If you’ve wanted to get started painting, but feel overwhelmed by all the products available, this comprehensive Dixie Belle product reference guide is for you!
Hi there! I’m an elite Dixie Belle retailer, selling both in my booth and in my Etsy shop. I would not state my name and reputation on just any brand. Dixie Belle is the first paint company that I have found that has a product to solve any problem I may encounter, and I love that!
Dixie Belle Paint is a family-owned and operated company right here in the USA!
*Look for a printable PDF version at the bottom if you’d like a printed copy.
Dixie Belle Product Reference Guide
Here is all the information you need to know about all things Dixie Belle.
I’ll introduce each product in the order it would likely be used.
Proper Prep
White Lightning
The first step to a beautifully painted finish is proper prep. Generally, the only prep needed on most pieces when using Dixie Belle paint is a good cleaning. There is no need to sand and usually no need to prime (more on that coming up).
Dixie Belle makes an amazing cleaner called White Lightning. What I like about it is it cleans, degreases, AND deglosses your surface for the best prep possible.
- Simply dissolve two TBSP into a gallon of warm water, or if you have a smaller piece, you can half that, which is what I usually do!
- Wipe your piece down thoroughly and then swap out your water for clean water and wipe down again to remove any residue.
- Allow it to dry and you’re good to go.
Because it is also a deglosser, gloves are recommended when cleaning your project piece with White Lightning. *Not to be used as a general household cleaner or on metal.
Dixie Mud
Before you can get to painting, you may need to patch hardware holes, gouges, areas of missing veneer, or just deep scratches.
Dixie Mud works perfectly for that and is available in three colors:
- White
- Brown
- Black
Apply it to your surface with a spatula or putty knife and allow it to dry:
- Apply the Mud higher than the level needed.
- Allow plenty of dry time, 1-3 hours, depending on how deep of a space you are filling. Laying your piece in the sun will speed up the process.
- Sand smooth with 220 grit sandpaper when the Mud is completely dry. If you close your eyes and run your hand across the area and still feel a dip, reapply and repeat.
What I like most about Dixie Mud is I haven’t had issues with it hardening in the container like I do with most other wood fillers.
*It states on the container that refrigeration is encouraged to prevent the Mud from molding, but I have not had any issues with that in my climate here in coastal Virginia.
PROBLEM SOLVERS
BOSS
BOSS has quickly become my best friend when it comes to preventing the dreaded bleed-through and ridding pieces of offensive odors. It comes in both a white formula, a clear formula, and a gray also.
See this pretty lady?
She was a hot mess! See more of her makeover story HERE.
Older cherry, mahogany, or antique pieces like this often have tannins that will bleed through every layer of paint.
For these pieces, I like to start with a coat of BOSS to get ahead of any of those issues.
- Allow BOSS to sit overnight before painting. Proper dry time is key in being effective at blocking those tannins!
- Usually one coat will do it, but on occasion, I have had to apply two. Again, waiting overnight to start painting.
- Apply with a quality synthetic bristle brush like a Dixie Belle Mini, Mini Angle or Purdy brand brush.
- No obnoxious fumes or odors!
- Water based for easy clean-up.
- If you have already started painting and realize you are getting bleed-though, you can apply BOSS right over your paint.
- If you are only getting a few stubborn areas of bleed-though, you can just spot prime with BOSS as I did here:
The bonus of applying white BOSS when it comes to lighter colors is it will save you a coat of paint!
- If you plan to sand to distress, you will see the white of the BOSS underneath. If you do not want to see white come through, opt for the clear formula instead.
Remember this Black beauty?
It was in need of some serious TLC:
See more of this lovely piece HERE.
While it didn’t need BOSS for potential bleed-through issues, it smelled super MUSTY!
Clear BOSS to the rescue!
I applied one coat of clear BOSS to the entire insides of the dresser:
It sealed in those musty odors completely! Apply it with a quality synthetic brush. It dries matte and clear!
SLICK STICK
Slick Stick was formulated as a base to help paint bond to glossy or other hard, shiny surfaces like laminate, formica, metal, and glass. Slick Stick is a problem solver and not necessary for every project.
- Clean your piece thoroughly with White Lightning.
- Paint one coat of Slick Stick with a quality synthetic bristle brush like a Dixie Belle or Purdy brand brush.
- Allow to dry for 2-3 hours. Apply a second coat of Slick Stick and let it dry overnight.
Paints
Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint
You are now ready for paint!
Dixie Belle’s Chalk Mineral Paint is the perfect paint for a blended or distressed finish.
It is available in 64 beautiful colors, each available in three sizes:
- 8oz: One 8oz jar will paint a small dresser or approximately 38 square feet.
- 16oz: One 16oz jar will cover about 75 square feet.
- 32oz: One 32oz jar will cover about 150 square feet.
Additionally, there are five more colors that are semi-retired that are available in the 16oz size only:
You can also combine colors to create any custom color you can imagine!
To use:
- No sanding required first unless you have a very slick or non porous surface like glass or laminate. Just clean and paint!
- Many colors give solid coverage in one coat, however, I usually apply two. The lighter colors may take up to three coats depending on how dark your project piece is to start, with the exception of Fluff, which has great coverage in only two.
- Apply with a quality synthetic bristle brush like a Dixie Belle Mini, Mini Angle or Purdy brand brush.
- No need to sand in between coats.
- Finish with a good sanding with 220 grit sandpaper after your final coat has dried, heavier in the areas you want more distressed. (Wrap sandpaper around and old foam sanding sponge for easier handling.)
- Water-based for easy clean up
- No VOC’s
All colors and sizes are available in my Etsy shop.
I use Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint for most of my projects. You can visit them all in my Project Gallery HERE.
Check out how I paint my furniture in this video. At the end, I share how I sand after:
Silk All-in-One Mineral Paint
While chalk paint is the perfect choice for a blended or distressed finish, Silk is designed for a more clean, crisp look.
Silk All-in-One Mineral Paint is Dixie Belle’s newest paint line and comes in 30 beautiful shades:
To use:
- Sand the surface first using 220 grit sandpaper.
- Follow up with a good cleaning with White Lightning.
- OR, as an alternative to sanding, you can clean first with White Lightning and then prime with Slick Stick.
- Apply with a quality synthetic bristle brush like a Dixie Belle Mini, Mini Angle or Purdy brand brush.
- Allow at least two hours of dry time in between coats. Because Silk dries from the top down, while the surface may feel dry to the touch, beneath may not be adequately dry yet.
- No need to sand in between coats or after.
- No topcoat required (The built-in topcoat is compared to one coat of Clear Coat, so if you need more protection than that, you can use any of Dixie Belle’s topcoat options.)
- Dries to a lovely eggshell finish
- Has a built-in BOSS-like primer. If you experience bleed-though, allow the first coat to dry overnight before recoating. Extreme cases may require a coat of BOSS.
Silk also has 40z sample packs available so you can try them first:
The first pack includes one 4oz jar of Whitecap and one 4oz jar of Bay Breeze, and the second sample pack includes one 4oz jar of Cape Current and one 4oz jar of Anchor.
All regular sizes are available HERE.
Moonshine Metallics
Dixie Belle also has a line of metallic colors called Moonshine Metallics:
They are available in a 16oz size in a stunning array of colors:
- Steel Magnolia
- Rozay
- Silver Bullet
- Wedding Belle
- Gold Digger
- Caribbean
- Deep Woods
- Pacific
Moonshine Metallics go on a bit sheer, so they cover best and go much further when layered over a similar regular color.
- No need to sand after or in between coats
- Moonshine Metallics are self sealing, so there is no need for a topcoat.
Here, I layered Steel Magnolia over Driftwood:
Patina Paints and Products
Dixie Belle’s Patina Paint can be used as is or with their Patina products to create amazing faux finishes.
Patina Paint comes in one 8oz size and three colors:
- Copper
- Iron
- Bronze
To use:
- Apply one coat of Patina Paint, let dry. (If applying over metal, start with Prime Start to protect the metal from rusting.)
- Apply a second coat of Patina Paint and while still wet, spray Patina Spray (available in blue or green)
- Use spray in a well ventilated area, gloves and eye protection recommended.
- Sit back and enjoy the magic, and watch the transformation begin! The iron may take a bit longer to process.
- Seal with Gator Hide if desired.
Patina Paint incorporates real metal and naturally reacts as the patina spray is applied.
SEALERS
Clear Coat
One of the reasons I fell in love with the Dixie Belle line of products is the Clear Coat. For years, I thought wax was the only topcoat option for white pieces because it was the only thing I had found that would not yellow over white paint.
Then I discovered Dixie Belle’s Clear Coat. It is so much easier to apply and because it is water-based, it does not yellow over white paint.
It is available in four sizes and three finishes: Flat, Satin, and Gloss. Clear Coat is perfect for sealing most pieces. (For pieces that get heavy use, read on.)
To apply:
I use the blue sponge applicator:
I used the satin finish on this piece and you can see the sheen on the top drawer. It dries to a nice, soft sheen. Apply up to three thin coats. I usually do two. (If you have tight inside corners like the insides of drawers, it is easier to apply it with a quality synthetic bristle brush like a Dixie Belle or Purdy brand brush to those areas.)
You can see more on how I apply sealer using the sponge in this video:
If you have trouble viewing, find it on YouTube HERE.
Gator Hide
Gator Hide is Dixie Belle’s toughest topcoat! It is water repellent and perfect for high traffic areas such as cabinets, counter tops, tabletops and outdoor furniture!
- Also works great applied with the sponge
- Water based for easy clean up
- Dries in two hours
- Apply up to three thin coats for water repellent coverage
*For very dark colors, you may find you get a nicer result if you tint your sealer by mixing just a few drops of paint in with your Clear Coat or Gator hide. It will help to prevent “ghosting”, which are the white streaks that appear across your finish when you run your hand over it.
Best Dang Wax
Dixie Belle’s Best Dang Wax is another option to seal and protect your finished piece.
It is available in two sizes and five shades:
- Black
- Grunge Gray
- White
- Brown
- Clear
To use Wax:
- Apply with the Best Dang Brush, La Petite wax brush, or a soft cloth
- Buff off with a soft cloth
- Fully cured in 21 days
- Non toxic, environmentally friendly and NO harsh fumes like other waxes on the market
- Water based for easy clean-up
Waxed pieces need to be used with care for about the first three weeks. The wax will cure to a durable, protective finish.
I like to use Dixie Belle’s colored waxes to highlight details.
Here I used clear wax first, then black wax over Sea Glass:
Here is French Linen with white wax:
Easy Peasy Spray Wax
Easy Peasy Spray Wax is an easy way to provide a durable finish.
To apply:
- Simply shake (shake until you can no longer hear the liquid in the bottle), mist over a small area, let it stand for 30 seconds, and then wipe!
- Easy Peasy Spray Wax provides a clear matte finish.
- It can also be used on outdoor furniture and will not melt or become tacky.
- Reapply every 3 to 4 months for continued protection.
Big Mama’s Butta
I included Big Mama’s Butta with the sealers because it is made from a blend of all natural Hemp Seed Oil, Coconut Oil, Beeswax and Carnauba Wax, so it can be used as a sealer also. Use it to enhance the woodgrain, revive, soften, and protect leather and other surfaces.
It is available in two sizes and three scents:
- Orange Grove (my fave!)
- Suzanne’s Garden (light, floral, and lovely!)
- Unscented.
This unique blend is buttery, water-resistant and easy to apply!
To apply:
- Apply Big Mama’s Butta with a soft cloth, brush, or applicator pad, messaging it into the surface.
- Buff away excess.
- All natural and eco friendly
- Soap and water clean up
You can see here how it enhanced the natural wood on these drawers:
ENHANCERS
Dixie Belle makes a variety of products to give you just about any look you desire.
Glaze
Dixie Belle Glaze is available in four sizes and nine luminescent colors:
- Van Dyke Brown
- Pearlescent
- Whitewash
- Saphire Pearl
- Grunge Gray
- Gold Shimmer
- Black
- Hi-ho Silver
- Copper-Bronze
The glazes are water-based and can be used to create gorgeous decorative finishes. You can use them to enhance or age your paint finish.
To use Glaze:
- Apply the glaze to your surface in small sections, using a brush or a cloth.
- Wipe away excess glaze or add more if necessary.
- Dry time varies. However, you usually have 10-20 minutes to work with the glaze before it dries completely.
- For more control, seal your finish with Clear Coat before applying glaze.
- There is no need to apply a sealer over the glaze.
Crackle
Crackle does just what its name implies. It provides a cracked finish to your finished project.
To use:
- Apply one coat of Crackle over any Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint color.
- Allow to dry completely. It will dry shiny.
- Apply another Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral paint color over the crackle.
- Apply it quickly and DO NOT go over areas more than once.
- As it dries, you will see the finish crack and the original paint color show through the cracks. This may take up to 24 hours.
- Topcoat with any Dixie Belle sealer.
This is a piece done by one of my besties, Nancy from Artsy Chicks Rule:
She used The Gulf over Fluff on this pretty breadbox. You can see more of this thrifty makeover on her blog HERE. (If you like what I share around here, you’ll love her too!)
Gilding Wax
Dixie Belle’s new and improved Gilding Wax is available in six fantastic colors:
It also comes in three color changing chameleon options:
- Apricot
- Cactus
- Lilac
Gilding wax is great way to enhance details, update hardware. etc.
To use:
- Apply with a cloth, your finger (gloves recommended), or sponge brush.
- Allow to dry 12 hours and then lightly buff for a beautiful sheen.
Stain
Voodoo Gel Stain
Voodoo Gel Stain is a water-based stain that comes in seven color options:
Voodoo Gel Stain is perfect on unfinished pieces and can also be used as a wash or glaze over painted pieces.
I love to use the Up in Smoke as the base for my whitewash technique:
Here is a video of how I create this look here:
If you have trouble viewing, find it on YouTube HERE.
To apply:
- Can be applied directly from the bottle to your surface.
- Use a soft cloth or applicator pad to work it into the surface.
- Wipe in the direction of the grain.
- Seal with any of Dixie Belle’s sealers.
- Water-based for easy clean up
- Low odor, Eco- friendly, and noncombustible
Here is White Magic that we used on my sister’s kitchen table and chairs:
Gator Hide was used to seal this table. See more of this project HERE.
No Pain Gel Stain
No Pain Gel Stain is an oil-based gel stain that provides deep, rich coverage for furniture surfaces. No pain gel stain works best over a sanded wood finish.
It is available in six color-rich options:
To apply:
- Use gloves to protect hands and apply with an applicator pad or a clean soft cloth to a clean, sanded surface.
- Apply in the direction of the grain
- For a darker finish, apply more than one coat. Wait six hours between coats for best results.
- Gel consistency makes it easy to apply.
- Can be sealed with any of Dixie Belle’s sealers, the Clear Coat is recommended. Wait until the stain is completely dry to apply topcoat. It can take up to 72 hours for the stain to completely dry.
- Clean up with paint thinner or mineral spirits.
Supplies and Helpers
Blue Sponge Applicator
Dixie Belle’s Blue Sponge Applicator makes applying Clear Coat and Gator Hide a breeze!
- Wrap with saran wrap or seal in a sandwich bag in between applications
- Rinse with warm water and use again and again.
Applicator Pads
These applicator pads are made from lint-free terrycloth and are perfect for applying any of Dixie Belle’s stains.
- Provides an even, flawless finish
- When using with Voodoo Gel Stain, rinse with warm water and use again and again
- One time use for No Pain Gel Stain
- Two to a pack
Scrubby Soap
Scrubby Soap is one of my favorites! It is a natural soap infused scrubber that is perfect for helping to scrub away paint, oil, dirt, and grease from your hands, and can even be used to scrub your brushes!
It is available in three delicious scents:
- Lime
- Lemon
- Orange
You can find all of these products in my Etsy shop HERE.
As always, enjoy FREE SHIPPING on any purchase over $50. No code necessary, it will be applied automatically at checkout.
All orders under $50 receive $8 flat rate shipping.
I fulfill all orders myself in order to give you the quickest and best possible service! Most orders ship same or next business day.
If you’d like a printable PDF version for future reference, you can find it here:
Dixie Belle Product Reference Guide
I’ll back on Thursday with this favorite:
See ya then!
Update: No need to come back! See how this steal of a deal cabinet turned out now HERE!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Mary Kaiser says
Wow, that is a lot of information! I just received my order from you and I was surprised how quickly I received it, your awesome for getting it out to me so quick! I am looking forward to putting the products I ordered to good use this weekend. I am pinning this post so I can refer back to it. Thanks for all the info and for shipping the products I ordered so quickly. Looking forward to seeing your new haul on Thursday, so fun!!
Christy says
I was happy to see your order come through, Mary…like sending a package to a friend! Yes, Dixie Belle has grown so much that I feel they are having a hard time keeping up with demand in the shipping department. I love being able to serve my customers so quickly now! Have a great day! XOXO
Pat says
Great information!! Thanks so much!
Christy says
You’re welcome, Pat! XOXO
Karen Lawson says
Thank you for such an informative and complete post on Dixie Belle products! I was wondering if the Mud is buildable if there is a deep area to fill in the wood? Again, thank you! As always, your posts are awesome!
Christy says
You’re welcome, Karen! I have used it on deep holes such as those that are left after removing pulls, and it does great but nothing deep that was large. I will have to scout out something of that nature to test it out! XOXO
Christina says
BOOM! Mind blown! I had no idea Dixie Belle has so many products! I’ll be saving this for reference!! Thanks Christy!
Christy says
Yeah, girl! They are a one-stop-shop and that is why I love them so much! Have a great day! XOXO
Patti says
Excellent information!
I’ve been wondering what all these products do but you have solved the mystery!
Thanks so much!
Christy says
My pleasure, Patti! XOXO
Kathy Blumenberg says
I’m so glad you did this!!! So helpful!
Christy says
Oh good!! I’m glad it was helpful! (And no worries on the typo…I was able to edit! 🙂 XOXO
Lori Bryan says
Can you use this over an old stain on a door without taking it all they way back to the wood?
Lori Bryan says
I am sorry I was wondering about the gel stain to use on a door that was already stained. Do you think it would cover without sanding it back to the wood?
My door has a red maple stain that looks orange now. I would use one of the darker gel stains. I have worked with them before but the wood was sanded all the way down.
Christy says
I figured that is what you were referring to lol! XOXO
Christy says
You can with the No Pain Gel Stain. Because it will be sitting on top of the old stain, it will have a bit longer dry time. XO
Cynthia says
Dixie Belle paint is so fun to use and the colors are great. I’ve also used their wax and Boss. They all work great but I have had problems with Gator Hide, I will try adding some of the color into, but I find that it really streaks alot.
Cynthia
Christy says
I’m so glad you enjoy Dixie Belle’s products! Yes, try adding just a few drops of paint to your Gator Hide and see how that does! XOXO
Meg says
Thank you Christy!!! I know this took time to compile but will save us a ton of frustration and second guessing. You rock!!
Christy says
You are so welcome, Meg!! Thank you!! XOXO
Janice Holt says
Man that’s a lot of products; I can see now why you had so many boxes in your driveway. Glad to know Dixie Belle had products for just about anything you need for painting. Thanks for the info.
Christy says
Ha ha right? They have just about anything you could need! XOXO
Kathy W F says
I’m so glad you did this for us. I was just getting ready to ask for a guide so that we could find all the products you use in one place. Thank you so much. You’re so great at giving us information and the “how to” directions. I love watching the Thrift Shop Shakedowns too. You and Nancy make a great team. Have a great week.
Christy says
You’re welcome, Kathy! I am so glad too to have one comprehensive guide that I can share with my readers! I’ll continue to add to it as I think of anything else I missed. Nancy and I are trying to get a date together for another shopping trip…this one will have to be with masks and probably subtitles lol! XOXO
Deanna says
Great post. Pinned for future reference. I have a thrifted lingerie chest that I would like to paint. Just can’t make up my mind on a color. Will continue to drool over the paint chart you provided.
Christy says
Thank you, Deanna! I’m glad you found it helpful, and ha ha! XOXO
Sherri says
Thanks so much for doing this! It’s such a handy reference guide that’s just a click away!
Christy says
My pleasure, Sherri!! XOXO
Barbara says
Wow thanks for this! I have been using Dixie Belle for awhile, but didn’t know about a few of these products. Helped to see projects you used them on too. Saving this info!!
Christy says
You are so welcome, Barbara! I will continue to add to it and update as I think of anything else I missed! XOXO
Patty says
Thanks so much for this, Christy! As I’ve said before, I have several pieces that I need to paint and have been a little nervous about placing an order – not sure what I needed. This will help tremendously. Hope to get started soon. I’m so glad you are a dealer:)
The only thing better would be if you lived here!!
Christy says
You are so welcome, Patty! It is intimidating starting out with so many products to sift through, so I’m glad you found this helpful. You really only need a few things to get started! XOXO
Kimmylouwho says
thanks for all this info. It is a great resource! Hoping to start some projects as soon as the AZ heat subsides. You have given me a lot of inspiration!
Christy says
You are welcome, Kimmylouwho! I love that you are feeling inspired! XOXO
Sharon Arnot says
Hello Christy,
One question…………what is the difference in the paint colors, Cotton and Fluff? Is one more yellow, or grey or….?
Please help me decide which to get.
thanks,
Sharon
Christy says
Hi Sharon! Cotton is a true bright white, while Fluff is more of a Vintage white. It is still white, but not stark white. Cotton gives full coverage in three coats, while Fluff gives fantastic coverage in only two. Hope this helps! XOXO
Stephanie says
Wow! You have created the BEST product reference sheet ever! I wish it had been available when I first starting making over my furniture.
I will share it with all of my friends that are interested in getting started on their own painting projects.
Thx so much!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Stephanie! I appreciate that! XOXO
Mary Siegmund says
I have some large pine mirrors that can use some conditioning. The sun is strong in California. Would Big Mama’s Butta be good to condition the wood? I do look forward to your posts! I love what you do with your thrift store finds!
Christy says
Absolutely! Thank you so much! XOXO
Nancy says
What you put together here is awesome, Christy! Thank you so much. I am just starting in the world of chalk paint and this information helped clarify a lot of questions I had in my mind. I do have one additional question: When working with Dixie Belle stains do you wait a period of time and then wipe the product off as you do with traditional stain? Again, thank you for putting all of this information together in one place!
Christy says
You’re welcome, Nancy! Great question! I have not found it necessary to let the stain sit. XOXO
Barbara Moran says
Thanks so much for the info. That’s half the battle trying to know which product to use for the job you’re trying to do. This is so helpful. Will definitely be pinning this to save for the future.
Christy says
My pleasure, Barbara! And yes, exactly! It’s nice to know what you need and what you don’t! XOXO
Karen H says
Thank you, Christy! This was just what I needed! And SOOOO helpful! I absolutely LOVE the Dixie Belle products and can’t wait to try out some of the ones I don’t have yet!
Christy says
You are so welcome, Karen! XOXO
Kathy says
What would you suggest using as a top coat over furniture transfers?
Christy says
Hi Kathy! I recommend one of the Clear Coats. The satin would be my preferred choice! XOXO
Mary says
I have a fairly expensive dresser, a cream color, that I would like to paint cobalt and use as a bathroom vanity. I’m so afraid to mess it up. Would you recommend a Dixie Belle product to seal the top of the dresser. I want to prevent water damage and visible scratches on the surface of the seal.
Christy says
Hi Mary! Gator Hide is Dixie Belles toughest topcoat and it is water repellent. Apply three thin coats for maximum protection. XOXO
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
What an amazing resource you put together here! I love, love, love Dixie Belle products!! Thanks for sharing my crackle project too. xoxo
Christy says
Thank you, Nancy!! And you’re welcome! It was a great example to share! XOXO
Vickie says
Thank you for taking the time to put this together! Wonderful reference material. Just got my order from you and already have a list of what to get next time. Thank you for the quick and free shipping!
Christy says
You are so welcome, Vickie! Glad you got your goodies!! XOXO
ROBIN GREEN says
THIS WAS SO INFORMATIVE I WILL BE SAVING THIS ARTICLE. LOVE YOUR PIECES AND WATCHING YOU WORK ON THEM…ALMOST MAKES ME THINK I COULD DO THIS TOO. SO, WILL TAKE THIS ARTICLE AND GIVE IT A SHOT. DID YOU DECORATE FOR HALLOWEEN? LOVED YOUR PICTURES LAST YEAR.
Christy says
Thank you, Robin! I’m so glad you found it helpful! I did decorate this year…Halloween is my favorite! I’ll be sharing next Thursday! XOXO
Cynthia says
I’m intrigued by the Moonshine Metallics, but have only seen them used on two of your pieces, both times in Steel Magnolia. Please do something in the other colors and share them with us.
Christy says
Hi Cynthia! Did you see Denise’s post that I linked to on Thursday for our Furniture Fixer Uppers group post? She did a table in Gold Digger that you can see here: https://salvagedinspirations.com/how-to-paint-metal-furniture/ I do plan to use another color coming up also. 🙂
Sandy W. says
Do you know if the blue sponge can be used with paint? I love using it for their sealers.
Christy says
Hi Sandy! I haven’t tried it myself, but I did have a reader try it without much luck. XO
Julie Laborde says
Hi Christy. Thanks for all the great info. I’m fairly new to DIYing but I did just paint all the doors in my house. They were flat, stained, hollow core doors so I added trim and painted them white. I am pleased with how they came out but I do find a few of the most used doors are getting fingerprints at times. I was wondering if I could use the gator hide on them. I didn’t paint them with Dixie Bell paint (sorry I’m a newbie) so I didn’t know how it would work on other paint. I used Sherwin Williams Emerald Semi Gloss.
Thanks again for all the info. I love all your projects.
Christy says
You’re welcome, Julie! You were right to go with a traditional paint for your doors as it will withstand years of abuse. I don’t think you need the Gator Hide on top of your paint finish as the semi-gloss should already be easy to wipe down. It may just take some getting use to since they are white now. I spot clean my doors every couple of weeks to keep up with it. Thank you so much! XOXO
Sheila DelCharco says
Such an amazingly helpful reference guide I’ll be consulting again and again! I plan on ordering from you real soon! Thank you for sharing your expertise with us! You make it look so easy and give the the inspiration to try a few things! Thank you! Thank you!
Christy says
Oh you are so welcome, Sheila! I am so glad you found it helpful! XOXO
Shawn M Hoffman says
Hii! Why can’t I get the paint guide to pin? Help!
Christy says
I’m sorry you’re having trouble! It seems to be working on this end.
Cecilia from Georgia says
Thank YOU!! I will save this and refer back to it often. DB should give you a bonus for such a thorough and detailed reference guide. I want to try the spray wax when I place my next order.
Christy says
You are so welcome, Cecilia! I always forget about the spray wax, but it is fantastic! XOXO
Abby says
Hi!! I am about to refinish my kitchen table. I love the No Pain Gel Stain color Walnut, but want to make sure I can use the gator hide as the top coat for the extra protection! Would this work ok since the stain is oil-based?? Thanks!
Christy says
Hi Abby! Absolutely! You will just want to be sure the stain is completely dry…about 72 hours before sealing. 🙂
Suzanne says
Thank you! What a fantastic reference guide! As a relative newbie I get overwhelmed at which products to use and in which order. I’ve pinned this so I can refer back to it whenever needed.
I have a furniture piece that was painted with oil based spray paint w/primer. Do I have to take it down to bare wood before painting w/DB, or can I just cover over it with DB Boss then paint?
Christy says
My pleasure, Suzanne! I’m so glad you’re finding it helpful! As for the piece with spray paint, I have found that DB’s chalk paint sticks to just about any surface. DB’s new Silk mineral paint line, however, would require a light scuff sanding first. When in doubt, it’s never a bad idea to lightly sand the surface first. The BOSS would be used to block stains or odor, the Slick Stick is what you want to help with adhesion, but that is more for non-porous surfaces like laminate, glass, etc. Hope this helps! XOXO
Betty says
Where can I get samples / swatches to see the colors, so I can decide which to use?
Christy says
Hi Betty! If I have used any of the colors, I try to add them to each listing. If you scroll through photos for each listing, you will see any that I have added. You can also google any of the color names, and you will see several projects come up that are painted in those colors. There are paint decks for both paints that are available for sale also. I do not stock the Chalk paint color decks as the colors are not accurate, and I do not want to mislead customers. However, the new Silk Mineral paint deck is very accurate, and you can find that in my shop here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/934346242/new-silk-fan-deck I hope this helps! XOXO
Jo says
Wow! Great information! I have been doing a TON of research on chalk and mineral paints and this is by far the best, most comprehensive, concise article I have seen yet. Thanks for making the information clear and complete for all of us newbies. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed but you have given me some confidence in my ability to choose the products I need. Thank you so much.
Christy says
Oh awesome!! I’m glad you found this helpful, Jo! There are a lot of products out there to sift through for sure! Happy creating! XOXO
Becky says
Thank you so much, Christy! This is exactly the information that I needed. I love your makeovers and appreciate the time that you took to create this comprehensive guide. Can’t wait to see your next project!
Christy says
You are so welcome, Becky! Thank you!! XOXO
Amanda Mast says
Hi! I used the gator hide to coat the shelves on a book shelf I just painted. I know it’s gonna get a lot of hard use so I wanted a tough sealer. How long should I let it cure before I fill the shelves? I couldn’t find any info on that. Thanks for your time. I love your blog!
Christy says
Hi Amanda! It takes three to four weeks for the Gator Hide to completely cure, but give it a couple of weeks, and you should be able to load it back up. And thank you so much!! XOXO