It seems like forever since I have been able to share a furniture makeover with you. After having to move house and my business into a shop all at once it sure filled up my time! Thankfully things are starting to get into some sort of order so today I’m sharing How To Paint A Farmhouse Bookshelf using Dixie Belle Silk.
How to Paint A Farmhouse Bookshelf Using Dixie Belle Silk


What is Dixie Belle Silk Mineral Paint?
Here are a few key points:
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Non-Toxic, ZERO VOC’s
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Built-in TOPCOAT
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Built-in STAIN BLOCKER
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Excellent COVERAGE & DURABILITY
- Built-in PRIMER
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UV Resistant
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Antimicrobial Mildew Resistant
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Washable, Easy to Clean
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Low-Reflective Finish
How to I use Silk All In One Mineral Paint?
- Degloss your piece with a light scuff sand using 120 or 220 grit sandpaper
- Use White Lightning to clean and then rinse
- Use a DRY synthetic brush and give your piece 2 coats. Using long brush strokes. Sometimes if you’re in a humid or hot area (like here in Australia) you may need to dampen your brush because the paint dries quickly and your brush drags. Be sure NOT to saturate your brush otherwise you will dilute the paint and affect the structure of the paint because it’s water-based.
- There is a 30 day cure time when using Silk but that does not mean that you can’t use your piece. Be sure to be careful not to knock your piece because the paint is drying and curing from the top to the surface of your piece.
Supplies needed:
For all my friends outside Australia you can find all your Dixie Belle Supplies —-> HERE
- Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint – White Lightning Cleaner
- Bookshelf
- Dixie Belle Silk Paint – Tide Pool
- Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint – Cotton
- Brush – I used my F30
- Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint – Voodoo Gel Stain – Tobacco Road
- 40, 60, 120, 220 grit sandpaper
- Sander
- Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint – Gator Hide Applicator Sponge
- Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint – Best Dang Wax – Clear
- Wax Brush
Step 1 – Mix your White Lightning and set aside. Using your sandpaper give your entire bookshelf a scuff sand to de gloss any finish on your piece. Clean the entire piece with white lightning and then rinse to remove any residue.
Step 2 – Staring on the back of your bookshelf paint the back and sides in cotton using your brush. Let this first coat completely dry to check for bleed-through. I wanted to see how well Cotton went on without using any stain blocker. I was absolutely blown away with the coverage as it only took 3 coats.
HANDY HINT: When using any whites your always going to have to do more coats than any other colours. The reason for this is because there are no pigments in the paint like darker colours so more coats are needed.
Step 3 – Using nice long strokes start painting the outside of your shelf using Tide Pool. Let dry and then apply your second coat.
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Time to stain
Step 4 – Sand back the removable shelves using 40 grit sandpaper. Then work your way up to 60, 120 and then 220 to get a nice smooth finish. Dampen your sponge and apply Tobacco Road. Once dry wax to seal using your wax brush. Also, wax the back of your shelf for protection.
Pop your shelves back in and you’re all done!
Add your favourite things you like to decorate with and enjoy.
Happy Painting!
Looking for some more Furniture Makeovers? Take a peek at these!
- How To Paint A French Farmhouse Sideboard
- How To Milk Paint And Stamp A Coffee Table
- Paint A Dated Farmhouse Shelf
- Decor Transfer A Chair
- How To Upcycle Old Shelves Using Stamps
4 comments
I really adore the look of this cabinet with the natural wood shelves. I am redecorating our home a room at a time and want to have a touch of wood in each room. The shelves are just enough, to be beautiful and its nice and light because of the paint. Pinning.
Hope you have fun, Leanna! I look forward to seeing your transformations!
Another amazing furniture makeover to swoon over. I have the perfect place for this piece!
Have a great week,
Kippi
Hope you have fun applying the same technique Kippi! It’s so much fun and gives such a lovely farmhouse feel.