Polka dots are one of the most popular patterns, but they can be tricky to get just right. If you’ve ever ended up with lopsided blobs or awkward spacing instead of the perfect polka dot shape, this post is for you! 

Today, I’m showing you how to paint polka dots that are clean, consistent, and super cute — whether you’re working on a wooden door hanger, a canvas, or really any craft project.

Grab your brushes and let’s get to it!

The Best Brush for Painting Polka Dots

The tools you use to paint can make all the difference, so let’s tackle these first! There are two different types of brushes I recommend. 

Using a Traditional Brush

If I’m using a traditional brush to paint polka dots, I always reach for a filbert tip brush. It’s got a rounded end and gives a much smoother circle than a flat brush. 

(Pssst…if you’ve got my Signature Brush Set, it includes two different sizes of filbert brushes that are perfect for this!)

Here’s how you can get the best results with a filbert tip brush: 

• Lightly dip your brush in water, then dab off the excess.
• Load your brush about halfway up with paint, being careful not to overload it.
• Hold your brush vertically, using a press and twist technique. Keep in mind that the size of your dot will be roughly double the width of your brush tip.
• If a full circle twist is difficult, try a half circle, then go back and twist the opposite direction to finish it off.

Using a Sponge Pouncer

I HIGHLY recommend trying a sponge pouncer!

Sponge pouncers are so handy, especially if you have to paint a lot of polka dots at once (think paint parties or if you have a door hanger business!). We’ve got a pack of sponge pouncers in the shop that come in multiple sizes (quarter inch to over an inch wide). 

Here’s how you can get the best results with a sponge pouncer: 

• Don’t dip in water, instead, use the sponge dry.
• Load the sponge pouncer by dipping straight down into the paint, then scrape off excess.
• The bottom of your sponge should barely show paint — it should be soaked in the sponge, not sitting on top (otherwise it will leave a glob of paint where you’re trying to create a polka dot!). 
• Apply with a gentle press and slight twist (about 30% of a turn). If you get bubbles, blow on them gently to pop.
• Be careful not to bounce repeatedly or overload the sponge. That’s how you get ridges, bubbles, and messy dots!

How to Paint Polka Dots with the Imaginary Triangle Method

Now that you know the best tools to use, it’s time I reveal my BEST-KEPT secret when it comes to painting polka dots!

I use the “imaginary triangle method”:

• Start with two dots spaced a dot-width apart.
• Imagine a triangle between those two and place your next dot at the third “corner.”
• Repeat this process using your last two dots to help guide the placement of the next one.
• Make sure some of your dots go off the edge of your project. This helps the pattern feel more natural!

Yes…that’s it! That’s really all you need to create great polka dots: good tools and an expert method that’s easy to use.

Take It Up a Notch with Leopard Print Dots

Up for a challenge? You can use your polka dots as the base of a leopard print pattern! It’s super easy, and the best part? It’s supposed to be imperfect — so don’t overthink it.

Step-by-Step Leopard Print:

1. Start with light-colored dots using your filbert brush (use a twist technique or blobby blobs — both work!). 
2. Use a small filbert or round-tip brush and dark brown or black paint.
3. Add irregular C-shapes or wiggly outlines around the dots. No two should look alike!
4. Vary your strokes — some C shapes, some U shapes, or even just a little swoosh or two. You can even skip the inner dot and go straight for the outer markings to make freeform leopard print — it’s one of my favorite techniques!

Put Your Polka Dot Skills to the Test!

If you had fun learning how to paint polka dots, just wait until you dive into these designs! Each one uses polka dots in a different way, so whatever season or holiday you find yourself in as you read this, there’s a fun and free way to practice!