Our Top Tips for How to Paint using Dixie Belle Mineral Chalk Paint

Step one

Remove any loose or flaking paint from a previously painted surface. Then wash down with a solution of sugar soap to remove any residues. If previous paint looks like gloss paint or is particularly shiny, sand lightly with 240 grade sand paper to provide a key, then wash your item down with a solution of sugar soap and leave to dry

Step two

Apply the paint. Do not over apply. Use a good quality brush, this is all important and we love the Cling On brushes and the Staelmeester brushes. Always choose a brush that is large enough for the job! This will really help with a brushless finish.

Brush your paint on in nice even strokes, not too thickly. Work methodically over the item. Let the first coat dry it can take anywhere between 20 mins to an hour. It is best to work inside at room temperature, cold, damp conditions will increase the drying time considerably. Once dry apply a second coat in the same manner and leave to dry thoroughly. It is always to better to apply several thins coats rather than thick if you are wanting a smooth even finish. In between coats to keep your paint brush from drying out, place in foil or a dampened cloth. Wash your brushes in luke warm water and occasionally use a brush soap / conditioner to keep the bristles soft.

Dixie Belle Paint is very thick and a little goes a long way. The longer the lid stays off, the thicker it will get. If you prefer to work with a thinner paint then just add a little water and stir. Too much water then just leave the lid off and it will thicken up. Whatever consistency you desire, Dixie Belle Paint will work for you!

Most pieces will take one to two coats for full coverage. Sometimes, after the first coat dries it will look blotchy. Don't panic! After the second coat, it will be beautiful!

Sometimes you will see brushstrokes, don't worry, as the paint dries, they will disappear. Dixie Belle Paint is the best paint for self levelling.

Step three

If you want to distress your item, now is the time to do it. Use 240 grade sand paper to distress the edges and 320 to 400 grade to even out the finish if necessary. If you distress a little too much for your taste just paint right over that area and start again!

Step four

You can now apply a finish if you want to! Choose from

Dixie Belle Clear Coat

Dixie Belle Clear Coat is water resistant and can be cleaned using a non abrasive cleaner after only 7 days!

Allow your last coat of paint to dry (depending on the weather/humidity) about an hour
Simply brush a very thin, even layer of clear coat
For an extra layer of protection, simply add another coat of our clear coat in an hour. (You don't have to wax Dixie Belle)

Dixie Belle Glaze

This is where the fun really begins! Want to add depth and dimension to a flat piece? Dixie Belle Glaze finishes do just that!

Give the Clear Coat a couple hours to dry (or you can glaze first and then Clear coat).
Be sure the glaze is mixed really well.
Working in sections, use a chip brush or sponge brush and start applying the glaze to your liking.
If you are working with a piece with lots of nooks and crannies/carvings, work the glaze in to make those details pop.
If you would like less glaze, simply wipe off with a damp rag or paper towel.

Dixie Belle Shine

Use Dixie Shine with Tacky Goo & our Dixie Belle Brush

Dixie Belle Shine is a fun way to “shine up” your piece.

Brush on a very, VERY, VERY small amount of tacky goo (again less is more) on the area you want to shine (works great on fabric too).
Then, place the shine (shiny side up) on the area where you’ve placed the tacky goo.
Use the brush and just brush over the shine.
Remove the shine from your piece. Tada!! You’ve added shine and shimmer to your piece.
Sometimes the tacky goo takes a while to dry. You can use a little aerosol hairspray to speed up the process.

Dixie Belle Mud

Use Dixie Belle Mud to fill veneer, gouges, scrapes or even holes.
Use to make a raised stencilled embellishment to your piece.
After Dixie Belle Paint has dried, place an embossing stencil over your project and secure with adhesive or painters tape.
Using your mud spatula, spread the mud over your stencil. Simply scrape any excess back into your jar.
Gently remove your stencil. Now, you are left with an embellishment!
Spread Dixie Belle Mud over a flat surface and use stamps, leaves or even some burlap to create impressions and other interesting elements.
NEVER, never rinse the mud down your drain, clean utensils with baby wipes and throw away.

Voodoo Gel Stain

This stain is water based and is a little more translucent than the No Pain Gel Stain.

You can use all of our stains on painted or unpainted surfaces.
Both stains can be applied with a “lint free” cloth or you can use a paint brush or paint sponge.
Start out with a small amount and then apply more depending on the shade you are looking for. Remember that less is more. We suggest testing it on a non-conspicuous spot first.
Remember that VooDoo Gel Stain is water based and will dry faster than No Pain Gel Stain, which is oil based.

Easy Peasy Wax

Shake container well.
Mist over a small area 10-inch x 10-inch.
Let stand for about 5 seconds.
Wipe with lint free cloth.
Apply a 2nd or 3rd coat if desired.
Reapply every 3 to 4 months for continued protection

No Pain Gel Stain

This stain is oil based and will have a deeper fuller coverage then our VooDoo Gel Stain

You can use all of our stains on painted or unpainted surfaces.
Both stains can be applied with a “lint free” cloth or you can use a paint brush or paint sponge.
Start out with a small amount and then apply more depending on the shade you are looking for. Remember that less is more. We suggest testing it on a non-conspicuous spot first.
Remember that Voodoo Gel Stain is water based and will dry faster than No Pain Gel Stain, which is oil based.

Best Dang Wax

Apply a VERY thin layer of Best Dang Wax with a cloth or brush over dry Dixie Belle Paint.
Allow 15-20 minutes to set, then buff with a clean lint free white cloth.
You may distress before or after waxing.
No Need to apply clear wax before any of our colored waxes.
Our wax has NO Petroleum Distillates.

Sea Spray

This is the Best Chalky Paint Additive to Create a Chippy, Textured, Weathered, Sun-Kissed Look!

Mix 2 level scoops of Sea Spray to 8 oz. of Dixie Belle Paint. Mix another ½ scoop, if needed. You want a thick, brownie batter-like consistency. If using larger amounts of paint, add scoops a couple at a time and stir.
Using a paintbrush, dab and smoosh the bristles to form crests and peaks, like ocean waves!
Once tacky, gently brush down the crests and peaks, calming the seas and creating texture. You can also leave as is, keeping the seas stormy!
For more dimension, when dry, simply add another paint color (with or without Sea Spray) or glaze of your choice, then sand! Easy Peasy!

Now you have a beautiful piece that looks like it’s been around for ages! We encourage you to use your imagination!! Just like a day at the beach, there's no wrong or right way to use Sea Spray.

Dixie Dirt

Apply clear wax and allow 5-10 minutes to tack up.
Using a clean brush, dip into Dixie Dirt and brush over the surface, especially the nooks and crannies. Really rub it in there.
Wait a few minutes and brush off the unstuck dirt.
Using a lint free cloth, very gently buff your piece. Remember, “gently” work from the middle out to the edges so you get a nicely worn look.

Gator Hide Top Coat

Allow your finished piece to completely dry.
Simply brush on a very thin layer of Gator Hide. Let it dry and then apply another very thin layer. Let it dry and apply one more very thin layer. It will take 3 very thin layers to get the water repellent finish.
We like to use our DBP Synthetic Brushes with Gator Hide. It works really great!
A 48- hour dry time is recommended.
Great for tables, cabinets and counter tops!

Dixie Belle Metallic chalk like paint

Another fun way to add some bling to your piece.

After you prep your piece, use the base coat and paint.
You may need 2 or 3 coats of the base coat. This is the grabby coat that will adhere to anything.
Once dry, you can add a layer of the top coat. This is the coat that adds the “Bling” and really makes the colour “pop”.