Chalk & Milk Paint Tips & Techniques. Helpful How-to’s & DIYs

4-Colour Stained Dresser with Dixie Belle

3/3/2021

Dressers are my favourite pieces of furniture to makeover. I found this darling for $40 on Marketplace. I loved the “square-ness” of this piece and decided immediately the handles were keepers!

furniture-painting-project-dresser-before

Eagerly awaiting its makeover

I chose Silk all-in-one mineral paint in Nautical because it’s a dark blue that looks blue not “is it blue, is it black?”

I painted outdoors on a warm 28 degree day, which I don’t recommend when using Silk. Even though I was in the shade, it was drying too quickly.

I used the Dixie Belle Mini Brush. It’s a high quality synthetic brush that works well for a smooth finish with Silk as well as Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint.

I first played with stains to get the order right. My original thought was to use white, grey, red and brown. I experimented on raw timber first; rearranging and choosing colours that suited Silk Paint in Nautical while keeping the red, white and blue tones separate so as not to look patriotic!

After experimenting with the colour samples, I stained the backs of the drawers so I could get a full view of what it would look like:

From top: Voodoo Gel Stain in White Magic, Voodoo Gel Stain in Up in Smoke, No Pain Gel Stain in Georgian Cherry, No Pain Gel Stain in Espresso

I wanted to experiment with both stain types and this was the perfect opportunity to do a side-by-side comparison.

VooDoo Gel Stain is a water-based, translucent gel stain with no odor. It comes in seven colors and can be mixed with paint or wax or used on its own. It comes in a handy squirt bottle which makes application really easy — and fun!

It can be a bit sticky and dries quickly. It's very easy to spread with a lint free cloth, adding more where needed and wiping away where there is too much.

No Pain Gel Stain is an oil-based gel stain that provides deep and rich coverage. It’s a thick product that sits on top of a surface and it comes in six beautiful colours. It has a slight odour so it’s best to work with it outdoors, but rain was coming so I quickly stained then put the stained drawers under shelter.

The next day I was able to bring the drawers in, with no odour, and they were perfectly dry to the touch. You can layer Gel Stain on thicker for a darker stain or keep it as thin as you like. I wanted a transparent application, and didn’t want the colour too deep.

After painting the dresser frame with two coats of Nautical in SILK All-In-One Mineral Paint, I sanded the drawer fronts to raw timber using 60, then 80, then 120-grit sandpaper.

Halfway though sanding, I realised I forgot to label the drawers. Often drawers won’t fit into another slot. When taking them out always label them so you know which goes where!

I wanted the stain colours in a particular order and needed to make sure they fit where I wanted them. That’s when I realised I loved how the raw wood looked next to the Georgian Cherry stain. I skipped using white Voodoo Gel Stain and left it raw instead and changed the colour order to grey, raw, red, brown.

Accidentally loving No Pain Gel Stain in Georgian Cherry next to raw timber

The shape and design of the handles already had me loving them, but I toned down the shiny brass by roughly painting them with Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint in the colour Coffee Bean.

I finished staining, hemp oiled all the drawer fronts, quickly distressed the corners and edges — and done!

Take a bow, my friends. I couldn't have done it without you

Would love to hear your thoughts on this project or ask any questions!

Happy Painting,
Katie

We were honoured to collaborate with Porch.com
on a recent article. Pop over to see our contribution!

Mini Synthetic Paint Brush by Dixie Belle

A$41.95

Dixie Belle paint brushes are high quality and easy to use with flat trim bristles with exceptional spring-back to its original form and shape. The Dixie Belle Mini is a lightweight and easy to hold and maneuver short brush.

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Voodoo Gel Stain

A$44.95

Dixie Belle's VooDoo Gel Stain is a water-based, translucent gel stain with no odor. Available in seven colors, it can be mixed with paint, wax or used alone. VooDoo Gel Stain can be layered or mixed together to create a one-of-a-kind finish. It comes in a squirt bottle which makes application super easy peasy.

Available in seven colours from black and white to turquoise and grey.

240ml

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Hemp Oil

A$34.95

Howdy-do Hemp Oil from Dixie Belle dries to a lovely matte finish. Hemp Oil naturally

penetrates porous surfaces and is excellent on bare timber, over paint and to revive old finishes.

A little goes a long way and will harden over 30 days to create a beautiful, durable, water resistant finish.

240ml bottle

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Silk Mineral Paint by Dixie Belle

A$40.99

A brand new Dixie Belle paint line, exclusive to Australia is the All-In-One Silk Mineral Paint.

A one-stop paint with built-in stain blocker and primer and built-in topcoat! No sealing necessary. It is UV-resistant and has exceptional coverage and durability. Washable and mildew resistant with a low sheen finish.

Available in 475ml (16oz) pot

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No Pain Gel Stain

A$69.99

Dixie Belle's No Pain Gel Stain is an oil-based gel stain that provides deep and rich coverage. It’s a thick product and is excellent for eliminating uneven colouring. No Paint Gel Stains acts like a topcoat to sit on top of the surface, of stain, paint or raw timber providing a deep, rich, even colour.

Apply with a rag, brush or applicator pad.

Available in 6 gorgeous shades!

475ml

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Round Synthetic Brush by Dixie Belle - 2 sizes

A$30.99 - A$39.99

Dixie Belle Round Brushes are made with the highest quality synthetic bristles tapered into the round brush. An even soft feel throughout the chisel shape with excellent spring back and bend recovery. This helps with retaining the natural form and shape of the brush. The shape makes corners and details easy and the brush nearly self cleans.The unique belle shape allows for comfortable holding no matter how big or small the project is.

Small - 20mm

Large - 32mm

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Applicator Pads - 2-pack

A$11.99

Dixie Belle's Applicator Pads are excellent for applying stains, topcoats, Hemp Oil, wax and more! Achieve an even, flawless finish. These flexible, soft cloth pads provide a smooth, streak-free finish.

Wash and reuse with water-based products. Store in freezer for reuse with SAME oil-based product.

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Welcome to the 2020 Paint Round-Up!

16/9/2020

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Oh 2020...who would've ever thought you'd be such an interesting year?!

In our little paint world we've had quite a lot happening. So here we are with the latest news to update you on all things paint at For The Love!

We moved! Eek! We bid Carol a you'll-always-be-a-part-of-us farewell and welcomed Katie and her tribe. We've had some delivery and supply issues with our old favourites and to keep you (and us!) happy and painting we researched and tried other paint brands to find what works best for our customers Australia-wide.

Here's what we've added to the For The Love family:

Dixie Belle Paint - Premier Retailer

If you know us, you know we don't like to do anything quickly or small. We weren't sure at first but Dixie Belle won us over 100%. Firstly, they have a solution for every possible painting problem, challenge or desire! From Slick Stick (for those who don't want to sand), to awesome Gel Stains which are darn near impossible to get in Australia to a colour palette that reaches above and beyond with 60+ colours!

Dixie Belle Paint is a chalk-mineral based so it's easy to use, blend, get full coverage, layer or distress and the variety of topcoats, sealers, waxes, stains and clear coats will make your head spin.

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Dixie Belle Chalk Paint in Lemonade and Barn Red

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Dixie Belle in VooDoo Gel Stain, The Gulf chalk mineral paint & sealed with Ultra Flat Clear Coat

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Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint in Dropcloth, Fluff, Gravel Road, Brown Wax and Satin Clear Coat

SILK All-in-One Mineral Paint

Just when you thought Dixie Belle nailed everything about paint (and they have!) they come up with SILK all-in-one Mineral Paint which has a built-in stain blocker AND sealer. What?! Well, of course we love this so much and the colour palette is 20 shades of stunning coastal-inspired goodness. It's easy to use, has excellent coverage and from what we're seeing, the durability is off-the-charts. Give it a try if you haven't already as it's flying off the shelves as the next best thing in paint!

SILK All-in-one Mineral Paint with stain blocker & sealer

Stripes in Anchor, Sand Castle, Tide Pool, Wharf & Conch; Frame in Black Sands

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Painted with Baja Grey from Dixie Belle's SILK All-In-One Mineral Paint

Jolie Paint

This brand has my whole heart. Everything Jolie does is sophisticated, elegant and beautiful. The paint itself is a high-quality chalk paint said to be the original recipe from the infamous Annie Sloan (she's changed the formula and it is quite thick which isn't ideal for the Aussie climate). All I can say is after years of painting, I cannot recommend Jolie Paint enough!

Jolie is the answer when you want an authentic chalk-based paint with the very best coverage, adhesion and durability — and hands-down the most beautiful colour palette in the industry with 40+ colours. The finishes are simple and complete with Clear Wax as well as favourites black, brown and white — as well as silver, gold and copper Gilding Waxes. Their brushes are beautifully crafted in Italy to last a lifetime and we've also just added a non-yellowing water-based varnish in both Gloss and Low Luster -- as well as a very durable Floor Varnish.

If all this isn't enough, let the stunning real-life colour chart win you over, or the extensive and detailed fan deck with near-limitless colour-mixing options. They've thought of everything and it shows.

Jolie Paint Colour Mixing Guide Fan Deck

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Kitchen painted in French Grey and Palace White Jolie Paints

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Custom mixed Jolie Paint colour get the look you want with the Fan Deck and colour mixing guide

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A beautiful step-by-step instructional guide to paint finishes from Jolie Paint

That's an introduction to our new paint lines that we are thrilled with
and it looks like our clients and customers are as well.
Now let's take a look at our tried-and-true favourites to find out what's happening.

Old World Clay & Chalk Paint - Our Aussie Brand

Exclusive to For The Love Creations, our Australian-made small-batch all natural paint brand is back! After a short hiatus we've reintroduced some of our best-selling colours and a few extras.

Old World Paint is eco-friendly and our cleanest paint with ingredients taken only from the earth. It is VOC-free and devoid of any synthetic ingredients, chemicals, hardeners or toxins. It goes on like a dream, covers like mad, has zero smell (well, maybe a bit earthy until it dries) and we've carefully curated the best-of-the-best colour palette.

Old World is traditional, genuine and authentic chalk paint (with clay) and should be sealed with Polishing Wax or similar to bring out the true colour and dimension.

Old World Paint in Bonsai with slight distressing and Polishing Wax finish

Old World Clay & Chalk Paint in 1L and sample sizes

Tuxedo Black in Old World Paint

Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint

We've carried Miss Mustard Seed from the very start 8 years ago and we've never looked back, it's a staple in our shop and in our painting lives. Everything about Milk Paint speaks to the soul of the furniture artist. There have been some recent changes and upheavals with Marian (Miss Mustard Seed) selling the brand. We were skeptical, but the new owners are passionate, experienced and are bringing new life to the brand.

We are uncertain at this moment when we will receive new stock but rest assured, we are on the case and will keep you informed on our Facebook group page and newsletter as information is made available to us. In the meantime we "hoarded" all the MMSMP we could for you! We also like to believe more will be on it's way soon...

The 25 colours of Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint

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Painted in Typewriter and slightly distressed

Painted in Flow Blue MMS Milk Paint

Fusion Mineral Paint

It came onto the market about 5 years ago and many of you have never looked back. The convenience of built-in sealer and the 50+ colour range won our hearts. Fusion Mineral Paint brought us new colour releases and speciality products and taught us painting kitchens and bathrooms was not only OK, it was easy and anyone could do it!

This year we've had challenges with supply and as we wait still for that to normalise, retailers have been working together to try and find you what you need. You have been patient and understanding and we cannot express our appreciation of this.

For now it remains a waiting game. We are due a new shipment before Christmas but nothing is guaranteed at this point, so please...experiment, play with the colours we have in stock, try new brands and have confidence knowing that as soon as WE know, YOU will know when our paint supply will return to normal and you can once again Paint It Beautiful!

Pressed Fern from Fusion Mineral Paint

Fusion Mineral Paint Colour Chart real life and printed both available

Painted in Bedford and sealed with Clear Wax ; top in Liming Wax

Oh yeah...We moved!

For many of you this doesn't matter too much being we ship Australia-wide. But actually, it does matter because we are closer to the city so our post office doesn't cut off shipping as early. We will continue to ship Express at our additional expense and we're working harder then ever to get you your orders quickly and in perfect condition!

For those of you coming from interstate (when you are able) or local to South Australia, we are now in Salisbury Heights, just north of the city. While things are still up in the air with shutdowns etc...we are offering curbside pickup or meetup (you decide) as well as continuing to ship Australia-wide. We've also introduced shop-in-the-box experience like no other, get in touch with Katie to organise your visit.

Carol, who has been with For The Love since the beginning, needed a change. Of course she still pops in and fields questions, etc... And funny, but she seems to be painting more than ever! Katie and her crew are all-hands-on-deck and have immersed themselves in project knowledge and heaps of new and exciting additions and changes coming to For The Love in the coming months as they get their hands and clothes covered in paint. So be sure to stay tuned!

for-the-love-creations-paint-shop-australia

And somehow...it's September...

Well 2020, you are more than halfway over and I still have no idea what's happened...or what's to come. We will continue to do our best to help you with your projects, provide you with paint and supplies and offer you exceptional customer service and product/technique knowledge.

We are cautiously looking forward to the next few months as our new paint lines are so beautiful and you seem to be loving them. We are wanting you to stay safe and healthy and trying to embrace the saying: "May You Live In Interesting Times..."

Happy Spring and Happy Painting xx

It's all here...For The Love...
Sada

Jolie Paint

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Dixie Belle Paint

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Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint

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Old World Clay & Chalk Paint

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Fusion Mineral Paint

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Why & How to Remove Furniture Wax Before Painting

24/4/2020

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We get this question a lot...and with good reason. Many furniture pieces have already been refinished using wax. So why and how do we deal with this?

How Do You Know if it Has Wax?

The quick and easy was to make certain if there is a wax finish on furniture is to do the fingernail scratch test. This means taking your fingernail and dragging it along the surface. If there's wax, it should come off..well...like wax!

Why? Tell Me Why...

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A Visit to Magnolia Market & Silos in Waco, Texas & Our Facebook Live Videos

6/8/2018

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I never really thought I'd have the opportunity to visit the Fixer Upper empire in Waco Texas that is Magnolia Markets. But...it happened. In 40+ degree heat and 100% humidity with shoulder-to-shoulder crowds!

For a complete tour jump over to our Facebook Page and look for the TWO Facebook Live videos where I walk through the masses to give you a firsthand look.

It's inspiring to see how Chip and Joanna Gaines have created such opportunities in this inland Texas town — and the spilling over of growth and revitalization is visible as you drive the neighborhood.

Let's start outside.

The gardens are gorgeous with greenery and ample seating everywhere. There are porch swings and vegetable gardens, vertical green walls and a grassed play area for the little ones. Picnic seating was under cover with water misters to fight the heat. And there were food trucks and stands to grab a meal, a drink or a snack.

And of course...those gorgeous rusty silos.

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High Gloss Wood Ceilings Transformed into Aged, Faded Beauty with Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint

3/5/2018

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Oh yes... these high-gloss ceilings were one of the first things I knew needed "fixing" when moving in to my new office. The stark, shiny white glare was an assault on my eyes.

The raked timber needed some love and kind attention.

Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint.

STAT.

Before: Stark, high-gloss raked ceilings sprayed in enamel paint

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Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint Newest Colour Aviary Meets Vintage Office Chair for a Little Boho Flair

26/4/2018

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Is it blue? Is it grey?
I love when a colour is just sophisticated enough
that you can't describe it easily.

No matter how you see it, it's gorgeous!
Say hello to Miss Mustard Seed's latest colour, Aviary:

Here is Aviary painted on the background,
against the other exquisite blues in the MMSMP range:

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DIY Closet Hack with Fusion Metallic Paint in Bronze & a Patterned Paint Roller

19/4/2018

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This is my sad and tired built-in wardrobe. On a whim I decided to give it a glamorous makeover using what I had on hand.

The paint was in good enough shape, certainly not worth repainting, but it was just so blah...

I'm a firm believer that Fusion Metallic Paint makes everything better.

And Bronze? Bronze is an discovered gem of a colour. It doesn't get heaps of attention, but really delivers impact.

Metallic paint goes a long way, I started this project with half a pot — and ended this project with half a pot!

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Creating Custom Tinted Furniture Wax, a Laminate Bedside - and Painting Myself Happy with Old World Clay & Chalk Paint

14/2/2018

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We all know I love a good roadside rescue. My husband picked this up for me on his way home about a month ago...sweet, right?

I had had one of "those days" (weeks, months, years...) you know the kind...everything piles on and you feel a bit down.

In my book, there are few things as therapeutic as picking up a paint brush.

Before: A slightly damaged laminate bedside

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Painting a Cane Lounge Chair with Fusion Mineral Paint

28/11/2017

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I obviously get some sort of perverse pleasure from painting wicker and cane by hand or I wouldn't keep doing it . . .

Vintage wicker basinet painted in Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint

Antique wicker chairs updated with MMS Milk Paint in the colour Ironstone

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Piano Bench Makeover with Old World Clay & Chalk Paint & Stencils

29/10/2017

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It was a "Paint Therapy Day" where I
needed a bit of creative fun to clear my head.

And what better than this picture-perfect
sad little roadside rescue bench
(that I'd spotted earlier at a garage sale for $10)

BEFORE

The fabric top was still in good shape, it just needed a scrub up.
I used vinegar with clove oil to combat any mildew.

The underside had a quick coat to tidy it up in
Old World Clay & Chalk Paint in the
oh-so-pretty shade of Ocean Pearl,
a soft grey-white with a hint of lavender.

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<<Previous

It's all here...for the love...

4-Colour Stained Dresser with Dixie Belle

We were honoured to collaborate with Porch.com
on a recent article. Pop over to see our contribution!

Mini Synthetic Paint Brush by Dixie Belle

Voodoo Gel Stain

Hemp Oil

Silk Mineral Paint by Dixie Belle

No Pain Gel Stain

Round Synthetic Brush by Dixie Belle - 2 sizes

Applicator Pads - 2-pack

Welcome to the 2020 Paint Round-Up!

Dixie Belle Paint - Premier Retailer

SILK All-in-One Mineral Paint

Jolie Paint

Old World Clay & Chalk Paint - Our Aussie Brand

Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint

Fusion Mineral Paint

Oh yeah...We moved!

And somehow...it's September...

It's all here...For The Love...
Sada

Jolie Paint

Dixie Belle Paint

Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint

Old World Clay & Chalk Paint

Fusion Mineral Paint

Why & How to Remove Furniture Wax Before Painting

A Visit to Magnolia Market & Silos in Waco, Texas & Our Facebook Live Videos

High Gloss Wood Ceilings Transformed into Aged, Faded Beauty with Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint

Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint Newest Colour Aviary Meets Vintage Office Chair for a Little Boho Flair

DIY Closet Hack with Fusion Metallic Paint in Bronze & a Patterned Paint Roller

Creating Custom Tinted Furniture Wax, a Laminate Bedside - and Painting Myself Happy with Old World Clay & Chalk Paint

Painting a Cane Lounge Chair with Fusion Mineral Paint

Piano Bench Makeover with Old World Clay & Chalk Paint & Stencils

Don't Miss a Thing!
Get the Latest News by Email>>>>>

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YES Please!
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Home Shop FAQs Contact Us

It's all here...for the love...

We were honoured to collaborate with Porch.comon a recent article. Pop over to see our contribution!

Mini Synthetic Paint Brush by Dixie Belle

Voodoo Gel Stain

Hemp Oil

Silk Mineral Paint by Dixie Belle

No Pain Gel Stain

Round Synthetic Brush by Dixie Belle - 2 sizes

Applicator Pads - 2-pack

Dixie Belle Paint - Premier Retailer

SILK All-in-One Mineral Paint

Jolie Paint

Old World Clay & Chalk Paint - Our Aussie Brand

Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint

Fusion Mineral Paint

Oh yeah...We moved!

And somehow...it's September...

It's all here...For The Love...Sada

Jolie Paint

Dixie Belle Paint

Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint

Old World Clay & Chalk Paint

Fusion Mineral Paint

Don't Miss a﻿ Thing!Get the Latest News by Email>>>>>

Hi!

YES Please!Get Our Latest Blog Posts by Email:

Categories

Got a Blog? Tell Your Readers About Us with Our Blog Badge:

We were honoured to collaborate with Porch.com
on a recent article. Pop over to see our contribution!

It's all here...For The Love...
Sada

Don't Miss a Thing!
Get the Latest News by Email>>>>>

YES Please!
Get Our Latest Blog Posts by Email:

Got a Blog?
Tell Your Readers About Us with Our Blog Badge: