Got a question? or you’re interested in learning more about how to use Dixie Belle’s products, then this the forum for you. Managed by Redposie a primer Dixie Belle Paint Retailer this How to and Q & A forum is free for the benefit of all who enjoy using Dixie Belle Products.

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How dose Dixie Belle Paint work?

Dixie Belle Paint has superb adhesion qualities which allow you to skip the sanding and priming prep work required of other paints. Best of all, after it’s dry, take a 220 grit sanding sponge and quickly buff and  your project is smooth as silk. No wax required.

Let’s Get Started!!
Do I need to clean the surface before painting? It’s a good idea!

Two methods for  cleaning a surface before painting with Dixie Belle Paint

1. Surface Prep by Belle Craie paint Co.
   is a  (Low VOC cleaner) and ideal is for cleaning surface before painting before applying Dixie Belle paint. Surface Prep is designed to remove dirt and neutralize grease, oil, furniture polish and other substances which impair adhesion. Many cleaners leave traces of soap, phosphates, films, etc. which may also impair adhesion. Belle Craie Surface Prep is a phosphate-free low VOC cleaner which leaves no film. Surfaces are clean and ready to paint. It comes in a spray bottle. Just spray on surface prep let set for a minute and wipe with a cloth.
2. Trisodium Phosphate (TSP)TSP is a very powerful cleaner and wildly use to clean surfaces before painting just mix with water. and wipe down the surface you are going to paint. Rinse thoroughly after using the TSP cleaner and then give ample drying time before painting. TSP is very harmful to the environment so use it carefully.

How to use Dixie Belle Paint

Painting with Dixie Belle Paint will be the easiest and most enjoyable painting you have ever done!

• Clean your piece
• Paint
• Distress if you like that

How many coats of paint will I need?

• Darker colors usually need only one coat.
• Lighter colors may need on coat.
• Most times, your 1st coat is dry by the time you are ready for the 2nd coat.

Love the layered paint look?

• Using a damp brush paint base color
• By the time you are finished, usually you can start the 2nd coat of different color.
• use 150 to 220 grit sandpaper and sand away letting base color show through.
• You can also wet distress with 15/220 sanding sponge. This needs to be done within an hour after drying.

How to use use Gator Hide Top Coat (water-repellent)

• Allow your finished piece to completely dry.
• Simply brush on a thin layer of Gator Hide. Let dry. After 2 hours re – apply, let dry 2 hours and repeat this up to 3 thin  layers to get the water repellant finish.
• We like to use a form brush with Gator Hide. It works really great!
• A 48 – hour dry time is recommended.
• Great for tables, cabinets and counter tops that get heavy use!

How to Use Dixie Belle Glazes

This is where the fun really begins! Want to add depth and dimension to a flat piece? Dixie Belle Glazes do just that!

• You can glaze over paint or over clear coat depending on the look you want.
• Give the clear coat/paint a couple of hours to dry.
• Be sure the glaze is mixed really well.
• Working in sections, use a chip brush or applicator pad and start applying the glaze to your liking.
• If you’re working with a piece with lots of nooks and crannies/carvings, work the glaze in to make those details pop.
• If you would like less glaze, simply wipe off with a damp rag or paper towel.

How to use Dixie Belle

Easy Peasy Waxes

• Shake a container well.
• Mist over a small area 10-inch x 10 inch
• Wipe with lint free cloth.
• Apply a 2nd or 3rd coat if desired.

Best Dang Wax

• Apply a very thin layer of Best Dang Wax with a cloth or brush over dry Dixie Belle Paint.
• Allow 15-20 minutes to set, then buff with a clean lint free white cloth.
• You may distress before or after waxing.
• No need to apply clear wax before brown or black wax.

How to use Dixie Dirt

• Apply clear wax and allow 5-10 minutes to tack up
• Using a clean brush, dip into Dixie Dirt and brush over the surface, especially the nooks and crannies. Really rub it there.
• Wait a few minutes and brush off the unstuck dirt.
• Using a lint free cloth, very gently buff your piece. Remember, gently work from the middle out to the edges so you get a nicely worn look.
• As the wax finishes drying, it will become part of the piece.

How to use Dixie Belle Mud straight from the Swamps of Dixie

• Use Dixie Bell Mud to fill veneer, gouges,scrapes or even holes.
• Use it to make a raised stenciled embellishment to your piece.
• After Dixie Belle Paint Has Dried, place a stencil over your project and secure with adhesive or painters tape.
• using your mud spatula, spread the mud over you stencil. Simply scrape any excess back into your jar.
• Gently remove your stencil. Now, you are left with an embellishment!
• Spread Dixie Belle Mud over a flat surface and use stamps, Leaves or even some burlap to create impressions and other interesting elements.
• Never, never rinse the mud down your drain, clean utencils with baby wipes and throw away.

How to Use Stains

No Pain Gel Stain:

This stain is oil based and will have a deeper fuller coverage.

Voodoo Gel Stain:

This stain is water based.

• Voodoo is more translucent than the No Pain Gel Stain.

• You can use all of our stains on painted or unpainted surfaces.
• Both stains can be applied with a “lint free” cloth or you can use a paint brush or paint sponge.
• Apply in light coats to active the shade you want.
• We suggest testing it on a non-conspicuous spot first.
• Remember that Voodoo Gel Stain is water based and will dry faster than No Pain Gel Stain, which is oil based.

How to use Sea Spray

• Mix 2 level scoops of Sea Spray to 8 oz. of Dixie Belle Paint. Mix another 1/2 scoops, if using larger amounts of paint if needed. You want a thick, brownie batter-like consistency. If using larger amounts of paint, add scoops a couple at a time and stir.
• Using a paintbrush, dab and smooth the bristles to from crests and peaks, like ocean waves!
• Once tacky, gently brush down the crests and peaks, calming the seas and creating texture. You can also leave as is, keeping the seas stormy!
• For more dimension, when dry, simply add another paint color (with or without Sea Spray) or glaze of your choice, then sand! Easy Peasy!

Now you have a beautiful piece that looks like it’s been around for ages! We encourage you to use your imagination! Just like a day at the beach, There’s no wrong or right way to use Sea Spray!!

How to use Dixie Shine: (used with Tackey Goo & our Dixie Belle Brush)

Dixie Belle Shine is a fun way to “SHINE UP” your piece.

• Brush on very, very, very small amount of tacky goo (again less is more) on the area you want to shine (works great on fabric too).
• Then, place the shine (shiny side up) on the area where you’ve placed the tacky goo.
• Use the brush and just brush over the shine.
• Remove the shine from your piece. Ta-Da!! You’ve added shine and shimmer to your piece.
• Sometimes the tacky goo takes a while to dry. You can use a little aerosol hairspray to speed up the process.