 Create a custom look while elevating your painted furniture by adding a stencil. Dixie Belle’s Belles and Whistle line has several stencils that work with any style and are easy to use.  I had a tired side table was the perfect project to try out Dixie Belle’s Mudcloth stencil. Here are the steps and materials so you can step up your refinishing game and try it out on your next project! Materials
Step One Start by cleaning the entire piece with White Lightning to remove any grease or residue. Then use a sanding pad to give your surface a scuff sand. Next, wipe down your piece with a damp Shop rag.  Step Two Since my surface was quite glossy, I applied a coat of Slick Stick to the whole table and let it dry. After 2 hours, I applied another coat of Slick Stick and let it dry overnight. If your surface is solid wood and not very glossy move on to step three.  Step Three The next day I applied a coat of Drop Cloth using a synthetic brush for a smooth finish. After approximately 45 minutes I applied another coat of Drop Cloth and let it dry for two hours.   Step Four Start by positioning the stencil on the furniture, use painter’s tape to hold the stencil in place and to avoid any smudging. If you are unable to add any tape, make sure to hold your stencil in place for the next step.   Step Five Apply a thin coat of paint onto your roller. Make sure to roll off excess paint in the tray. This will avoid having paint bleed through the stencil.    Next began using the roller to apply paint over the stencil. Make sure to evenly apply pressure while rolling to give the stencil pattern a uniform look. Continue rolling until the whole area has been stenciled. Remove the stencil while the paint is still wet.   Sometimes mistakes will happen and some paint may bleed through the stencil. Don’t stress! Just use a damp Q-Tip (pointed ones are the best) to wipe back any mishaps and use a Dixie Belle fine artist brush to clean up any smudges.   Next reposition the stencil, apply tape and apply an even coat of paint over the remainder of the piece. Once complete, let the surface dry for approximately 45 minutes. Pro tip- make sure to clean your stencil with warm water and gentle soap to remove the paint as soon as you are done to keep it in tip top shape!  Step Six To add some durability, apply a thin coat of Clear Coat and let dry for 1 hour. Once dry, apply another coat of Clear Coat.   To add a little bling, apply some Gemstone Mousse in Golden Gem to the legs. Let it dry for 30 minutes.  Using stencils on furniture is so easy to do and will give the look of custom furniture without the big cost. Make sure to try it on your next project. Happy painting!    
0 Comments
Do you have a tired piece of furniture that you have been thinking of painting but you are not sure where to start? Painting furniture is a great way to get creative, have fun and make amazing transformations. Here are 5 points to consider to help you get started painting furniture. Choosing The Right Project Painting furniture is a great way to take something that is tired or doesn’t work with your color palette and refresh it with a new colour.   With Dixie Belle paint you can paint almost anything! Solid wood, laminate, glass, metal, formica, ceramic, PVC, Ikea furniture and glossy surfaces.   When choosing a project make sure to look past the colour or finish and focus the details of the piece. Try to envision your project in a fresh new colour. Prepping is Key! Getting your project prepped and ready is one of the most important steps to take. Prepping your furniture will remove oil, grease or residue and will help the paint adhere to your furniture. To prep your furniture, start by cleaning your piece with White Lightning.  Then use a sanding pad or 220 sandpaper to scuff up the surface. No heavy sanding is needed, just scuff it as if you are wiping down your kitchen table. Next use a damp cloth to remove any residue.  If you are painting over solid wood you are ready to start painting. However if you are painting laminate, glass, metal or slippery surfaces, apply 2 coats of Silk Stick first before moving on to the next step. This will help the paint adhere to the surface. Click here to learn how to use Slick Stick.  If you are painting a piece that you suspect may have bleed through, Dixie Belle’s Boss will help avoid this problem. Bleed through occurs when the tannins bleed through the wood causing yellow, brown or red spots to appear through the paint. Applying 2 coats of Boss before you paint will avoid bleed through.  Create a Flat Lay Choosing a colour for your project at times can feel overwhelming. To help make your decision, start by placing fabric, tiles, paint samples that are in the room on a table. Dixie Belle Paint has over 64 colours to help find the perfect colour for your project, pick up a colour swatch to help you decide.  Creating a flat lay of all of the colours in your space will help you try out different colours and give you a visual of what works best. Click here to learn more about Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral paint and Silk All In One Mineral paint here. Paint Like A Pro Dixie Belle paint is easy to use, but to get the best result, use a good quality brush to apply your paint.  Dixie Belle paint is very versatile and can suit any design style from contemporary, rustic, boho chic to modern farmhouse. Click here to learn two ways to apply paint to help you achieve different looks.   Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral paint generally requires two coats of paint. Occasionally, with highly pigmented colours or white, you may need to add an extra coat or two of paint. After approximately 30 to 45 minutes your paint will be dry and ready for its next coat. Long Lasting Finish Dixie Belle Chalk Paint does not need a top coat as it cures to a durable surface after 21 days. If you are looking for more durability, some sheen or added softness to your surface, there are several products that you can use.  Best Dang Wax and Easy Peasy Spray wax are water based and easy to apply leaving your surface soft with a slight sheen and some durability.   Gatorhide and Clear Coat have great durability for those high traffic areas like coffee tables, dining tables and kitchen cabinets.     You can do it! Building Confidence. Painting furniture is easy to do, but for some it can feel a little daunting. A great tip is to start out with a small project or pick something up from the thrift store to practice with before moving on to a bigger project.   Or take a class at a local shop and learn from an expert.  Remember to have fun and that you can always repaint your project if needed. Happy painting!
Painting solid wood furniture is so easy to do, but did you know that you can even paint shiny, slippery surfaces like laminate, veneer and more? With just one extra step you can open the door to even more creative transformations using Dixie Belle Paint. Adding Slick Stick into your toolbox is a game changer! What is Slick Stick? Slick Stick is a water based adhesion primer that will help paint adhere to slick surfaces. Slick Stick is not needed for all projects but it is a great problem solver for those where there may be some concern that the paint won’t adhere. What surface can I use Slick Stick on? Slick Stick can be used on surfaces that are not solid wood like, laminate, PVC, metal, glass, formica, ceramic, glossy surfaces and even Ikea furniture!  Glass  Laminate  Even pumpkins! Help! I can’t tell if my project is solid wood or laminate? Sometimes it can be a little tricky to figure out what kind of surface you are working with. If you are unsure if your surface is solid wood or laminate it is best to err on the side of caution and use Slick Stick. When should I apply Slick Stick? Slick stick should be applied after prepping your project. To "prep", start by giving your project a good clean with White Lightning, scuff sand with 220 sandpaper (as if you are wiping down your kitchen table) and wipe off any residue with a damp cloth. Now your surface is ready for Slick Stick! How do I apply Slick Stick? Make sure your Slick Stick is mixed well and give it a good shake. To avoid brushstrokes use a dry synthetic brush to apply Slick Stick. Having brushstrokes in your Slick Stick will cause texture in your paint finish. Next, apply a thin coat of Slick Stick over the surface in long strokes. Make sure not to overwork it or go over a spot that has already begun to dry. Don’t worry if you happen to miss a spot on your first coat, you will get it with your second coat.  Once the surface is completely covered, let it dry for 2 to 3 hours.  After 2 to 3 hours, apply a final coat of Slick Stick over your project. Then let it dry overnight. The next day your surface will be prepped, primed, ready for paint and your creativity! Using Slick Stick opens the door to more DIY possibilities. Here are a few ideas of what you can paint when using Slick Stick. Happy painting!  laminate Glass  Metal  Porcelain  Glass
 Inspiration can come from anywhere. I found this gorgeous duvet cover one day while scrolling through Instagram and instantly fell in love.  I was so inspired that I decided to make a big shift in my colour palette.  From light and airy to rich, dark and moody. The colour of my bed frame did not work with the duvet. Rather than buying another bed to match my duvet cover, an inexpensive option was to paint my bed. Here are the steps and the materials I used to transform my bed with Dixie Belle Paint so you can try it out on your next project. Materials
Step One First give your bed a quick prep using White Lightening to clean and remove any residue. Then use 220 sandpaper to scuff sand and give it some "tooth". Next wipe off any residue with a damp shop rag. Step Two Dixie Belle’s Pine Cone chalk mineral paint was the perfect warm, rich brown color to beautifully contrast the duvet.  Start by giving the paint a good shake to mix up the pigments. Using a round or oval to paint the bed is perfect for painting the spindles and will leave a smooth finish.   Apply the paint in long strokes, occasionally misting with the Continuous Spray Mister to minimize brush strokes and to keep the paint moving. Once the whole bed has been painted, wait approximately 30-45 before applying another coat of paint.  Step Three Once the second coat is dry, take the Clear Coat and give it a good stir. Using the blue sponge to apply the clear coat will give an even finish and help avoid streaking. Make sure to apply a thin coat and apply it in long strokes. Once the whole bed has been completed, let it dry and apply another coat for more durability.   Step Four To add some depth and dimension to the details of the bed, apply Best Dang Wax in Brown. La Petite wax brush will help get into all of the crevices. Use a shop rag to push the wax into the details and remove any excess.    I love my bed transformation! Painting your bed to change up your colour palette is so easy and inexpensive to do. Make sure to try it out on when you are looking to make a change. Happy painting!     I found this lamp on one of my trips to my local thrift store. The shape and size was perfect but the colour was a little outdated. The lamp did not work with my decor, but I knew that I could easily transform this lamp with Dixie Belle paint.   Photo credit Pottery Barn I love the organic, aged look of ceramic table lamps. They are a big design trend, I wanted to recreate the look using Dixie Belle paint. Here are the materials I used and the steps so you can try it out on your next project. Materials
Step One Start by giving your lamp a good clean using White Lightning to remove any oil or residue. Let it dry. Step Two Since the surface was metal, I used Slick Stick to help the paint adhere. Start by applying a thin coat of Slick Stick over the whole lamp and let dry for 2 hours. Apply another thin coat of Slick Stick and let it dry overnight.   Step Three Add a scoop of Sea Spray into the container. Next add a small amount of Coffee Bean into the container and mix well. Continue to mix until it has a chunky peanut butter consistency.    Step Four Using your spatula, apply the mixture and layer the paint onto the lamp moving in different directions. Use a small paint brush to apply and stipple (dabbing) the paint mixture around the base and top of the lamp. Make sure to completely cover the whole lamp base without any of the Slick Stick showing through. Let the paint completely dry overnight.     Step Five Once the paint is dry, use a small amount of Drop Cloth and brush a light coat over the lamp. Continue to paint until the whole surface is covered and let dry.    Step Six Once the lamp is dry, use a sanding sponge to distress the lamp to give it an aged effect.    Step Seven Dab a small amount of Terracotta and Pinecone onto the wax paper. Dip the fine artist brush into Pinecone and dab off most of the paint onto a Shop Rag.   Starting at the base, apply the paint in a circular motion, blending the paint around the base. Then dabb a small amount of Terracotta, wipe off excess and apply it in a circular motion where the blended Pinecone ends. Continue this process adding both colours around the crevices and the center of the lamp to give it an aged effect.    Use a damp Shop Rag and wipe in areas to help blend the paint if needed. Once you are happy with the effect, let the paint dry for an hour.  Step Eight Make sure to give your Easy Peasy Wax a good shake. Then spray it on the lamp, let it sit for 30 seconds and then wipe over the whole surface. This will help in adding more depth, durability and give it a buttery soft feel.  Now find the perfect spot to showcase your beautiful lamp! Happy painting!     Are you tired of your outdated kitchen cabinets and can’t take on the big cost of a renovation? Kitchens can be one of the most expensive rooms to renovate, but you can get big savings by DIYing your kitchen cabinets. If your tired, outdated cabinets are still in good condition, here are 5 steps to help you tackle your project and make it a success! Style & Colour One of the great things about painting your kitchen cabinets is that you can get the look of a custom kitchen, without the expense.   Photo credit Lotus Theory Designs The first step is deciding on the style and colour for your cabinets. Do you love a sleek, contemporary look, a fun, bold colour or an aged, rustic kitchen? Using Dixie Belle paint or Silk All In One Mineral paint will give you over 80 colours to choose from, making it easy to find the perfect colour. If you are finding it difficult to decide on a style or choosing a colour head over to Pinterest to look at painted kitchens to get some inspiration.  Photo credit Style At Home Prep Prep is an important step when painting furniture, but it is essential when painting kitchen cabinets. Properly prepping your cabinets first will remove any oil or grease build up and ensure your paint will adhere. Start by cleaning your cabinets with White Lightning. Using shop rags and a scrub brush will help get them super clean.  Next, use 220 sandpaper and give the cabinets a quick scuff sand to give it some tooth. Then use a damp lint free cloth to remove any residue. If your cabinets are solid wood you can move onto the next step. If your cabinets are laminate you will need to add an extra step and use Slick Stick first. If you are unsure about the surface or if the surface is very slick, use Slick Stick as a precaution.  If you are concerned about bleed through- when red, yellow or brown spots appear on the painted surface, apply 2 coats of Boss before moving on to the next step.  Paint Investing in good quality paint brushes is key and will make a big difference in application. Generally having a few synthetic brushes on hand will make the job easier. Having a 2 brush, a round or oval brush, a 1 brush and a microfiber roller will help you get a smooth, even finish and get into all of the crevices.  For a smooth finish, make sure to apply the paint in long strokes and avoid overworking the paint. While painting, spray your with a Continuous Spray Mister to give a smooth finish and help keep the paint moving. Apply 2 coats of paint to get the best results and let it dry.  Finish Making sure your cabinets are protected is important. Dixie Belle’s Gatorhide is a great option, it’s very durable, easy to apply and is water repellent. Using Dixie Belle’s blue sponge to apply Gatorhide minimizes streaking and makes it so easy to get into all of the crevices.  Apply up to three thin coats for more durability, waiting approximately 2 hours between coats. After 21 -30 days your surface will be fully cured. Set Small Goals Painting a kitchen can feel daunting, even overwhelming for some. When starting your project, break your project down into achievable goals. For example, expecting to complete your kitchen in one day may not be realistic. Setting small goals will help keep your project moving forward and successful.  If you have never picked up a paint brush before but want to paint your cabinets, stop by your local thrift store and pick up a small project like a chair or small table to try out painting first. This will help give you confidence and an understanding of how the paint works.  Lastly, if you find that you need some support before beginning your project, registering for a furniture painting class is a great way to learn techniques and give you the confidence to tackle your project.  Here are a few painted kitchens for some inspiration. Happy painting!  Before- Elle Furniture  After   Before- Wise Little Owl Furniture  After  Before-Perception An Eye For Treasure  After  Before- L& L Furniture  After  Please note the above links are affiliate links. I receive a small commission on sales that go through this link. This commission helps me to continue to create DIY's and blogs.
 Over the past year I have been working on redecorating my bedroom. I had this vanity that was previously painted but it no longer worked in my space. I took a few hours to transform this piece with Dixie Belle paint and made a tinted wax to add to the details.     Step Three I found these gorgeous drawer pulls, I love the slight beige veining in the marble and wanted to replicate the colour. Since brown wax would be a little too dark, I decided to replicate the colour by making a tinted wax. It is so easy to do and can make a big impact.  I used my spatula to put some clear Best Dang wax and put it on my wax paper. I then added a few drops of Pinecone into the wax and mixed thoroughly until I was happy with the colour. Make sure not to apply too much wax, just add enough paint to slightly tint the wax.    Next, I used my La Petite Brush to apply the beige wax into the details and moldings.  I applied Best Dang wax in clear to the rest of the vanity and hemp oil to the wood top, adding more depth to the wood grain.   I added Gold Gilding wax to the feet to tie it all together and add some bling.  I love this transformation! The warm tones of the vanity works perfectly in my space and I love the tinted wax. Make sure to try this out on your next project! Happy painting!     Please note these are affiliate links. If you follow these links and make a purchase I will receive a commission. This helps me continue to make blogs and DIY's.
 I love a good decor hack, it’s a great way to add trends into your home without the expense. These gorgeous, aged Restoration Hardware vases are on trend, packed with texture and are a great way to display seasonal greenery or flowers.   I had a glass vase that I was planning on dropping off at the thrift store that was the perfect size and shape for my decor hack. Here are the steps and materials you need to try out this decor hack on your next project! Materials
Step One First, I cleaned the vase with White Lightening to remove any grease or residue. Step Two Since the surface was glass and very slick, I applied a coat of Slick Stick over the whole surface and let it dry. After 2 hours, I applied another coat of Slick Stick and let it sit overnight.  Step Three I wanted a very rustic look and added a scoop of Sea Spray- a texture medium, on a piece of wax paper. Then I added Caviar into the Sea Spray and mixed it until it had a crunchy peanut butter consistency. I painted the mixture on the vase, applying it in a cross hatch pattern (applying the paint in a X pattern) to give lots of texture. I continued painting the vase until it was completely covered and left it to dry overnight.      Step Four Once it was dry, I gave my Easy Peasy wax a good shake and sprayed a light mist over the whole vase. Using my Shop Rag, I spread the wax evenly over the entire vase.   Next, I dipped my brush into Dixie Dirt and applied it in a heavier application around the top, in the crevices and bottom, where it would age naturally. I blended the dirt in a circular motion moving into the center of the jar. By adding the wax first, it ensures the dirt will adhere to the vase.     I love how my vase turned out, this hack was so easy to do and only took 4 steps! Dixie Belle Dirt in Earth is the perfect colour to give the vase that warm, aged effect. Now make sure to find a great spot in your home to showcase your work of art. Happy painting!    Please note these are affiliate links. If you follow the link and make a purchase I will receive a commission . This helps me continue to create great Blogs and DIY's.
 I love adding a little bling into my decor. With the holidays around the corner, I wanted to bring the festive feel into my home. I had these thrifted half-painted candle holders that I wanted to transform using Dixie Belle’s Garnet Gemstone Mousse.   Gemstone Mousse is a beautiful, highly pigmented, rich and creamy, water based product. It is a great way to add a metallic look and is so easy to use. Garnet is a rich, jewel tone colour that is perfect addition to your home decor for the holidays. Here is what you need and how you can use Garnet Gemstone Mousse in your next project. Materials
Step One First give your candle holders a good clean with White Lightning to remove any oil or dirt. Use a damp cloth to wipe away any residue. If your surface is slick make sure to use Slick Stick before the next step. Step Two Start by painting the candle holders in Caviar to create a base coat. After painting each candle holder, put it aside and let it dry.   Step Three Next I gave the Gemstone Mousse a good shake to mix the pigments. I used a synthetic brush to apply a thin coat of the Mousse over the candle holder, making sure to push it into the details. Initially wanted to have some of the black (Caviar) peeking through but I loved the look of having these candle holders completely painted in Garnet. I let the candle holder dry overnight and let it cure.   Step Four Finally, once my candle holders were dry, I used a shop rag to gently buff them to add some sheen and remove any residue.  Garnet is the perfect colour for the fall or the holiday season. It can be used to elevate the look of items like picture frames, mirrors, furniture or even Christmas decorations! This was so easy to do and only took four steps. Now, find a spot in your home to glam up your fall or holiday decor. Happy painting!     Decorating for Halloween is a great way to have some fun, get creative and it doesn’t have to be expensive. A thrifty way to decorate is to head first to your local Salvation Army Thrift Store to see what you can find. On one of my trips I found some pool noodles and was inspired to create a spooky Halloween wreath. Here are the materials and steps I took, so you can create your own thrifted Halloween wreath too!  Materials
Step One Place the pool noodle on your tablecloth. Cut out enough of the tablecloth to wrap around the noodle.   Step Two First, attach each end of the tablecloth to the ends of the noodle. Use the glue gun to add a drop of glue to hold the tablecloth in place.  Step Three Glue the rest of the tablecloth around the width of the noodle until the whole tablecloth is wrapped tightly around the noodle.   Step Four Take the two ends of the noodle and put them together to make a circle. Use the electrical tape and tape it into place to create a wreath form.    Step Five Decorate your wreath with flowers, decor, flameless candles and glue it into place.  Now turn on your flameless candles and place your spooky noodle wreath on your front door! Happy thrifting!    |
|
RSS Feed
