I have tried a lot of sealers and keep returning to Dixie Belle over and over. Here are my favorites, with tips on when and why I use them and my affiliate links. Using the affiliate links does not increase your cost but it does support my business and allows me to continue to provide content free of charge
Supplies List:
First…know that Dixie Belle paint will self-seal in 30 days. But I like the way sealers finish the look of my painted furniture and usually opt for one of the following since I can seldom wait 30 days to sell or begin using.
How to use:
Best Dang Wax
Clear
This wax provides a soft matte finish that looks great on my style of “whimsically elegant” painted furniture. I also opt for wax on my white or cream farmhouse looks when I am not worried about water hitting the surface. Apply with a cloth or brush, wait 15 minutes and then buff with a lint free cloth.
Black, White, Brown & Grunge Gray
While these waxes can be used on their own, I often use them in combination with the clear wax when I want to achieve a certain decorative look. The dark colors are great for antiqued and weathered looks, while the white wax can be used to tone down brightness or highlight raised details.
Clear Coat Satin Finish
Also a very refined finish, just a bit of sheen, with the added advantage of water resistance. This can be applied with a brush but I prefer a slightly damp sponge applied in very thin coats to prevent pooling. I’ve tried various car wash or wax sponges but still come back to Dixie Belle’s blue sponge with its super small pores for an even finish. It is water based and you can even mix in a bit of paint, an option I choose over white or black paint.
Gator Hide
With a shorter open time than the clear coat, I opt for Gatorhide when I need a finish to be water repellant. A great choice for any top that could be subject to spills, particularly table tops! Applying a coat of the clear satin first can be helpful in achieving a smooth, even Gatorhide finish.
Howdy-Do Hemp Seed Oil
So easy to apply and a great option over dark paint such as Dixie Belle’s Coffee Bean, Caviar or Midnight Sky which can be more difficult to topcoat while preserving a smooth, even finish. This can be applied over paint or raw wood and is even food safe for use with kitchen cutting boards or butcher blocks.
Easy Peasy Spray Wax
As the name implies, this is a great time saver…just shake, spray and wipe. If I have used gilding wax or décor wax, I also like to spray a bit of Easy Peasy to “set” my final look.
