I decided to give an old Stag Minstrel tallboy chest of drawers a fresh, modern look. I chose Dixie Belle Silk Mineral Paint in the stunning shade of Midnight Green. The process was straightforward and the results were superb. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how I did it:
Step 1: Preparation
Hoovering and Cleaning First things first, I thoroughly hoovered the tallboy to remove any dust and loose dirt. This is an important step to ensure a clean surface for painting. Next, I cleaned the entire piece using Elbow Grease degreasing cleaner. This step is crucial to ensure the paint adheres well.
Scuff Sanding Once the tallboy was clean and dry, I gave it a light scuff sand using a fine-grit sanding pad. The goal here isn't to remove the existing finish entirely but to create a slightly rough surface for better paint adhesion. After sanding, I wiped the piece down with a damp cloth to remove any sanding dust.
Step 2: Priming
Using Clear Bonding Boss Primer To ensure the best adhesion, stain blocking and durability (this is important for this piece as older oak tends to bleed tannins) I applied 2 coats of Dixie Belle’s Clear Bonding Boss bonding primer. This primer is fantastic because it goes on clear, making it easy to use with any color. I applied the primer evenly and let it dry over night before moving on to painting.
Step 3: Painting
Applying the First Coat Now for the fun part—painting! I used Dixie Belle Silk Mineral Paint in Midnight Green. This paint has a built-in primer and top coat. I opted for a Dixie Belle foam roller for a smooth, brushstroke-free finish. I poured a small amount of paint into a tray and began rolling on the first coat, making sure to cover all surfaces evenly. The coverage is impressive, but I knew a second coat would be necessary for full opacity.
Applying the Second Coat After the first coat was dry to the touch (about two hours), I applied the second coat. The rich, deep hue of Midnight Green really started to pop. The foam roller made the application smooth and effortless, and the paint levelled beautifully.
Final Touches
After the paint had fully dried, I reattached the hardware and stepped back to admire my work. The transformation was incredible. The once dated tallboy now has a sleek, modern look with a bold pop of color. Dixie Belle Silk Mineral Paint in Midnight Green turned out to be the perfect choice for this project.
I couldn’t be happier with the results. The tallboy will make a stylish centerpiece in iT’s new home, proof that a little bit of paint can go a long way in breathing new life into old furniture. If you're thinking about a furniture makeover, I highly recommend giving Dixie Belle Silk Mineral Paint a try 👇🏻
https://www.gracieshouse.co.uk/collections/silk-all-in-one-mineral-paint-by-dixie-belle