DIY with Thornior
Welcome to "DIY with Thornior," a series dedicated to showing that anyone can start creating, no matter their experience level. Our team isn’t made up of DIY professionals—in fact, some of us had never picked up a tool before! Our goal is to show you that with a bit of courage and curiosity, anyone can turn ideas into reality.
For our first project, we’re tackling a simple nightstand makeover. We only spent €6 on this piece, so any mistakes (and there will be some!) won't cost much. This is a perfect beginner project to learn the basics of upcycling furniture without breaking the bank. Let’s dive in!
Materials Needed:
- Dixie Belle Silk All-in-one Mineral Paint (Color: White Cap, 16 fl oz - 473 ml) (Built-in primer & top coat)
- Dixie Belle Clear Finishing Pad
- Paintbrushes (dry DBP synthetic brush)
- Sandpaper (120 and 240 grit)
- Drop cloth
- Painter’s tape
- Old cloth or rag for cleaning
- Handles/knobs (optional)
- Wood filler (if needed)
We chose Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint because it's perfect for beginners. It requires minimal prep work, dries quickly, and provides a smooth, velvety finish. Plus, their color range is just stunning!
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Fix any cracks
Examine your nightstand for any cracks or holes. If you find any, use wood filler to fill them in. Follow the instructions on your wood filler packaging for the best results. Typically, you’ll apply the filler with a putty knife and let it dry for as long as needed.
Step 2: Prep Your Nightstand
Start by cleaning the surface of your nightstand thoroughly with a damp cloth to remove dust, dirt, and any grease. If your piece has a glossy finish or varnish, lightly sand it with 120-grit sandpaper to create a surface the paint can adhere to. Wipe away any dust after sanding.
Step 3: Apply Your First Coat of Paint
Using Dixie Belle’s White Cap, start applying your first coat of paint using smooth, even brush strokes. Don’t worry if it looks a little streaky—chalk paint often looks uneven on the first coat but smooths out beautifully by the second coat.
Step 4: Apply a Second Coat
Once the first coat is dry (allow it to dry for 4 hours before applying the second coat), apply the second coat. This will create a rich, even finish. If you're working with darker wood, you might need a third coat, but two should be enough for most projects. In our case, we applied a third coat. It is recommended to wait 24 hours before applying the second and third coat.
Step 5: Seal It Up!
To give it a professional finish, use the Dixie Belle Finishing Pad after the paint has dried to buff your piece to a silky, smooth finish.
Step 6: Final Touches
Feel free to change out the hardware if you want to give your piece an extra personalised touch. We opted to use the original handles that came with the furniture, but you can definitely change them for a more personal touch.
Before & After
The Final Result
After a few hours of work, your once-tired nightstand is now a statement piece in your home! Whether you place it in the bedroom or the living room, the fresh coat of Dixie Belle paint will bring new life to your space.
So, there you have it! With just a few hours of effort and some beginner-friendly Dixie Belle products, we turned an old nightstand into something we’re proud to display in our homes. Upcycling is not only fun and budget-friendly but also a great way to add a personal touch to your furniture! We hope you’ll join us in our next DIY adventure—stay tuned!
Why We Loved Dixie Belle Paint
- Easy to use, even for beginners
- Minimal prep required
- Beautiful finish with a wide range of colors
And be sure to check out Dixie Belle’s full range of products here if you’re looking to start your DIY project!
Can't wait to see you again in our next DIY with Thornior.
Instagram: @thornior