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Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer

Simple DIY tutorials and thrifty furniture and decor makeovers

How to Use Silk All-in-One Mineral Paint & What’s the difference?

I am in love!! With the new Silk All-in-One Mineral Paint, that is! Beautiful friends, today I’m sharing how to paint with Silk paint AND I’m going to clarify the difference between Silk and chalk paint. Silk All-in-One Mineral Paint is Dixie Belle’s newest line of paint that goes on silky smooth for a beautiful, clean finish. It has a BOSS-like primer AND a topcoat built-in.

Of course I have my brave test subject, this cute-as-can-be chair that I scored for just $5 at the Goodwill:

How to Use Silk All-in-One Mineral Paint

  • Sand

While Silk Mineral Paint does have a built-in primer, that is more for coverage than for adhesion, so a good scuff sanding is recommended. I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.

On this chair, I used 220 grit sandpaper to scuff the surface and give the paint something to grip onto:

Scuff sand first when using Silk All-in-One Mineral Paint

If you are painting a non-porous surface like glass, metal, laminate, or a heavily lacquered piece, you can use Slick Stick instead of sanding.

  • Clean

Once your piece is sanded, vacuum up any dust and give it a good cleaning.

For this chair, I used White Lightning. Just mix one TBSP with a half gallon of warm water:

White lightning

I saved this plastic container that Mr. Clean sponges came in which is the perfect size. I marked the half gallon mark on the side with a sharpie to make it quick and easy to mix each time. I also have a dedicated scooper and mixing spoon.

White lightning

Once I cleaned the chair, I swapped out the water for clean water and wiped it down to rinse away any residue. Gloves recommended.

  • Paint

Once your piece is completely dry, you are ready to paint!

I recommend using a good quality brush like a Dixie Belle brush or a Purdy brand brush, which I like also.

For this chair, I chose this lovely warm tone, Baja Gray:

  • Paint in smooth strokes from edge to edge, going with the grain when possible.
  • Allow each coat to dry for at least two hours.

This paint dries from the top down, so although it may appear dry to the touch on the surface, it may still be wet beneath the surface. Recoating too soon can disturb the finish. {If this happens, no worries…allow it to dry, sand that area smooth, and repaint.}

  • You only need two coats for most colors, and once it is dry, you’re done!

Do I need to topcoat?

No topcoat is needed! Silk All-in-One Mineral Paint dries to a lovely eggshell sheen. Of course, if you want even more protection or a different sheen, you can top with any of your favorite Dixie Belle sealers. Use your piece with care for the first 30 days as it takes up to 30 days for the finish to completely cure.

What if I get bleed-though after my first coat?

Because this paint has a built-in BOSS-like primer, if you get bleed-through, it is recommended to wait four hours, and then paint your second coat. Personally, I let it sit overnight, just to be sure. Just as with BOSS, it is most effective when you give it ample drying time. If you still get bleed-through after the second coat, allow more dry time and recoat. Keep in mind that extreme cold or humidity can lengthen dry time.

Once I had the painting done, I worked on replacing the fabric and cushioning on the seat.

I replaced the original batting with foam cushioning, but I did the rest exactly the same as I did on this cane chair if you want to see that step-by-step process.

And here is the finished chair:

How to Use All-In-One Silk Mineral Paint

 

How to Use All-In-One Silk Mineral Paint

As you can see I did not distress this chair.

What is the difference between Silk and Chalk Paint?

Chalk paint is perfect for blending or for my favorite look, a distressed finish.

Silk Mineral Paint is more for a clean, crisp, non-distressed look.

You can distress it, but it is not as easy to distress, and once the finish is compromised, you will need to seal it.

Silk Paint:

  • Requires scuff sanding first
  • Built-in stain-blocking primer
  • Allow at least two hours to dry in between coats (at least four hours {or overnight} if bleed-through occurs)
  • Smooth, silky texture
  • Does not distress as well; more for a crisp, clean look
  • Not recommended for blended finishes
  • Mixing with water not recommended
  • Eggshell finish
  • Fully cured in 30 days
  • Water, mildew, and grease resistant
  • No topcoat required

Chalk Paint:

  • No sanding required
  • Stain blocker like BOSS required first for finishes that may bleed-through
  • Can recoat as soon as the paint is dry to the touch
  • Chalky texture that requires a light sanding after painting to get a buttery smooth finish
  • Distresses very nicely
  • Perfect for blended finishes
  • Can be mixed with water and other water-based products
  • Matte finish
  • Fully cured in 21-30 days
  • Topcoat not required, but recommended

Silk mineral paint is self-leveling and dries to a beautiful soft eggshell-like sheen:


How to Use All-In-One Silk Mineral Paint

I just love this soft Baja Gray.

This paint is self-leveling and dries to a beautiful soft sheen.

When I was done, I felt like this little chair was missing something, maybe because I wasn’t distressing it like I normally do?

So, I decided to break out one of my decor moulds from Prima, Tillden Flourish, and my Amazing Casting Resin to make a medallion for the back of the chair:

You just measure out equal parts of the two solutions, and then mix them together…

Amazing casting resin

Then, pour the solution right into the mould, trying not to overfill. Let it sit for about 10 minutes or so and remove it from the flexible mould.

It is a bit flexible when it first solidifies but becomes hard as it dries. (Microwave for about 15 seconds to make it flexible again if need-be.)

I gave this one a coat of Baja Gray and then attached it with E6000 glue:

Prima Redesign Moulds

It adds the perfect finishing touch to this sweet chair.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/932958220/new-silk-baja-gray-all-in-one-mineral

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/932958220/new-silk-baja-gray-all-in-one-mineral

Using Silk All-in-One Mineral Paint is as easy as one, two, three!

 1. Sand   2. Clean   3. Paint

https://www.etsy.com/listing/932958220/new-silk-baja-gray-all-in-one-mineral

I hope this post was helpful! I still have a soft spot for traditional chalk paint, but it is nice to have options when I want a clean, crisp look!

Silk paint is available in 20 lovely muted colors…

Here’s my whole Dixie Belle display in my booth:

 

And of course, if you aren’t local, you can find everything you need in my Etsy shop. As always, shipping is free on all orders over $50, no code required.

And that’s another piece crossed off my Biggest Thrifty Haul:

If you missed anything, you can catch up at the links below:

Unfinished Wood Cabinet Makeover
Cabinet Door turned Shelf
Painting the Smalls, Holiday Edition (Five of these pieces are in this post!)
Kudzu Painted Side Table
REPURPOSED HEADBOARD AND FOOTBOARD
VINTAGE SECRETARY DESK MAKEOVER
$3 THRIFT STORE HEADBOARD REPURPOSED
WALL CABINET REPURPOSED
WINDSOR ROCKER MAKEOVER
DROPLEAF TABLE AND CHAIRS MAKEOVER

I’ll be back on Thursday with my Furniture Fixer Upper Girls sharing what I did with this desk:

I used Silk on this one too, so stay tuned!

UPDATE: This desk has a whole new lease on life now! See what it looks like HERE now!

See ya Thursday!

XOXO,

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Comments

  1. Oh My Goodness; That Is Gorgeous. Nice touch adding the medallion. Was going to ask you about that but then I read further down to find out all the details about it.
    What a darling little handbag the chair is holding.

    • Thank you, Colleen! Those moulds are a lot of fun to play with. And ha ha…my photo shoots are the only light of day my pretty bags see these days! XOXO

  3. Wow, how cute that turned out. Love the stripe fabric you used. I am excited about this new silk paint line as I usually don’t distress my things. I will have to order some to try it out. Thanks for trying it and sharing your thoughts of the product. Looking forward to seeing what you do to that adorable desk.

    • Thank you, Mary! That is fabric leftover from our dining room chairs, and it worked nicely with this pretty gray. Yes, you will probably love it then if you prefer not to distress! See you Tuesday, my friend! XOXO

  5. Christy! This new line of paint sounds fabulous! And my-oh-my your chair is wonderful! It is shocking how beautifully you transform these items!

    • Thank you so much, Michele! You are the sweetest! And yes, I am loving this new paint so far! XOXO

  6. This chair looks beautiful in the Grey silk paint! The decorative molding piece is a perfect addition and gives the chair a classic look. Beautiful job Christy! 😊

    • Thank you so much, Maryellen! I think that little medallion was just what it needed too. Have a great day! XOXO

  7. Wow, what a lovely understated satin finish! Beautiful choice of color too.
    Your booth looks so professional yet very approachable! 🙂 Love the spoons. 🙂
    The addition of the medallion is perfect!
    I’m so glad you enjoyed working with the Silk.
    Questions: If there is a risk of bleed through, can you put down Boss first and paint over it with Silk? Is this a paint for indoor use only or do you think it would require more sealing to use outdoors?
    Create on!!

    • Thanks so much, Christina! I really enjoyed using the Silk for sure. This paint has a BOSS-like primer built in, so from what I hear so far, there is no need to apply a separate coat of BOSS. You just need to wait the recommended time for it to dry thoroughly, so you don’t disturb those tannins that are trying to pull through. Then recoat. I can’t wait to test it on a bleeder myself! And it says that it is water repellent and mildew resistant, so if it were on a porch, it should do great, but if it were left out in the elements, you would want to Gator Hide it. XOXO

  8. Oh, I absolutely love this chair! Great job!!
    (I do wish you would show how you make and then attach the liner that goes around the cushion.)

  9. Darling! You have my attention– I love that this paint has all the “built-ins” I will have to give it a shot!! (I don’t think your link in your email worked…but I found my way to the right page to see todays post–I look forward to my Tuesday and Thursday emails SO MUCH!!)
    Hope you are avoiding all the nasty weather that we are here in the Midwest Christie!! Have a great day!

    • Thank you, Toby! I really enjoyed using this new paint! And yep…I must not have copied the link correctly when I set up the original email I sent. I’m glad you found it and I love that you look forward to seeing my posts…that makes my heart so happy!! Stay warm! XOXO

  10. What a cute little chair, now! I love the little addition to the back! Such a pretty color too.

  11. I’m hooked! No sanding in between coats? No priming? No sealing? What’s not to love 💕!

  12. That turned out cute; might make a good vanity chair if it’s short enough? Woohooo, onto the next!!

    • Thank you, Sharon! I think that is what it is supposed to be…wish I had a pretty vanity to match it to! XOXO

  13. Good morning again! Thanks for the tip about bleeders and the Gator hide. 🙂
    Have an awesome day!!

  14. Very beautiful Christy. I love a self leveling paint. I have an issue about seeing any type of brush strokes and like to use a sprayer when I can. I am considering your Dixie Belle paint for my next project.

  16. What a lovely, smooth finish. I love the Baja Gray! Not too dark nor too light. This paint looks amazing. I am going to give it a try! I love the fabric you used in the chair as well. I am very partial to stripes and this pattern is a natural for the new look! I agree, the flourish looks fantastic and gives it extra charm as well. Thanks for sharing another detailed “how to” suing this new paint line from Dixie Bell. See you Thursday!

    • Thank you, Sue! It really is so silky smooth to the touch! The fabric is leftover from my dining room chairs…I found it at Hobby Lobby. I’m a sucker for stripes too! XOXO

  17. Thank you for sharing this new DB product!!
    It looks like it will be a time saver. Also, I went to your tutorial about how to make welting and I was amazed at how simple that is to do. Now if only threading my sewing machine will be that easy. It’s been ages since I’ve used it. But back to the welting! I’ve always avoided projects that would require it just because it looked so dang challenging. Bless you girl for teaching me something new yet again!!
    Meg

    • You are so welcome, Meg! And yes, if you can sew a straight line, you can totally make welting! XOXO

  18. Beautiful job as always!
    I have a question regarding the new paint. Actually two questions.
    I was going to refinish our built-in bookshelves with chalk paint for two reasons. First, they are stained with an oil stain and no top coat, and I know the chalk paint goes over that really well without having to prime with an oil-based primer.
    Will this mineral paint go directly over an old oil-based stain as well?
    Then second, I know from experience that using latex on window sills or bookshelves can be a problem because things stick to the paint, and chalk paint doesn’t seem to have this problem.
    Do you know if the mineral paint would also eliminate this problem?
    I like the way this mineral paint looks and I’m considering it now instead of chalk, mostly because I would prefer to not have to sand after painting to smooth it out. I never do a great job with the smoothing part. What do you think, Christy?
    Sorry to hit you up with a ton of questions the second you post a new product lol. I just know your answers will be correct while googling is always hit or miss!

    • Thank you so much, Joni! The beauty of chalk paint is that you do not need to sand prior, however, you do need to sand and seal after. With this paint, your prep is up front, so you would need to sand the surface first and then paint. But there is no sanding after and no topcoat required. This paint has a soft eggshell finish, so I don’t think you would run into issues with things sticking to it. All that said, my personal experience is limited because it is so new, but I would love to see how it does on a piece like that! XOXO

      • Thanks Christy. I will definitely send you pictures if I decide to try it.My only concern is using a non-oil paint on top of oil stain. Chalk paint doesn’t peel but I’ve heard some other non-oil based paints will unless you use an oil-based primer between the two. I’d love to use this mineral paint so I might try it in just one area first!

        • You’re welcome! Sanding first should definitely help, and yes, I’d love to hear your feedback! Good luck! XO

  19. Oh my! That chair HAD to be the ugliest piece I have seen! So ugly, that, while I am in the midst of packing and moving and haven’t had time to follow your posts as much as i usually do, i just had to see what you did with it! As expected, it really turned out beautiful! Worth the extra time from packing!

    • Oh ha ha! You are so funny! It was an ugly duckling for sure! Glad I could give you a little breather from packing! XOXO

  21. So much more appealing now, Christy! I’ve become less satisfied with chalk-type paint lately and I’m glad to see this alternative. I really like the finish you get without extra steps. Thanks for the comparison.

  24. Love (as always) what you did with this chair. I always look forward to your posts! I am in the middle of a couple of projects so your discussion about the Silk paint has come just at the right time because I am in the process of redoing some pieces that I previously had painted and distressed. I want to repaint them without the distressing. So, my question: you said that the Silk has a “Low reflective finish”. How does that finish compare to chalk paint that is finished with wax? As soon as I post this I am going to checkout the available colors. Thanks!!!

    • Aww thank you so much, Deb! The Silk has more of an eggshell finish and it is completely smooth and silky to the touch, whereas chalk paint is very flat and a bit course to the touch. XOXO

  25. Would this mineral paint work on an already painted & sealed surface? If I scuffed it up first?
    Thanks! Love all your work!
    Kirsten

  26. Your chair came out beautifully! I love the color. I’m redoing an antique Hepplewhite chair now, but the seat was completely upholstered. You’re an inspiration!

  29. Love the smooth paint,I have a medium size dresser I’ve wanted to redo,now to pick a color & wait for the snow to melt.

    • Thank you, Melody! Of course my experience is limited since this paint is so new, but a few of the gals in our Dixie Belle Retailer group have given it a try already and love it. Some kept it as is and some still sealed it with Gator Hide for more protection since it makes them water repellent. I plan to paint our master bath cabinets with it, and leave them unsealed, so I will report back when I do! XOXO

  31. Shout out from Denver!
    Question for you: I have nearly finished painting an old buffet in Caviar (and love it), but have changed my mind where I want it, and now black isn’t the vibe I want. I’m wondering what would be required to switch to Whitecap (which fits in my new desired space)? What would you suggest?

    Thanks for giving us your “test drive” results. 🙂

    • What’s up, Denver woot woot! 😀 If you haven’t sealed the Caviar, you can go straight to painting over it with the Silk. If the Caviar is sealed, I would probably give it a very light scuff sand first just to be sure, then paint. Once I have more experience with it myself, I’ll be able to give a more definite answer, but I think it’s better to be safe and sand a bit first. XOXO

  32. The chair turned out beautiful. I love to see all your work and how to do it. I have a question I have a mirror that has chalk paint with a wax finish. How would I use this silk paint on it. Would it be the same steps you did? Thank you so much

    • Thank you, Ginny! Is the wax Dixie Belle brand? If so, it is water-based and because a mirror won’t be handled much, you should be able to go straight to painting with the silk. If you used another brand like Annie Sloan, that is oil-based (If it was super stinky, it was likely oil-based.), you might want to give it a light sanding first. XOXO

  33. Hi Christy,
    Love the convenience of this DB paint
    Especially like this grey shade
    How much would I need to for 6 medallion chairs I want to redo
    Appreciate help if you can
    Thx
    Linda

  34. Fabulous job! What a difference you made. And kudos matching up the striped piped cording with the chair pad. Man, you are talented!

  35. Hi Christy! What a pretty color. This paint would be great for cabinets. I will have to find something I want to try it o . Otherwise, I will stick with DB chalk mineral. Thank you for showing us the Silk.

    • Thank you, Cheryl! I’m a sucker for a distressed finish, so chalk paint is my first love also, but this is fantastic for a clean, sleek look! XOXO

  36. Your projects are awesome….loved the chair. The new line of paint definitely is less work. Please comment on how you made & installed the double welting on the chair.

  37. Truly amazing what that little medallion did for that chair.
    LOVE ❤️ it!
    So I’m wondering how silk paint would do on cabinets since it resists grease, etc?
    Please let us know how it wears in a few months if you keep something you used it on.
    xoxo

    • Thank you, Jackie! I’m going to try it on our master bath cabinets and I’ll share how it wears for sure. From what I’ve been told, the built-in topcoat is equivalent to one coat of Clear Coat, so I think you may want more protection than that for kitchen cabinets? I’ll be on the lookout for others who share their experience too! XOXO

  38. How in the world did you score this great chair for $5??? I love what you did, so pretty. I want it! 🙂

    • Thanks, Val! Right?? There is a Goodwill near me that doesn’t have much floorspace for furniture and so they price it pretty cheap to keep it moving! XOXO

  39. I love that cute chair! I may have to try the Silk paint, even though I am partial to distressing also! One thing that I thought about as I was reading your post, and I hope it wasn’t asked and answered already… what about brush marks? Since there is no sanding after that second coat, is there a problem with brush marks or is the paint kind of self-leveling? Thanks, Christy!

    • Thank you, Karen! This paint is so smooth and silky to the touch after, and it is self-leveling, so I had no issues with brush marks. Also, be sure to use a quality synthetic brush when applying. 🙂 XOXO

  40. The chair is gorgeous… tell me can I dark wax over silk and how long does paint have to dry before applying?

    • Thank you, Wendy! Yes, you can use dark wax on it. The Silk has about a two hour dry time as it dries from the op down. After that, you should be able wax. XOXO

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