The Comprehensive Guide to Dixie Belle Chalk Paint: Everything You Need to Know

For those of you interested in Dixie Belle chalk paint and products, I’ve created this comprehensive guide as a handy reference tool to help you learn about the products and how to use them. If you want to grab a printable PDF of this guide, click here.

I’m Shannon, a Content Creator for Dixie Belle.  I’ve been painting and selling furniture for over 5 years now, and using Dixie Belle products exclusively for the last 3 years.  I paint about 1 piece a week on average; not the volume of full-time furniture artists, but hey I have a full-time job too!  So for my math fans out there, that’s over 250 pieces and counting!

What Supplies Do You Need?

You don’t need tons of equipment to get started painting furniture.  You can start basic, and add on supplies if you become more advanced or if you find it’s something you want to continue doing.  Below I’ve listed the items you need or may want at each level, leaving out items you’re sure to have around the house already (like soap and paper towels).

Beginner Kit:

• Cleaner (White Lightning)
• Dixie Belle Mud or wood filler (if you need to make any repairs)
• Synthetic paint brush (the “mini” is pretty versatile)
• Chalk mineral paint (color of your choice)

Intermediate Kit (the Beginner Kit above, plus these items):

• BOSS (for priming, stain and odor blocking)
• More brushes in varying sizes and shapes
• More paint colors (for single color or blended finishes)
• Clear Coat or Wax

   Advanced Kit (the Kits above, plus these items)

• Crackle medium (for aged looks)
• Sea spray (for textured looks)
• Patina collection (for rust, copper and iron patinas on wood)
• Gilding waxes (for bling)
• Dixie Dirt (for aged looks)
• Metallics
• Stencils (mylar or silkscreen)
• Transfers or decoupage papers
• WoodUBend mouldings & appliques

Do You Need to Sand or Prep?

You don’t have to sand, that’s one of the many benefits of chalk paints. 

Cleaning – You always, always, always want to clean your piece well!  This is the number one thing that will make or break your final product.  

To mix, add 2 Tablespoons of granulated cleaner to a gallon of hot water.  You can do this in a bucket, or you can scale down the amounts using the same ratio and mix it in a spray bottle.  I prefer this method. 

Then I spray down the whole piece, and wipe it clean with paper towels.  You also need to rinse your piece, so spray it down again with clean water, and wipe it dry with paper towels.  Don’t forget to get inside any doors, drawers, drawer boxes, underneath your piece and inside any nooks and crannies.

Repairs – If you prefer imperfect finishes (like farmhouse, French or Old World to name a few), you may not want to repair small dings and dents at all.  That’s how I roll as well.  But acquiring pieces via Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist or the thrift store, there will come a time you will need to make a repair. 

• Small Repairs –  For smaller gouges or screw holes, you can use Dixie Belle mud and a plastic putty knife to fill them.  Allow the mud to dry to a light color, and then sand it smooth.  It’s a good idea to overfill it a little initially because it will shrink a bit as it dries.
• Large Repairs –  For bigger issues, you can use Bondo or Plastic Wood.  These dry hard and durable, so you can actually use it to replace whole sections of missing trim or even a leg. Check out Salvaged Inspirations article for step-by-step instructions on how to make repairs using Bondo.

Restoring Wood Finishes

For pieces or sections of pieces you aren’t painting, you can restore old wood finishes with hemp oil.  You simply brush it on, and wipe it off.  If you want to see how it’s done, you can watch Dixie Belle’s video on using hemp oil.

Can a beginner do it?

Totally!  I truly believe anyone can paint a piece of wood furniture and get a beautiful result.  You’ve got this!

 

What is chalk mineral paint?

In general, chalk paints are made of milk protein, limestone, clay, chalk and natural pigments. 

They have little to no odor and they are non-toxic  (safe around kids and pets).  They are also easy to clean up with warm water and mild soap.

 

Why is chalk paint better for painting furniture than latex?

Coverage: Chalk paint has excellent coverage; dark colors cover in 1 coat, and lighter colors in 2 coats.  Because of the coverage, it really goes a long way.  I have painted 2 small dressers, a toy chest and 5 bar stools with one 32 ounce container of Caviar. So we’re talking less storage space too, since a little goes a long way.  Officially, Dixie Belle says that 8 oz will cover 38 square feet, 16 oz will cover 75 square feet and 32 oz will cover 150 square feet.

Adhesion: Chalk paint is porous, so it absorbs into your surface.  Latex paint sits on top of the surface.

Durability: Chalk paint cures thoroughly in 30 days and Dixie Belle brand is self-sealing.  You can also add top coats for different sheens, or to add water-resistance.

Finish: Dixie Belle paint is self-leveling, and it’s easy to get a smooth brush-stroke free finish.  You’ll want to use a spray mister water bottle to thin your paint slightly while you’re painting, and do a very light sanding at the end to achieve the smoothest finish.

Dry time: Chalk paint dries quickly, in about 15-30 minutes.  This means you can completely finish a piece with a couple coats in a single day.

Affordability: Dixie Belle paint costs $12.95 for 8 ounces, $20.95 for 16 ounces, $33.95 for 32 ounces and can even be purchased by the gallon.

Authentic aged look: Chalk paint distresses better than latex because it doesn’t have resins.  It powders off easily when sanded, and dries to a flat sheen.

Products

The Dixie Belle chalk paint line is unique in that all the products are water-based (with the exception of the No Pain Gel Stain, Hemp Oil and Gilding Waxes), so they can all be used together and layered in any order.

White Lightning Cleaner (8 oz) and Pristine Clean (8 oz)

• Used to clean and prep furniture or kitchen cabinets before painting. 
• Wear gloves. Mix 2 heaping tablespoons in 1 gallon of hot water. Wipe furniture down using a rag. Rinse with clean warm water and wipe again. Do not allow to puddle.  Or you can use the spray-on method I described earlier.
• These products are the same, just branded differently, so you can use either.

Slick Stick (8 oz, 16 oz, 32 oz)

• For shiny surfaces (i.e. IKEA pieces), paint with 2 coats
• Also good for PVC, Formica, laminate, glass, metal and mirrors
• Allow to dry for 2-3 hours between coats, and overnight before painting

Dixie Belle Mud (8 oz) – comes in black, brown and white

• Used to fill gouges, scrapes or holes
• Also used to make a raised stencil embellishment on a piece. Affix the stencil with tape, spread the mud with a spatula or putty knife over the stencil and scrape the excess back into the jar
• Clean utensils with baby wipes
• Never rinse this product down your drain
• Dry time: 15-20 mins for a light coat; overnight for thicker applications
• Lasts longer if you store it in the refrigerator after opening

BOSS (16 oz or 32 oz) Primer – comes in clear, white or gray

• Used to block odors and stains, and stop bleed thru; 2 coats will cover permanent marker, water stains, smoke odors and more
• Use after sanding and cleaning with White Lightning Cleaner
• Allow first coat to dry for an hour before applying second coat; allow another hour before painting
• Easy soap and water clean‐up

Chalk Mineral Paint (8 oz, 16 oz, 32 oz) 

• Available in 60+ colors
• 1‐2 coats for full coverage; can thin with water if desired

Silk All-in-One Mineral Paint (20 beachy colors; comes in 16 oz)

• Creamy, self-leveling one step paint
• Non-toxic, zero VOC’s, UV resistant, anti-microbial, water resistant & mildew resistant
• Built-in primer, stain blocker and top coat (can use BOSS or Slick Stick if needed)
• Excellent coverage (72 square feet/container) & durability
• Dries to the touch in 1 hour (longer in cool temps or high humidity); can recoat in 2 hours
• Washable, easy to clean, grease resistant
• Low reflective eggshell sheen
• Apply with a dry brush and don’t add water
• 2 coats recommended for stains or bleed-through
• Can be used with chalk paint
• Fully cures in 30 days

Glazes (4 oz or 8 oz) – comes in black, van dyke brown, grunge (grey‐brown), whitewash, pearlescent, copper bronze, silver, gold shimmer, or sapphire pearl

• Use to add depth and dimension to your piece
• Glazes can go over or under a clear top coat
• Mix well; working in 10” x 10” sections and using a chip brush or sponge applicator, apply the glaze to your taste. Wipe away excess as desired.
• Wipe back with a damp rag if desired

Voodoo Gel Stain (water‐based & slightly transparent) (8 oz) – comes in Bayou Moss, Tobacco Road, Black Magic, Temptress, White Magic, Denim and Up in Smoke

• Use on painted or unpainted surfaces
• Apply with a lint free cloth, paint brush or paint sponge/applicator
• Start with a light coat, and build up to a darker color as desired. Test in an inconspicuous spot first.
• Dries quickly

No Pain Gel Stain (oil based full coverage) (16 oz metal container) – comes in Espresso, Georgian Cherry, Weathered Gray, Colonial Black, Picklin’ White and Walnut

• Use on painted or unpainted surfaces
• Apply with a lint free cloth, paint brush or applicator pad
• Start with a light coat, and build up to a darker color as desired. Test in an inconspicuous spot first.

• Dry time: 1-3 days
• Clean up with mineral spirits or toss rags or inexpensive brushes

Best Dang Wax (10 oz) – comes in Black, Clear, Brown, White and Grunge

• Use to add protection and color/dimension to surfaces
• Apply a very thin layer with a lint‐free cloth or wax brush over dry Dixie Belle paint
• Allow 15‐20 minutes to set, then buff with a clean lint‐free white cloth
• Distress if desired before or after adding wax; cures in about 1 week
• You can use Gator Hide over the wax if desired for greater durability

Easy Peasy Spray Wax (8 oz) – clear matte

• Use to add protection to heavier‐use surfaces
• Shake container well, mist over a 10” x 10” area, let stand for 5 seconds, and wipe with a lint-free cloth.
• Apply 2‐3 coats for added protection.

Clear Coat (8 oz, 16 oz, 32 oz) – comes in flat, satin, and gloss

• Used to add extra protection to your finish
• Allow paint to dry 1 hour before top coating
• Brush on a very thin even layer in 1 direction (not back and forth) ; can use the blue sponge or applicator pad instead of a brush if desired
• Wait 1 hour and add another coat
• Can spray with mister and brush lightly to help remove brush strokes

Gator Hide Top Coat  (16 oz, 32 oz, 1 gallon) – water‐based water‐repellent polycrylic

Learn more from this How to Use Gator Hide video tutorial by Crys’Dawna of Belle Renovare

• Smooth feel; low sheen
• Use to add durability on high traffic table tops, cabinets or outdoor furniture
• For painted surfaces, wait 1‐2 days before applying. For gel stained surfaces, wait 3‐4 days before applying.  For waxed surfaces, wait a week before applying.  
• Apply with a sponge applicator
• 3 light coats are recommended. Allow to dry 2 hours between coats, and 2‐3 days when complete before using the piece.

Big Mama’s Butta (4 oz, 10 oz) comes in Orange Grove, Suzanne’s Garden, Flannel or unscented

• Blend of hemp seed oil, coconut oil, beeswax and carnuba wax
• Neutralizes odors (except unscented)
• Protects against mildew & insects
• Water-resistant
• Enhances & revives wood grain
• Softens & protects leather
• Buttery and easy to apply with a lint-free cloth
• Buff after application & allow to cure for 7 days

Howdy-Do Hemp Oil (8 oz)

• Penetrates porous surfaces
• Water-resistant
• Use on bare wood, cutting boards, & wood utensils to revive old finishes
• Use over chalk mineral paint to seal
• Apply with a brush or cloth; rub gently until absorbed
• Dries to a matte finish
• Allow 2 hours to dry; wipe excess after 12 hours
• Fully cures in 30 days

Sea Spray Texture Additive – bag includes enough for 64 oz of paint

• Use to create a chippy, textured and sun‐weathered look
• Mix 2 level scoops (scoop included) of additive with 8 oz of Dixie Belle paint. Consistency should be a thick brownie‐like batter. Mix up to another ½ scoop if needed.
• Using a paint brush to form crests and valleys, like ocean waves on the piece. Once tacky, you may gently brush down the peaks, or leave them as‐is.

Dixie Dirt (4 oz) – comes in Ash, Earth and Charcoal

• Use to add an authentic time‐worn look
• First, apply clear wax and allow to sit for 5‐10 minutes
• Using a clean short‐bristled brush, dip into Dixie Dirt powder and brush over the surface, especially the nooks and crannies. Rub it in thoroughly.
• Wait a few minutes, and brush off any loose Dirt. Using a lint‐free cloth, very gently buff your piece working gently from the middle to the edges, for an authentic time‐worn look.

Crackle Medium (8 oz) – easily creates an aged, cracked effect

• Paint a base color to show through your top color
• Stir the Crackle medium and apply in a cross-hatch motion
• Allow it to dry completely
• Paint different color over the crackle in 1 direction; it will crackle as it dries

Patina Collection 

    Prime Start (8 oz)  – should be used only when painting over metal

    Patina Paint (8 oz) – comes in Iron, Copper or Bronze

    Patina Spray (8 oz) – comes in Blue or Green 

    Patina Guard (8 oz) – protects your patina piece, optional, ventilation needed

• Use to create a rustic rust finish on wood, plastic, metal, etc. Green on Iron creates the rust look.
• Shake Patina Paint to mix metal particles throughout. Apply 1 coat and allow to dry.
• Apply a 2^nd coat of Patina Paint. While still wet, apply Patina Spray.
• After 6 hours, you may choose to topcoat it if desired. Recommended for interior use.

Moonshine Metallics (16 oz) – comes in Deep Woods, Pacific, Caribbean, Gold Digger, Rozay, Silver Bullet, Steel Magnolia, and Wedding Belle

• Use with a base coat for a more opaque finish, or without for more transparency
• Recommended base coats:
  • Gold Digger – Burlap or Colonel Mustard
  • Rozay – Tea Rose or Soft Pink (can mix 50/50 with Gold Digger for rose gold)
  • Silver Bullet – Sawmill Gravy or Driftwood
  • Steel Magnolia – French Linen or Dried Sage
  • Wedding Belle – Buttercream or Sand Bar
  • Caribbean – Dixie Belle Blue
  • Deep Woods – Collard Greens or Palmetto
  • Pacific – Peacock or Dusty Blue

Gemstone Mousse (1 oz) – comes in Golden Gem, Diamond, Amber and Garnet

• Creamy water-based formula; whip well before using
• Highly pigmented, full coverage
• Eco-friendly, non-toxic, no VOC’s, can be used indoors
• Apply with a lint-free cloth, finger or a brush (can thin with water)
• Soap & water clean-up
• Dry in 30 mins; cured in 24 hours; doesn’t need to be sealed
• Can mix with Gloss top coat to gild and seal all in one step
• Lightly buff after 12 hours for a beautiful sheen

Gilding Waxes (1.3 oz) – comes in Gold, Silver, Copper, Bronze, Zinc, Black

• Oil-based formula; stir before using
• Use in a well-ventilated area; keep out of reach of children
• Apply with a lint-free cloth, finger or a brush
• Can be layered and blended
• Dry in 30-60 minutes; doesn’t need to be sealed
• Lightly buff after 12 hours for a beautiful sheen
• Store in a climate-controlled area

Chameleon Waxes (1.3 oz) – comes in Cactus, Lilac and Apricot

• Oil-based formula; stir before using
• Use in a well-ventilated area; keep out of reach of children
• Iridescent & somewhat transparent; color shifts depending on light
• Apply with a lint-free cloth, finger or brush
• Can be layered and blended
• Doesn’t need to be sealed
• Store in a climate-controlled area

Brushes – clean with warm water and mild soap or brush cleaner

Manufactured in the USA

• Synthetic high end professional paint brushes; the filament is a mixture of polyester and nylon which provides a slight stiffness, spring back and easy release of paint to the surface.  Always dry your brushes hanging by the handle.
  • Oval Small – 1 ¼”
  • Oval Medium – 1 ¾”
  • Round Small – ¾”
  • Round Large – 1 ¼”
  • Flat Small – 1″
  • Flat Medium – 1.5″”
  • Flat Large – 2″
  • Mini – 2”
  • Mini angled – 2”
  • Scarlett – 2″ silky synthetic bristles for a smooth even finish
• Natural
  • The Belle Brush – tapered & comfortable in the hand; maintains shape
  • French Tip – tapered tip for detailing; plastic handle
  • Best Dang Brush – 2” natural blend for painting or waxing
  • La Petite – excellent for detailing and highlighting; the tapered bristles come to a point to work into intricate, detailed areas and tight corners
  • Premium chip brushes – a great quality chip brush that will last; great for painting, waxing and glazing
  • 2” Chip brushes and Premium Chip brushes – for rustic finishes

Clean as a Whistle Brush Cleaner removes built-up dried paint from brushes and conditions them

• Environmentally friendly
• Non-toxic, no VOC’s
• Biodegradable
• How to: mix 50/50 with water (or full strength if paint is dried on) in a chemical-proof container like glass, soak bristles overnight, rinse thoroughly and let dry

Paint Fabric (any color of Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint)

• Spray fabric lightly with water
• Brush paint over fabric, paying special attention to crevices
• After 24 hours, sand gently with 220 grit sandpaper
• Wipe off dust, and wax with Best Dang wax

Wood U Bend  (lightweight heat bendable appliques)

• Use to embellish any surface
• Mould to any contour using a heat gun or hair dryer
• All the properties of wood – drill, stain, paint, sand, etc.
• Designs include keyholes, florals, trims, medallions, corners and tons more!

Scrubby Soap  (natural soap-infused scrubber)

• Easily removes paint from brushes
• Comes in these scents – orange, lemon/lime, and lemon

Belles & Whistles

Dixie Belle’s own line of embellishments

Mylar Stencils (10 mil, 14” x 18”)

• Durable, washable & re-usable
• Designs include Royal Damask, Morocco, Harlequin, Houndstooth, Greek Key, Buffalo Check, Mudcloth, Whimsical Check, Victorian Damask and Script. Additional designs added frequently.

Silkscreen Stencils (8” x 9”, 3 sheets per package  & a squeegee tool)

• Up to 10 uses; wash immediately to ensure more uses
• Great for raised stencils too
• Designs include Floral, Mandala, Farmhouse, Delicate Lace, Mosaic, Botanical, Western Boho, Butterflies, Roses, Patterns, Nautical, and Steampunk. Additional designs added frequently.
• An optional accessory for your Silkscreen stencils is a Thing-a-ma-jig, an angled squeegee tool for applying paint

Furniture Transfers

(various sizes starting at 24”x28”, 4-6 sheets per package)

• How to: Gently unroll your transfer, pull back the protective backing and place it where you desire. Working from the outside in, apply pressure with the transfer stick.  Gently lift the clear release sheet to check it has adhered completely.
• Can be layered, distressed or sealed
• Works on wood, glass, mirrors and more
• Designs include Magnolia Garden, Lace, Sunflowers, Alice, Cacti & Succulents, Floral Romance, Boho Soul, Vintage Floral, Cherry Blossom, Latin Floral, Hot Air Balloons & Clocks, Field of Flowers, Nautical Life, Steampunk, and Tropical Leaves. Additional designs added frequently.

Rice Decoupage Papers (12”x 12”, 3 sheets per package)

• How to: Cut the border off , apply clear coat to the area where you’re going to place it, carefully place the paper over the clear coat, gently smooth it from the center out, clear coat on top of it.
• Dries in 1 hour
• Cures in 21-30 days
• Designs include Pallet Wood Pattern, Colorful Tiles, Blue Sketched Flowers, Blue and Yellow Floral, Colorful Floral with Black and White, Whimsical Mediterannean, Blue Glass Ornate, Tropical on Pink, Feathers, Floral & Ballerina, Distressed Damask, Floral on Black, Ancient Mud Cloth, Birds, Art Deco Bird Pattern, Native Rose, Peony Pattern, Gondola & Landscape

RESOURCES

• Youtube
  • Dixie Belle
  • Tracey’s Fancy
  • Fashion Toppings

• Blogs
  • Wise Little Owl Furniture
  • Dixie Belle
  • Confessions of a Serial DIYer
  • Q is for Quandie
  • Salvaged Inspirations
• Facebook
  • Dixie Belle Paint Facebook page
    • Daily Facebook Live paint tutorials
  • Silk All-in-One Mineral Paint Facebook Page
  • World of Chalk Paint Facebook Group
  • Chalk Mineral Paint Enthusiasts Facebook Group

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Paint is Peeling or Chipping Off

Chalk paint adheres well to wood and lots of other surfaces.  Make sure you clean your piece really well to avoid adherence problems.  Also use Slick Stick for shiny laminate, glass or mirror surfaces.

Weird Pink or Yellow Color Coming Through

That’s called bleed-through, and it comes from the tannins in the wood.  Try to anticipate when this could happen.  It’s generally older pieces with Cherry or Mahogany finishes.  Use BOSS to prevent it.  However, if you haven’t used BOSS first, you can still use it over your first coat of paint, and it will prevent bleed-through on the second coat.

I Hate my Project

Paint over it!  You can paint over any of the products, since they are water-based.  You can even paint or re-stain over No Pain Gel Stain if you let it fully cure first.

Dried Paint in my Brush

Soak in warm water at least 1/4″ down from the ferrule (metal part). Use mild dish soap or Scrubby Soap. If the brush is deformed in any way, then hot water and a blow dryer will activate the molecules inside the filaments and they will return to normal.

Where to Buy Dixie Belle Paint & Products

You can check for a local retailer at this link, or purchase online at my link.

If you found this guide helpful, please use my link above.  It costs you nothing extra, and I get credit from Dixie Belle.  Thank you!

For easy access to this guide, please Pin! Leave me a Comment and let me know if I missed anything.