AJ here and I have an exciting project to share with you today. I had a dresser that I painted about 8 years ago and before I discovered the easy and professional look achieved with Dixie Belle Paint Company. This dresser was looking a bit tired and outdated and I wanted a fresh, textured finish. Terra Clay Paint to the rescue! This unique, clay-based paint offers incredible adhesion, a beautiful matte finish, and the ability to create stunning textured effects.
Let me walk you through how to paint a previously painted dresser using Dixie Belle Terra Clay Paint, ensuring a professional and long-lasting result. Just look at that Before picture above (Middle Picture) and then the After (Right Picture). What? You can do this, too!
Here is a quick video to see the easy transformation using Terra Clay Paint:
Why Choose Dixie Belle Terra Clay Paint?
Before diving into the steps, let's explore why Dixie Belle's Terra Clay Paint is an excellent choice for your furniture makeover:
Superior Adhesion: Terra Clay Paint is designed to adhere to most surfaces, often eliminating the need for extensive sanding or priming.
Matte, Textured Finish: Terra Clay Paint creates a beautiful, velvety matte finish with inherent texture, adding depth and character to your furniture.
Easy Application: While offering unique effects, Terra Clay Paint is user-friendly and forgiving, making it suitable for beginners and experienced DIYers alike.
Mineral-Based and Low VOC: Dixie Belle prioritizes quality and safety, offering a clay mineral-based paint with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Versatile and Blendable: Terra Clay Paint can be blended with ease and create fun, textured layers, is easy to pull bak these layers and create a "peek-a-boo"naturally-aged look.
Project List:
First, I used Terra Clay Paint in these colors:
Then I painted a layer of Blue Agave:
Such a yummy color!!
Blue Agave!!
Step-by-Step Guide: Painting Your Previously Painted Dresser
Now, let's get started on your dresser transformation:
1. Preparation is Key
Clean Thoroughly: Remove all hardware (knobs, handles) and clean the dresser surface with a degreaser, such as Dixie Belle White Lightning. This step is crucial for removing dirt, grease, and grime that can interfere with paint adhesion.
Inspection and Repairs: Check for any damage, such as chips, cracks, or loose veneer. Repair these issues with Dixie Mud then once dry, sand the repairs smooth.
Light Scuff Sanding (Optional but Recommended): While Terra Clay Paint boasts excellent adhesion, a light scuff sanding with fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit or higher) will enhance adhesion and create a better surface for the paint to grip. Focus on areas that are glossy or smooth.
Remove Dust: Wipe down the dresser with a damp cloth to remove any sanding dust.
2. Applying Terra Clay Paint
Stir Well: Thoroughly stir the Terra Clay Paint to ensure even pigment distribution. Do not shake, as this can create air bubbles.
First Coat: Apply a thin, even coat of Terra Clay Paint using a natural-bristle brushes. Work in the direction of the wood grain for this coat.
Creating Texture (Optional, but fun!): For a textured effect, apply the paint with a stippling brush, sponge, or by using a crosshatch pattern. You can also use a palette knife or other tools to add texture.
Drying Time: Allow the first coat to dry completely usually 1-2 hours.
Second Coat: Apply a second thin coat of Terra Clay Paint for full coverage. If desired, you can add more texture during this step. Since Terra is always reactivated by water until sealed, this is the perfect time to start playing with those colorful layers. Use a wet cloth or sponge and remove that top color to let the first layers "peek through". When I want to get really creative, I seal that base color before adding and pulling back other colors and layers.
Drying Time: Allow the second coat to dry thoroughly. I wait at least 24 hours before sealing.
3. Sealing and Finishing
Choose Your Sealant: Terra Clay Paint requires a sealant to protect the finish and enhance durability. Dixie Belle offers several options, including their line of water-based polyacryclic Clear Coats in Flat, Satin or Gloss; Gator Hide; Terra Matte or Terra Tuff.
Apply Sealant: Apply the clear coat with a clean brush or sponge to apply thin, even coats. Make sure not to use too much pressure on the first coat of sealer since the water in the Sealer can reactivate the paint.
Drying Time: Allow the sealant to dry two hours before applying a second and optional third coat.
Reattach Hardware: Once the sealant is dry, reattach the hardware.
Tips for Success:
Practice on a Sample: If you're new to Terra Clay Paint, practice on a piece of scrap wood or cardboard to get a feel for the application and texture. This is what I did when Dixie Belle Paint first introduced the line. Now I reach for it everytime I want to be extra creative.
Work in Thin Coats: Thin coats are essential for preventing drips and ensuring even coverage.
Experiment with Techniques: Don't be afraid to experiment with different application techniques to create unique textures and effects. Breack out your chip brushes, spatulas, palette knives, even your fingers!
Clean Your Brushes: Clean your brushes immediately after use with soap and water.
Conclusion:
By following these step-by-step instructions, you can transform your previously painted dresser into a stunning piece of furniture with a beautiful matte, textured finish using Dixie Belle Terra Clay Paint. Embrace the creative process and enjoy the satisfaction of giving your furniture a new life.
Here is another quick video showing the fun of painting with Terr Clay, the "No-Rules" paint:
Tell me, which color combinations would you choose?
Luv and Hugs,
AJ
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