Outdoor décor deserves a refresh just as much as the inside of your home. In this guest blog, Tracey from Tracey’s Fancy shares how she gave a weathered flamingo statue a colorful new look with Dixie Belle Paint. With a little prep and a few coats of paint, this faded garden accent becomes a fun, eye-catching addition that’s ready to brighten any outdoor space. The following is an excerpt from Tracey’s Fancy.

(The following is an excerpt from Tracey’s Fancy. Read the full article here.)  

I bet you have outdoor decor that you adore but it’s looking a little less than fresh after several years in the elements!

Like my Little Miss Flo and her Zen baby.  These two got a quick glow-up that made a huge impact!
Bright pink flamingo garden statue with a smaller flamingo, both wearing black-and-white sunglasses, refreshed with Dixie Belle Paint for a fun outdoor décor makeover.

Flamingo Outdoor Decor…before their makeover!

I found this quirky mom/daughter duo at HomeGoods several summers back and I just love having them out by the pool.
Close-up of a hand-painted pink flamingo garden statue with black sunglasses and a matching baby flamingo, ready for an outdoor décor refresh with Dixie Belle Paint.
But when Matt is commenting that they look really beat up….it’s clearly time for a glow-up!
That’s the beauty of quality paint products that paint on any and all surfaces…..and outdoor top coats that withstand the test of sun and rain (and even snow)!

Supplies Used: Outdoor Decor Refresh

Flamingo Outdoor Decor Refresh

Let me show you how to clean, paint and protect your favorite outdoor decor so you can continue to enjoy it!

Cleaning and Prepping for the Glow Up

I gave Flo and Zen a quick wash with White Lightning and rinsed well with water.
Painted pink flamingo garden statue with a baby flamingo wearing matching sunglasses, refreshed with Dixie Belle Paint for a fun and colorful outdoor décor project.
If this were a slick surface I likely would have primed it first with Bonding Boss to make sure my paint would stick…..but the surface is actually very rough.
It did have some peeling paint so I made sure to use a wire brush to knock away any loose flakes before I began painting.
Close-up of the flamingo statue's feet with painted black toenails, highlighting the detailed finishing touches of the outdoor décor makeover.

Outdoor Decor Refresh Painting

I painted directly onto the original surface using my custom color mix, Cotton Candy pink, that I felt was perfect for Flo. It only required one coat for full coverage.  You can see here….the first application of paint…and then half painted and half unpainted.  They are looking happier already!
Applying a light pink coat of Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint to the flamingo statue, layering color for a soft, even finish on the textured surface. Pink flamingo garden statue with a baby flamingo after the first coat of Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint, showing soft, even coverage before the final details are added.
Little Zen baby got a fresh coat of…..wait for it….FLAMINGO…..which happens to be one of my top five favorite colors in this paint line!  It’s the perfect summer coral.
Jar of Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint in Flamingo, the soft coral-pink color used to add vibrant details to a painted flamingo garden statue.
This also covered fully with a single coat.
Applying Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint in Flamingo to the baby flamingo, adding bright coral-pink accents for a fun, colorful outdoor décor makeover.
Next up….a fresh coat of Caviar black to tall the tiny details……glasses, beaks and nails!
Painting black sunglasses on the flamingo statue with a detail brush, adding crisp finishing touches to the outdoor décor makeover. Painting the baby flamingo's beak with a detail brush, adding the final hand-painted accents to the colorful outdoor décor makeover. Hand-painting the flamingo statue's black toenails with a detail brush, adding realistic finishing touches to the outdoor décor makeover.
And just look how happy they look!  Freshened up and ready for some pool side fun!
Finished hand-painted flamingo garden statue featuring a pink flamingo and coral baby flamingo with matching sunglasses, refreshed with Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint for a playful outdoor décor makeover.

Time to Get FANCY!

But WAIT…..those glasses are way too boring and not very Tracey’s Fancy at all!
So with a little bit of Fluff white…..I added stripes and polka dots to the final finish!
Painting white stripes on the flamingo statue's black sunglasses with a detail brush, adding fun, hand-painted details to the outdoor décor makeover. Close-up of the baby flamingo wearing hand-painted black sunglasses with white polka dots and blue lenses, adding playful finishing details to the outdoor décor makeover.
So much fancier, right?
Close-up of the flamingo statue's hand-painted black sunglasses with bold white stripes, adding playful detail to this colorful outdoor décor makeover with Dixie Belle Paint.

Now for the magic… the armor… the protective layer… Gator Hide!

Gator Hide is a fantastic protective top coat for both indoor and outdoor projects.
Jar of Dixie Belle Gator Hide shown beside the finished flamingo garden statue, highlighting the durable topcoat used to protect the painted outdoor décor project.
I like to use it on any painted indoor surface that needs extra protection such as buffet or vanity top surfaces.  It is also fabulous for outdoor use as it has a built in UV protectant as well as being non-yellowing and water repellant!
If this isn’t in your painters arsenal….you really need to add it!
Finished flamingo garden statue painted with Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint, featuring a pink flamingo and coral baby flamingo with hand-painted sunglasses, sealed with Gator Hide for a durable outdoor finish.
I applied a thin coat…..allowed to dry…..and applied a second thin coat!

The Finished Look: Flamingo Outdoor Decor Refresh

And that’s it!!!
This precious little flamingo pair are back at their poolside post soaking up the sun!
Finished flamingo garden statue displayed outdoors by the pool, painted with Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint and sealed with Gator Hide for a durable, weather-resistant finish.
A big thank you to Tracey from Tracey’s Fancy for sharing this cheerful outdoor makeover! This project is a great reminder that paint isn’t just for furniture. From garden statues to porch décor, a fresh coat of color can bring new life to your outdoor spaces. Be sure to visit Tracey’s Fancy for more creative DIY projects, painting tutorials, and inspiring makeover ideas.
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About the Author

Traceys Fancy

Tracey Bellion is well known for her innovative, brilliant, and over-the-top furniture designs that encompass a Whimsical Wonderland. She loves to paint with playful colors and infuse multiple mixed patterns and textures not usually seen together. Tracey’s signature black and white checkerboard pattern is not only one of her favorite patterns to use to add visual interest, it also serves as a neutral in her furniture designs.

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