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Vintage Vanity Makeover – How to Paint Whimsical Stripes & Fine Lines on Furniture - Video Tutorial

Updated: Sep 14, 2022


Liven up your space with fine lines & whimsical stripes.


For this Vintage Dresser & Vanity Makeover, I did a playful Beetlejuice-inspired style to go with the Art Deco waterfall shape. I love the dark & playful interiors from the movie, so I wanted to channel my inner Tim Burton with this project.


I used black paint with a hint of dark purple for a little drama, then added whimsical white stripes & fine lines inside the carved details.


I made this quick tutorial to show you:

  • The easiest way to paint perfect stripes & fine line details on furniture

  • How to blend a purple hue into black paint

  • How to get a smooth buttery finish on chalk mineral paint using sandpaper




 You will see bold colored text in the product list, those are links to each product so that you can locate the products easily if you are wanting to purchase them.


Supplies & Links for this project:


Step #1 Clean & Prep Your Furniture Before Painting


It’s always the number one step before painting. I scuff sanded with 220 grit sandpaper & cleaned with Dixie Belle White Lightning.  


Afterwards, clean it really well with water & a rag to remove any residue.


Step #2 Prime Before Painting


 First, I need to use a primer where I’ll be painting white to avoid any bleed through. I like to use the Dixie Belle’s Boss Primer in Gray because I find it works best with white paint.


I apply 2 coats of primer. Allow the first coat to dry before applying the second. I let mine dry for 2 days before painting stripes.



Step #3 Painting Black with Purple Hues



I taped off where I’ll be painting the white to keep my black paint from getting on it.



Do 2 thin coats of paint rather than one thick coat. If you apply your paint too thick, it takes longer for it to dry & your paint may chip off later on.



While the Caviar is still wet, it’s time to add the 2 different purples.


 I’m using both Dixie Belle’s “Amethyst” & “Aubergine” to create a subtle hue of purple blending into the outer edges.


I pour a little of each color onto a plate. Then using a clean brush, dip half the tip in each color. I’m using both to create subtle hue of purple blending into the black.



Start at the corners using light feathery strokes to stretch the paint inwards towards the drawers. If the paint feels too dry, mist with a little water & keep blending.



I blend on both coats of paint to experiment with where I want my colors. If your first coat of paint doesn’t look great, don’t sweat it! Once it dries, you can apply your second coat & make any changes.

Step #4: How to Get a Buttery Smooth Finish on your Chalk Mineral Paint

This step is optional if you want to get rid of the chalky finish on your paint and make it more smooth to the touch. 


 Before I apply the second coat, I use 800-1000 grit sandpaper to scuff sand the paint. This will close the pores of the paint and give you a silky-smooth finish. It looks like you’re ruining it with sandpaper, but don’t worry!



After you’ve sanded, mist it with water. Then wipe off the chalky residue with a clean rag. Now all the little scratch marks will be gone, and you’ll have a nice smooth surface for the second coat of paint.



Step #5 Apply Second Coat of Paint

 

Mist your surface with water, then apply your second coat of “Caviar”. Repeat the same steps as before, adding the purple while it’s wet.


Let it dry for 24 hours before moving on to the next step.


Step #6: How to Paint the Perfect Stripes


 To do stripes, you’ll need Painter’s Tape, Clear Coat & a Craft Brush.


Before painting stripes, I painted the area white using Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint in “Fluff’. Then let it dry for 2 days.


Each stripe will be the width of the tape. You’ll use one piece of tape as a spacer between each stripe.


Place your first piece of tape down, then use your spacer to measure the width. Then lay down your next piece of tape.



Next use a craft brush to apply clear coat along the edges of the tape. This helps prevent paint from bleeding into your stripes.


TIP: If paint does bleed under the tape, use a baby wipe to clean it off.


Then use the Caviar (or whatever color you prefer) to paint the stripes. Let it dry, then apply a second coat. Allow your paint to dry for 24 hours.



After the paint is dry, slowly peel off the tape. You should have clean crisp edges and beautiful stripes.


Before I do the fine lines, I apply one coat of Dixie Belle Satin Clear Coat, then let dry overnight.



Step #7 How to Paint Fine Lines into Carved Details


 I’m using a small craft brush & Dixie Belle’s Golden Gemstone Mousse to paint fine lines.


If you color outside the lines, don’t worry! The mousse is water-based and can be wiped off easily because the paint is sealed.


Use a fresh corner of a baby wipe on your finger to wipe off any paint.



(This is also a great method for painting thin edges or sharp lines on any kind of furniture)




I hope you enjoyed this tutorial & you’re inspired to try something new, and maybe, a little out of the ordinary! I’d love to see your projects if you do! 


You can click on the links to see all the products I used for this project below.


Make sure to follow me on all my social media platforms. I’m always sharing Free Painting Tutorials and Videos, plus easy tips and tricks for painting furniture!



Dixie Belle Products for this project: 


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