How is chalk paint supposed to look on detailed pieces?

It looks perfect, I don't know why you think you are doing it wrong.

Great job Cindy!

It looks great! If you want a smoother finish, try a roller and a softer brush instead of the chalk paint brush. It creates those ridges an uneven surfaces you may not like

Some chalk paint isn't as smooth as others and it looks like the paint might need to be thinned a bit. Pour some chalk paint in a container and add a few drops of water until the consistency is more like smooth, but not runny, yogurt and it brushes on easy. I use cheap "chip" brushes for chalk paint. (I have those expensive brushes too, but ended up using them for display instead of painting. Ha) If you want a more "finished & refined" application, you should sand the piece before painting (to smooth out the flaws, defects and rough edges) or you can sand lightly between and after the coats of paint. Sanding after painting will make a smooth buttery finish. Good luck!

I am so glad you posted this question as I am about to paint my mother's 1960's dining room table's legs...looks just like yours. I'm with you, it looks like too much texture and I like Baxter's answer so will be sure to not get my homemade chalk paint too thick.

Looks good to me... if you want a smoother texture, nows the time to lightly buff the surface smooth.. if you have multiple coats you can gently sand it without removing it if you don't want it to look too distressed. Once you seal it with a wax, it will be smooth as buttah!

Did you make your own chalk paint? I make my own and have recently switched from using plaster of paris as my base to using calcium carbonate. The calcium carbonate makes a much smoother paint. It does look like your paint was maybe too thick. One thing that helps is to use a paint sanding polishing pad between each coat and after the final coat. It will not distress your paint like sandpaper, but will instead smooth the paint and give it a slight luster. https://www.amazon.com/Scotch-Brite-Cleansing-Aluminum-Silicate-Length/dp/B00EW7M5S2?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duckduckgo-osx-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00EW7M5S2

I often mix a small jar of purchased chalk paint with a sample container of latex paint. It gives me more colors and a smoother surface. Chalk paint gives a different texture than you experience with latex or acrylic paint. It is promoted with the "no prep" ease of use. I always prep, because the finish and durability depends on the surface it adheres to. So, I clean , strip, sand, until I have a good surface to paint. Your piece looks like you applied it correctly.

For the smoothest finish, chalk paint should be sanded lightly in between coats. Many people forget this step. If you apply a thin first coat you can usually skip the sanding but I always sand the second coat. Another trick is to not apply your paint too thick. Some chalk paint is "chalkier" than others and you will notice that when you sand. Don't forget to wipe off the dust with a damp cloth! Mineral paint goes on smoother than chalk paint if you want a smoother finish. You can sand chalk paint with a kitchen scrubber--they are green rectangles and coarse. You can also sand with a wet cloth after about 45 minutes. If you choose to use sandpaper use a extra fine grit.

A couple of things to remember when using chalk paint: whatever the surface is before you start is the surface that will be enhanced when painted over with the chalk paint. So, if the surface was not smooth before, it will not be after with coats of chalk paint applied to it. Even though it says its not necessary, I always clean and sand my pieces before applying the paint. Also, use sparingly- multiple coats are better than one thick coat! Lightly sanding in between coats will keep the paint from becoming too thick and uneven. The best part about chalk paint is that you can easily redo it! Just lightly sand and then go over it again with a very small amount to smooth out the rough surfaces. Good luck!

Here are some ideas that might help https://chascrazycreations.com/diys/re-purpose-up-cycle/furniture/