A dry brush technique is a great way to quickly add depth and dimension to your finish. You can apply a dry brush lightly or heavily, to create a rustic type finish. You can achieve this finish on smooth woods and surfaces or textured surfaces. On raised or textured surfaces, the paint will pick up and highlight raised spots or areas with texture. Using a dry brush technique is great to create a driftwood or farmhouse type of finishes. Dry brushing can also be used on ornate details that have a French flair, like gilded picture frames & mirrors or raised details on furniture. Dry brushing can be used with one or multiple colors!
Combining a dry brush with a color wash is also another option. Layering techniques can help to add additional dimension to your furniture finishes. Check out our technique guide on Color Wash for more details! Layer the dry brush under or over your color wash to vary your looks even further. It's easy to take your furniture painting skills to another level by playing around and practicing different techniques. Don't be nervous and have fun! Use sample boards to test out your finishes and be sure to label your boards so you can remember the steps you took to achieve each look.
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Paint your piece in a chalk-type paint, just like Jolie Matte Finish Paint, and let it dry OR apply it right to the raw wood, or previously finished surface.
- Dip your chip brush in to a little bit of paint. Your brush should not have a lot of paint on it. If it does, off load your brush onto a towel or rag
- Next VERY lightly and gently, swipe your brush onto the surface of your piece. You can always go back and add, so start light. You will be barely touching the board.
- Once there is no more paint on your brush, add a little more.
- You will continue until you have the amount of coverage you want! Then switch to another color or let dry. If you are using more than one color, keep layering until you have your desired finish, then let dry!
- When your piece is complete, let dry and seal with wax.
