Have you inhereted old, hand-me-down furniture in that dreaded, outdated brown color? Are you looking for that perfect console for that one spot in your house? Do you believe that your surroundings are a reflection of your style & personality? They don't make furniture like they used to! So instead of dumping "old" furniture - especially solid wood pieces - upcycle them to match YOUR decor! You can turn an ugly old dump-headed piece into the focal point of the room. And it's EASY! Here are the supplies and steps you need to take that old hand-me-down furniture and easily custom rework it to fit your home decor and aesthetics. It's easier than you think, and they rarely make furniture like they used to!
Using a product cleaner such as TSP or Dixie Belle White Lightning, clean all that old goo, gunk, and gross-ness off that decades old furniture. Removing grime and years of accumulated dirt will allow paint to adhere better and last longer. For glossy surfaces or non-real wood, scuff sand the area.
Be sure to wipe down/rinse the chemicals after washing as well!
Laying down a coat of primer will:
1. block odors & stains
2. Stop tannins from the wood or chemicals to bleeding through (especially important for white paint)
3. Give your paint adherence
Primer is water-based and shellac (oil). Make sure your paint will react well with whatever you choose (eg it's not recommended to use a water-based primer under oil paints). An example product of this type is Dixie Belle's BOSS Primer.
Prepare: Stir chalk paint for approximately 1 minute to ensure consistent color distribution
Adjust Consistency: If the paint seems thick, dilute it with small amounts of water
Select Applicator Tools: Choose tools such as a dense foam roller, natural or synthetic brush. Ensure the paintbrush is damp
1st Light Coat: Apply a quick, light first coat. It dries 15 minutes, allowing you to proceed to the 2nd coat. 2 coats are often sufficient, depending on the quality and pigmentation of the chalk paint
Select Applicator Tools:
Choose your preferred tools such as a dense foam roller, natural bristle brush, or synthetic brush. Ensure the paintbrush is slightly damp before use, it is recommended to use a water mister for this.
Drying Time:
Allow the paint to dry for 24hrs before proceeding to the next step.
The paint will fully cure in about 28 days.
You can distress it for that aged, worn look popular with shabby chic and farmhouse styles, etc.
Adding some extra Bling can make your whole piece or elements on your piece really pop. Products such as gilding wax, chameleon wax that changes colors, metal gold leafing, or metallic paint washes can add that pizazz - hit your hardware up for a whine or do an entire coat of moonlight metallics.
Do you want to add a bit of rustic, crusty, patina goodness a piece? Use patina interactors to get patina colors in a mix of bronze, copper and iron with blue, yellow, rust and green for that yummy patina effect.
Buff chalk & mineral paints to a buttery smooth feel. For extra protection, use wax or topcoat for added durability such as Big Mama's Butta, Easy Peasy Spray Wax, clear topcoat in matte, satin or glossy, or go extra with a durable hard topcoat such as Gator Hide.
All DIYers - to repaint furniture, update your upholstery fabric project, or DIY your home décor, Dixie Belle Paint Company has you covered! Finf your nearest paint store locally in a retail store near you, or online.
