My five favorite brushes – nothing works without them

My five favorite brushes – nothing works without them

There are tools that simply become a part of you. That’s how I feel about my paintbrushes.
Today I’d like to introduce you to my five favorite companions—the ones that are in daily use in my workshop at Elfen & Helden and that I use to transform my furniture. They’re my go-to tools for a wide variety of materials and techniques—from chalk and mineral paints to decoupage papers and transfers.

If you’re into furniture upcycling or want to give it a try, choosing the right brush is key. In this post, I’ll show you why these five are my favorites and what I like to use them for in my workshop.

Why the right brush matters when upcycling furniture
Furniture upcycling isn’t just about paint; it’s about a combination of technique, material, texture, and style. Especially with chalk or mineral paint, it’s crucial how the brush picks up and applies the paint, and what kind of surface texture you want to create.

Dixie Belle Synthetic Brush Mini
My personal favorite and all-around workhorse for both large and small surfaces. The short handle also makes it handy for tight spaces like drawers or shelf compartments—exactly where larger brushes would be too bulky. Yes, and I even use it to paint table and chair legs… it’s all about the right technique! Its synthetic bristles ensure even paint application and are also wonderful for subtle blending when applying chalk paint. When I want to create color gradients, this brush is my go-to. I use it for chalk and acrylic paints, primers, and applying suitable clear coats, among other things.

Unfortunately, a good brush comes at a price, but if you take good care of it, it can last a very long time. I’m actually still using my very first Mini Brush from 2019, even after countless projects.
→ Link in the shop: Dixie Belle Synthetic Brush Mini

Dixie Belle Best Dang Brush
The name says it all—for me, the Best Dang Brush is one of my favorite brushes for creating soft, cloudy color gradients or applying wax. Its blend of natural and synthetic bristles makes it incredibly versatile. I use it to work wax into the surface, but also to create “grungy” transitions between colors—this is how I achieve those wonderfully soft gradients that often give my furniture that mysterious boho look.
→ Link in the shop: Best Dang Brush

Posh Chalk Smooth & Blend Brush
My favorite brush when I work with decoupage papers. Its soft bristles help me apply the papers gently to the surface. But of course, it’s also great for working with chalk or acrylic paints, as well as for applying suitable clear varnishes.

They come in two sizes—70 mm and 100 mm wide—so you can choose the right size for your project:
→ Link in the shop: Posh Chalk Smooth & Blend Brush (small)
→ Link in the shop: Posh Chalk Smooth & Blend Brush (large)

Dixie Belle Premium Chip Brush
A handy tool, not just for rough work. I like to use this brush for primers or patina paints when I want to spare my higher-priced brushes. When you think of a chip brush, you usually picture a simple brush with bristles that tend to fall out while you’re working. With my Premium Chip Brush, I have significantly fewer issues with that. It’s densely packed with soft natural bristles and is also a good choice for me when I don’t want to reach for a more expensive brush on a project.
→ Shop link: Dixie Belle Premium Chip Brush

da Vinci Stencil Brush Series 113
As the name suggests, this brush is designed for stenciling. The white, firm Chinese bristles allow for controlled paint application when stenciling. I prefer to work with sizes 12 and 24—this allows me to work on both smaller and larger designs. Even after numerous uses, my brushes are still in great shape.
→ Link in the shop: da Vinci Stencil Brush Series 113

Conclusion: Invest in your tools—it’s worth it
In my upcycling workshop, every brushstroke becomes part of the design. For me, a good brush makes a noticeable difference when I’m working. The quality and texture of the bristles, a good shape, and above all, the right tool for the specific material and desired technique—all of these factors contribute to the final result.

If you would like to learn these techniques together in a workshop – from the correct application of paint to gradients and stencil techniques – then I would like to invite you to take part in one of my furniture upcycling workshops.

I look forward to getting creative with you.

Do you have any questions or suggestions? Write to me in the comments or send me a message – I look forward to a creative exchange with you!

SEE YOU NEXT TIME!

YOUR MASTER OF DISASTER,

ANGELA

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