish at takuntz@rochester.rr.com!  Remember to include a few details of your project, any tips/tricks that you like to do that help you, or even something you learned through the process that another person could benefit from!
 

BUY PRODUCT FROM …..THE PURPLE PAINTED LADY™:

First- if you have a local stockist- go visit them and build a relationship with them.  Go to them with your questions and project issues.  BUT- if you do not have a local stockist- we invite you to try our customer service!

As for buying any of the products we mentioned earlier in this post- I hope that you select The Purple Painted Lady™ to be your one stop resource!  We have two locations in western NY.  Check out our Information tab and come and meet us!  Otherwise- if you are not located near me- the following information may apply to you.  This information is directed to those who do NOT have a local stockist.  Because if you do – go and meet them, shop from them and build a relationship with them.  The guidance, information and knowledge they share with you – will be invaluable.  But, if you are in a location where there is no one selling paint products- and you must buy on-line- consider us.  With that said, visit www.anniesloan.com to find a stockist near you.
 
We are here to help you, our customers!  We want you to be successful!  And, just so you know, when you place an order with The Purple Painted Lady:
 
SOME OF THE REASONS WE THINK OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE IS THE BEST:
 
*  We sell Chalk Paint® for $34.95
*  If you order before 3 pm EASTERN TIME any day Monday thru Friday – we will ship out your package that SAME day.
*  We ship orders out every since week day all over the US.
*  We offer the lowest flat rate UPS shipping cost so if you are one town away or 10 states away- the shipping cost is the same.
*  We have awesome follow up customer service, too!
 
 
And- it is my paint sales that keep me in business and allow me to be here to help you.  (my shameless but honest plug)    Here is a link to our on-line shop=>  http://shop.thepurplepaintedlady.com/
 
: )  And I will be here to help you as you progress through your future project!  And if I do say so myself- we offer the BEST customer service that you will ever experience!Lastly- if I was helpful to you- ….please consider leaving a positive review on my Facebook business page sharing your positive experience or thoughts about The Purple Painted Lady.  Here is a link to my Facebook page=> http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Purple-Painted-Lady/291882785710    This really helps me!  (wink, wink!)
XO
Trish

The Purple Painted Lady™ ~ the serial no. is 86/641,416 with the US Trademark Office

PLEASE VISIT OUR TWO LOCATIONS!

our MAIN STORE at 77 West Main Street in Macedon, NY 14502

77 Main street with phone number

 

OR

3200 West Ridge Road in Rochester, NY 14626 (The Shops On West Ridge)