Hello, dear friends! Today, I’m painting furniture with Silk Mineral Paint using one of the brand new National Park Collection colors! I’ll be joining five more fabulous artists who will also be using these lovely new colors!
AND stay tuned for a special giveaway at the end!!
Dixie Belle has recently added seven new colors to their Silk Mineral Paint line, all inspired by our nation’s National Parks:
I have to say my favorite of this collection is Everglades. I just LOVE that green! However, green doesn’t do well for me traditionally in my area, so I have chosen another color to play with today since this is such a large piece.
Here is the beauty I am transforming today:
Any guesses as to what color I chose before we get to it??
This curvy dresser was marked down twice to $49.94 at one of my favorite thrift stores, so I grabbed it right away!
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Painting Furniture with Silk Mineral Paint
I usually reach for chalk mineral paint rather than the silk paint, and that is because I love the no-prep involved with chalk paint and I am always ready to dive right in!
However, the beauty of Silk paint is that it is super smooth and has a built in topcoat, which saves a step at the end.
See more on the differences between Chalk Mineral Paint and Silk Mineral Paint HERE.
Clean
The first step no matter the paint is a good cleaning! I used my go-to White Lightning that I mixed into warm water (one TBSP to a half gallon of water) and used a terrycloth pad to wipe this dresser down:
Once I had it clean, I swapped my water for clean water and wiped it down once more to remove any residue.
White Lightning is a degreaser and a deglosser for the best paint prep possible!
All the boo boos
I noticed a chunk of the trim was missing on the bottom of the front when I purchased it and thought I could just fill it, but I ended up just removing it:
It wasn’t even wood, it was made of resin.
This dresser may have appeared to be in great shape, but it was pretty dinged up. I showed just the one deep scratch here, but this thing was covered in scratches!
And you can see in that last photo that part of one of the legs broke off. That happened while it was being loaded into my car.
I glued that with wood glue and then got to work on the the rest of the imperfections.
Fill holes, gouges, etc
Next, I filled the hardware holes on the top two drawers as well as all the scratches and other boo boos!
I did that using Dixie Mud:
I told you there were a lot of scratches!
I let that dry for a couple of hours and then sanded it smooth.
Prepping for Silk Mineral Paint
Silk does require some prep, and you have two options.
- The first option is to scuff sand well with 220 grit sandpaper to give the surface some grip. You do not need to sand to bare wood, just enough to remove any sheen.
- The second option is to prime with Slick Stick or the new Bonding BOSS which is replacing Slick Stick.
(Apply one coat and allow it to dry for four hours. Then apply a second coat and let it sit for 24 hours. Then, you can paint.)
Sand
Because I already had to sand the mud in several areas, the decision to prep by sanding was easy!
I sanded both by hand on the curvy parts and with my small corner cat sander on the flat areas, using 220 grit sandpaper:
I had already cleaned with white lighting, so I just needed to remove any sanding dust with my shop vac and brush attachment, followed by a good wipe down with a clean cloth to remove any remaining dust.
Silk Mineral Paint
Ready to see what color I decided on? I chose Smoky Mountains!
Did you guess right??
Silk Mineral Paint goes on like a dream, and the coverage I got with this color was amazing!
I used my favorite Mini Angle Brush, and I did give it two coats for perfect coverage.
Silk goes on just as the name suggests…like silk!
There is no need to sand between coats or after.
No sealer needed
Once the final coat of paint goes on, that’s it!
Silk Mineral Paint has a built-in topcoat that dries to an eggshell sheen, so no additional topcoat is needed. It’s between a flat and satin.
You can add a topcoat though if you want a different sheen or just additional protection.
Use with care for about the first three weeks while it fully cures.
I wasn’t done though!
I’m not good at painting and being done these days lol. I decided to add a little something more by lightening up this color a bit.
I mixed about two parts Smoky Mountains with one part Saltwater, also by Silk. (You can mix any of the Silk colors, but it is not recommended to mix Silk with other paints.)
Y’all know I love to lighten things up! This is a great way to create your own custom colors.
I painted just the drawers in this lighter variation.
Adding some shading
Silk isn’t known for its excellent blending properties, but I wanted to add a shadow just a smidge around the edges of the drawers.
To do that, while the lighter color was still wet, I tapped my brush with the Smoky Mountains on it, downward along the edge. Then I ran the brush lengthwise.
This gave me a tiny bit of shading along the edges of the drawers…
I didn’t play with it too much at all. I did that around all the drawers.
Smoky Mountains dresser reveal
Here is how this lovely dresser turned out!
The decision to go lighter on the drawers came from the hardware.
They kind of disappeared against the darker color.
When I first found this dresser, it only had three of the large pulls and one of the smaller pulls on the top.
So, I had no choice but to find new hardware, which involved a trip Hobby Lobby.
I found these replacements but I didn’t love them nearly as much as the originals:
But then, when I removed the drawers, the larger missing handle from one of the bottom drawers was under one of the drawers! Yay!
I had a few choices for the top drawers but ultimately ended up with these…
I think they work well with the original pulls on the bottom.
This dresser has some gorgeous details like on the feet…
Smoky Mountains is a soft smoky gray with a hint of green in it, although lightening it up definitely takes on more of a blue hue…
You can see the eggshell sheen of it above also.
The Drawers
The top two drawers had this felt on the bottom:
I decided to cover that with something prettier!
I needed a white background since my fabric was lighter, so I started by adding a coat of Fluff to just the bottom, taping them off to keep them neat.
Then, to cut the fabric just right on these curvy drawers, I made a pattern out of this pretty paper:
I hated to waste this pretty paper as a pattern, but I have a huge roll of it. (Got it HERE!)
I cut my fabric with the pattern I created, and then I used Matte Mod Podge to adhere it like a glue:
Now the drawers are pretty!
I found this fabric for 40% off at Hobby Lobby, and it was just perfect!
I hope you enjoyed this makeover today!
I stepped out of my box for this one!
Giveaway Time!!
Dixie Belle is graciously allowing each of us to give away a $200 gift certificate redeemable on their website for any Dixie Belle goodies you’d like! This giveaway is available to everyone WORLDWIDE!!
To enter to win, simply fill out the Rafflecopter below. This will allow me to pick the winners randomly after the contest is over. Follow Dixie Belle on Instagram and then there are a few simple follow-me tasks to earn more entries!
If you have any trouble accessing the Rafflecopter, you can enter to win HERE also!
YOU CAN ENTER ONCE A DAY UNTIL THE GIVEAWAY ENDS NEXT TUESDAY, MARCH 25th AT 12:00 AM EST!
Then, we will each draw a winner randomly to be notified via email. They will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be chosen. You must be 18 years or older to participate. Void where prohibited.
BUT DON’T GO ANYWHERE JUST YET, THERE’S MORE!!
Be sure to visit my friends’ amazing makeovers and enter their giveaways as well while you’re there!
4. Living Large in a Small House
There are 37 beautiful colors of Silk to choose from, and they are all available in my ETSY Shop!
All orders over $50 ship FREE!
I get to cross my biggest project of my list yay!!
It’s always nice to make space in the garage!
See anything you’ve missed from this haul so far at the links below:
TWICE Painted Plant Stand Makeover
Elegant Flatware Box Makeover
Mini Lane Cedar Chest Makeover
DIY Herringbone Tray
Whitewashed Side Table
Sewing Basket Makeover
Louvered Door Cabinet Makeover
Painting the Smalls #25 (SIX mini makeovers!)
Shoe Shine Box Makeover
Metallic Vintage End Table Makeover
I’ll be back on Thursday sharing the fun I had with this set of buffet lamps!
See ya then!
UPDATE: Wait until you see the fun I had with these! See them now HERE!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
EMAIL * INSTAGRAM * FACEBOOK * PINTEREST
Mary Kaiser says
Wow, that color may be out of your normal range, but it turned out so beautiful just as always! I totally Love it, and that fabric in the drawers is so beautiful with that color! It turned out amazing! Woo Hoo, I love a good contest, here I sit with my fingers crossed for the win!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Mary! It was fun to try something new. And I was SO excited to find that fabric…it was just perfect! Crossing all my fingers for you, my friend! XOXO
Janice Redden says
Christy, it is beautiful ! Even though it strays from your go-to Fluff, Sea Glass etc, it has “beachy” tones. It was fun seeing the new colors everyone chose to use to showcase the new Silk colors. Silk is my favorite line to use – I hope they come out in more colors!
Christy says
Thank you Janice! I’m looking forward to seeing what everyone uses! It is such a treat to paint with the Silk…so easy! XOXO
kathy Owen says
Gorgeous! I love the tone on tone!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Kathy! We both had the same idea with mixing our paints lol! XOXO
Janice Holt says
You did step out of the box but the dresser turned out so pretty and the fabric on the inside of the drawers goes so well with the paint color. Another job well done.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Janice! I was so excited to find that beautiful fabric! XOXO
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
What a job! You did it justice and then some, Christy.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Larissa! Luckily, this was a newer piece, so the boo boos were worth it not to have to deal with bleed through, veneer, etc etc! Have a great day, my friend! XOXO
Charleen says
Maybe we can call this new style Beach Chic. L
ovely color. Kind if a Chameleon, gray-green-blue. Beautiful fabric, it’s as if it were meant to be. Take care ,another gorgeous make over.
Christy says
Ooh I like it! Let’s go with that! Thank you, Charleen! XOXO
Sue McCombs says
Hi Miss Christie, lovely as always. I’ m very excited to see you take a leap and jump out of you box. This is wonderful. I really enjoy silk paint and happy to see more color choices.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Sue! I have to admit, it was fun to stretch my legs so to speak lol. Silk is so lovely to paint with! XOXO
Dina says
I enjoy your projects
So much! Thank you for teaching and showing the steps involved and the links. One day I will try this out!!
Christy says
Thank you, Dina! It is a pleasure to share…I hope you do try it out some day! It’s addicting ha ha! XOXO
Patricia M Marshall says
What stunning makeover. I love the color choices. It really does this piece beautifully.
Christy says
I’m so glad you like it, Patricia, thank you!! XOXO
Cindy Rust says
This dresser is a work of art Christy! Two-toned furniture pieces are one of my faves. I will try your technique of mixing in the future for sure! Pinned 😊
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cindy! It’s so fun to tour with you! XOXO
Denise Zdziennicki says
I agree with Charleen, this is “beach chic”! Such an elegant piece my friend, I love everything about it including that drawer detail! XOXO
Christy says
Thank you, my dear friend! It’s hard not to want to keep going and going lol. And I love “beach chic”…that’s totally it! XOXO
Mary Smart says
Christy, another masterpiece! I think removing that trim was the right thing to do. It made the piece look a little more modern and not so Country French. I had many of those Country French heavy carved pieces for years and when we built our Craftsman house I dumped all of it and went with more sleek designed furniture
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! I think so too. I remember my mom had many of those very large pieces as well! XOXO
Liliane says
It’s absolutely beautiful.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Lilian! XOXO
Cat says
To answer your question did I pick the right color? Yes! I thought it was the perfect choice for this beautiful dresser.
Christy says
Yay!! Thank you, Cat! It was either this or the green, and I’m so glad I went with this one! XOXO
Diane says
Christy, one of your best ever! Striking and sleek. Thanks for stepping out of your comfort zone so we could all learn a few new things!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Diane! It was nice to get uncomfortable for a change lol! XOXO
Shari Clines says
This dresser turned out so beautiful! I love how you always dress up drawers. I’m painting a desk with the silk line and seeing brush strokes. Two coats already with a buff in between and still brush strokes. 🙁
Is it ok to use silk on one part and chalk mineral paint on a different part as long as I’m not mixing the colors?
You are such an inspiration!
Christy says
Thank you, Shari! Be sure to use a good quality brush and apply in smooth, even strokes from one edge to the next. I know some prefer to use a microfiber roller on the straight, flat parts, so that is an option as well. Silk is self leveling so you shouldn’t have to sand. I hope that helps! And yes, you sure can use both paints on one piece! XOXO
Jackie C says
oh Christy! This is gorgeous. So CLASSY looking. This look will live for decades! The details on this dresser, along with the shape, fit so well with what you did. Personally, I am glad you didn’t put a transfer on this one. This oughta FLY out of your booth. Just beautiful.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Jackie!! You know I love to play with all the things, but I am glad I just painted this one and left it as is too! XOXO
Denise says
I don’t have enough words! It is absolutely gorgeous. You are amazing.
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that SO much, Denise, thank you!! XOXO
Lizzy says
This is gorgeous. I really like the color combination and finish.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Lizzy! XOXO
Cyndi says
I love this piece! Beautiful color. I love Silk paint and I’ll have to try this color now. I love how you shaded the drawers a little lighter. So pretty.
Christy says
Thank you, Cyndi! I’m glad I went a bit lighter on the drawers too! I don’t usually think to mix the Silk colors. XOXO
Caye Cooper says
Holey smokey mountains!!! That is absolutely gorgeous! I LOVE the two-toned effect, and the drawer paper is wonderful. The ball’s out of the park again, Christy!
Christy says
Ha ha thank you, Caye!! I love that reaction! Glad to have new colors to play with! XOXO
Susan Duffy says
Wow! Love it.
Christy says
Thank you, Susan! XOXO
Olivia says
Your piece turned out beautiful. I used to have something similar to yours. It had a low mirror framed in wood that sat on the top. The velvet lined drawer suggests to me that this is a buffet. The drawer with the velvet is for the silverware. Mine also was curved.
Christy says
Thank you, Olivia! You are probably right about that! XOXO
Cecilia says
Yes! I did think you’d go with the blue. Love it and the lighter drawers. I’m so glad you found the 4th drawer pull…they are perfect. The fabric was a good find too as it goes well with the paint color. All in all, a very beautiful makeover!
❤️Cecilia
Christy says
You know me well ha ha! Thank you, Cecilia! What a blessing to have found that missing pull yay! XOXO
Nana Diana says
I think I just lost my whole comment…I HATE that! Anyway, I like this makeover so much-probably my favorite so far…although I think I have said that before.
I signed up for the giveaway and did a revisit although I think I was already signed up on all those websites. lol
Have a wonderful week. xo Diana
Christy says
Oh that is the worst for sure! Thank you so much, my friend! I actually really enjoyed being forced to use colors I don’t normally use. Best of luck on the giveaway and enjoy the rest of your week as well! XOXO
Cyndel says
My first thought was, “Ha! She tricked us by going green after all!” But then I realized that Smoky Mountains and Acadia both look pretty green on my monitor, so maybe my perceptions are skewed. In any case, I love the “green” dresser and suspect I would love it even more if it were totally undiluted Smoky Mountains — I’m an outlier who adores nearly every shade of green. I keep hoping you’ll do something in Collard Greens, maybe a “small” that could easily be redone if it failed to sell in your booth?
Christy says
Ha ha! This and the Acadia are very similar! I need to try Collard Greens…it sells SO well, so there must be a lot of interest in it out there! XOXO
Linda says
That! Is so gorgeous. I love the way you reimagined this dresser!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Linda! I’m so glad you like it! XOXO
Michele M. says
Oh my golly she is absolutely stunning!!! WOW! What two great colors.
I just love that! Well done, Christy!!!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Michele! It was nice to have new colors to play with! XOXO
Donna Wilcoxson says
You are sooooooo talented. It is absolutely beautiful. Of all the blogs I follow, I enjoy yours the best. I just love everything you do. Best style award goes to you!!!
Christy says
That means SO much to me, Donna! Thank you!! XOXO
Catherine says
You definitely outdid yourself on this one!! If I lived closer I would buy it in a heartbeat!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!!
Christy says
Aww yay! I’m so glad you like it! Thank you, Catherine! XOXO
Lisa Pais says
That color is stunning. What a beautiful makeover. I’d visit your shop if you were local to me. I have always wanted to make over furniture, but I don’t really have a good space to do so. I hand painted a coffee table once but then added resin to the top. There was something wrong with the resin and it bubbled up. I had to throw the table out, couldn’t be salvaged. I have used resin on small projects, but it is often hit or miss. Won’t use it again on furniture. But you have inspired me. I love reading your blog. So fun! Thanks for sharing.
Christy says
Thank you, Lisa! I appreciate that so much! It can be discouraging when a project doesn’t go as planned for sure…happens to me all the time! I hope you do tackle something again in the future! XOXO
B says
I’m glad you chose Smoky Mountains for your dresser project. I think that’s my favorite color out of the new collection. The lighter color drawers really made it stand out. Loved it!
Christy says
Thank you, B! This is a great color, and the lightened version gives me an idea for a future piece. I’m looking forward to using the bright green soon too! XOXO
Jill says
Well, you’ve done it again! Now I HAVE to use these colors! And I have just the piece for it. Love this – so elegant!
Christy says
Ha ha! Thank you, Jill! Being inspired is the best! XOXO
Elizabeth Rineheart says
These colors are great. Love the tip on shadowing, thank you! Beautiful!
Christy says
Thank you, Elizabeth! You can do that with the darker waxes too, but this is an easy option. XOXO
Natalie says
Love the two tone look of the Silk mineral paint on this dresser! And the fabric inside the drawers is the perfect touch! Pinned!
Christy says
Thank you, Natalie! I was so excited to find this pretty fabric that matched so well! XOXO
Cheryl r Atkinson says
Hi Christy!! The dresser turned out so pretty.
Christy says
Hi Cheryl! Thank you, my friend! XOXO
Lynn Vogeler says
Christy – The dresser transformation is incredible. Mixing the two paints was genius to create the two-toned piece. Pinned!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Lynn! I perused your blog a bit when checking out your cabinet, and I just love your style! XOXO
Lu says
What a beautiful transformation. So inspiring!
Christy says
Thank you, Lu! XOXO
Pam Guthrie says
Does anyone know who won the Dixie Belle give away? Can’t find out anywhere. Thank you.
Christy says
Hi Pam! I announced the winner from my blog at the very start of the post. 🙂 XOXO