This gorgeous vanity has been languishing in my storage shed for nearly a year – a shameful amount of time, especially considering it's not even mine! That's right, this beauty belongs to my friends at the ReMix Market in Ashland, and they've entrusted me to give it a dazzling makeover with Dixie Belle Paint Co.! The pressure is on! Once transformed, it'll head back to ReMix where they'll auction it off to benefit the incredible local charity, Better2Gether. I call this "painting it forward," and I absolutely love any opportunity to support our community. Stay tuned for the big reveal!
Products Used
Before diving into the fun part, a thorough inspection is essential. First things first: checking for any hidden damages or issues. This also means a good clean and rinse with White Lightning. And guess what? This amazing TSP-based cleaner is now available pre-mixed! Seriously, game-changer for prep time. But what else do I look for? Does the piece need Bonding Boss? Is it slick or shiny? Are we anticipating any bleed-through from the wood? Proper prep work is the key to a successful furniture makeover. This vanity needed a little TLC on one leg – a quick reglue and clamp job. But since I'm keeping the original hardware, I'd say it's in surprisingly good shape!
Alright, let's dive in! I'm loving the warm tone on the vanity's top, but it definitely needs a refresh. Enter Dixie Belle Paint's No Pain Gel Stain! Why? Because it's ridiculously easy to use! No sanding required – it simply sits beautifully on top of the existing finish. I apply the gel stain with a simple applicator pad, wiping it on in the direction of the wood grain, and letting it dry between coats. You can build the coverage as needed, which is perfect for disguising any little imperfections. This piece got a single, even coat in Golden Ash. Oh, and I also removed the mirror in the interior and gave that a color update too! Once the project is dry, the No Pain Gel Stain gets sealed with either a Satin Clear Coat or Gator Hide for maximum protection.
So, what's the color palette for this vanity? PINK! It strikes me as such a feminine piece, it's practically screaming for a girly finish. I'll be using a dreamy combination of Cottage Door and Tea Rose, stippled together for a soft, textured effect. For this technique, a natural fiber brush is key, and the French Tip brush is absolutely perfect. I'll apply the paint in a stippling motion, creating those delightful little peaks and valleys on the wood. Building up the coverage gradually, and using a spray misting bottle to blend the colors together for a gorgeous ombré effect. Once the entire base is painted, I can finish it off with wax or a clear coat. But hold on tight – this girly makeover isn't over yet! I added a Woodubend (2092) to the front panel to give it a bit more flair, it's like jewelry on your furniture! Want to learn more about Woodubend? Click here.
With the base painted, it was time for the pièce de résistance: florals! And what better way to achieve that than with the magnificent Magnolia transfer from Dixie Belle? This transfer is massive – four sheets of gorgeous magnolias cascading down the front of the vanity! Have you ever used a transfer before? It's so simple, even around bends and curves! Need a video explaining transfers step by step? Click here!
Applying a Dixie Belle Transfer: A Step-by-Step Guide
Prep Your Surface: This is crucial! Your furniture piece should be clean, dry, and free of any loose debris. If you've recently painted, make sure the paint is completely cured (check your paint's instructions for drying/curing times). A smooth surface is ideal for the transfer to adhere properly. Lightly sanding with a fine-grit sandpaper (like 220 grit) can help create better adhesion, especially if your surface is super slick. Wipe away any dust from sanding.
Plan Your Placement: Before you even touch the transfer, carefully plan where you want it to go. Dixie Belle transfers often come in multiple pieces, so consider the overall design and how the pieces will fit together. Use painter's tape to mark the placement of each section. This will be your guide and prevent any last-minute panicking.
Remove the Protective Sheet: Each transfer piece has a protective sheet on the back. Carefully peel this sheet away, exposing the sticky side of the transfer. Be gentle and try not to let the transfer stick to itself.
Apply the Transfer: Now, carefully position the transfer onto your prepared surface, aligning it with your painter's tape marks. Start at one edge and gently smooth the transfer onto the surface, working outwards to avoid air bubbles. You can use your fingers, a burnishing tool (Dixie Belle transfer tool), or even a soft cloth to help smooth it down. Work slowly and methodically.
Burnish the Transfer: This is the key to a good transfer! Using your burnishing tool, apply firm, even pressure to the entire transfer. Pay extra attention to the edges and any intricate details. The goal is to ensure the transfer is completely adhered to the surface. Burnishing helps the transfer "meld" with the paint or finish underneath.
Remove the Top Sheet: Once you're confident the transfer is fully adhered, carefully peel away the top protective sheet. Do this slowly and at a shallow angle. If any part of the transfer lifts up with the top sheet, stop, re-burnish that area, and try again.
Distressing (Optional): If you want a more vintage or aged look, you can gently distress the transfer using fine-grit sandpaper. Lightly sand over the edges or certain areas to create a worn look. Be subtle – you can always add more distressing, but it's hard to take it away!
Seal (Optional but Recommended): To protect your transfer and prevent it from chipping or scratching, it's a good idea to seal it with a clear coat. Dixie Belle recommends their Gator Hide or a clear coat appropriate for your project. Apply a thin, even coat and let it dry completely according to the product's instructions. For a super smooth finish, you might want to lightly sand with very fine grit sandpaper (like 400 grit) between coats.
Tips for Success:
Practice makes perfect: If this is your first time using a transfer, consider practicing on a scrap piece of wood or furniture first.
Work in a well-lit area: This will help you see any air bubbles or areas that need more burnishing.
Don't rush: Take your time and be patient. Applying a transfer is a delicate process.
Keep your tools clean: Make sure your burnishing tool and hands are clean to avoid transferring any dirt or oils to the transfer.
Embrace the imperfections: Sometimes, little imperfections add to the charm of a piece. Don't be afraid to embrace the unique character of your project.
Okay, let's bring this blog post to a fabulous finish!
So, where were we? Ah yes, the Magnolia transfer! Once I had that gorgeous floral cascade perfectly placed (and trust me, it was so satisfying to see it come together!), it was time for the finishing touches. Now, you know I couldn't leave it there, right? This vanity needed a little extra something. And that something was… (drumroll please!)… Gilding Wax!
I used a touch of gold gilding wax to highlight some of the details on the vanity, especially around the edges and the feet. It's like adding jewelry to a beautiful outfit – just that little bit of sparkle that elevates the whole look. The gilding wax is so easy to apply – I just used my finger to dab it on, then buffed it with a soft cloth to bring out the shine. It adds such a touch of elegance and really makes the details pop against the pink and the florals.
And finally, the grand finale! A coat of White wax to seal everything in and protect this masterpiece. This step is so important – it's like the topcoat for your manicure, it keeps everything looking fresh and prevents any chipping or scratches. I used a soft cloth to apply the wax, working it into all the nooks and crannies, then buffed it to a beautiful, smooth finish. I added the faux fur to the vanity bench, and painted it in the same way.
And there you have it! This once-forgotten vanity has been completely transformed into a show-stopping piece. From drab to fab, this makeover was such a fun and rewarding project. I'm so thrilled with how it turned out, and I can't wait to see it at the ReMix Market auction, raising money for the amazing Better2Gether charity. Remember, this is "painting it forward," and it feels so good to give back to our community.
What do you think of the final result? Let me know in the comments below! And if you're inspired to try your own furniture makeover, don't forget to tag me in your photos – I can't wait to see what you create! Happy painting!
Shop all Dixie Belle paint products used in this blog here!
love, Melissa
The Top Drawer RVA
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