Do you have to use the AS brushes with Annie Sloan chalk paint & waxes?

[PeoplesFrontOfJudea]

I've a few mirrors that could do with a frame update and am looking at Annie Sloan Paris Grey with the dark wax. Can I use a normal, good quality, small paintbrush, or does it have to be an AS specialist paint effects one to get a good quality finish?

I've always used normal brushes but you are best using soft ones that don't shed. If you use too stuff a brush you'll get stroke marks. It dries really quickly so you can't go backwards and forwards over it like normal paint to spread it out. You have to kind of slap it on. Maybe start on a bit at the top/back to practise the technique. It's easy but I naturally started going back and forwards like I do with normal paint.

Good luck, it's addictive, you'll be going around your house eyeing up stuff to paint!!

Ps for the wax I use a lint free cloth like an old pillow case. You may not need to use it on a mirror though as they generally don't get touched/bashed. It's only really necessary for tables etc.

Thank you for the tips, particularly re the fast drying!

It's the dark wax I'm looking at so it will give cosmetic effect as well as protection to the finish.

Oh right yes well in that case a cloth would be good for buffing it in more/ less in diff areas.

Sorry for lots of replies! I also meant to add that it can sort of 'pile' if you drag the brush back over it as it is drying. If it is patchy I found it easier to wait til it had totally dried and then water down some and apply a quick thinner coat.

No really, all replies and advice gratefully received !