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!

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.
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.
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.

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!
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.
This also covered fully with a single coat.
Next up….a fresh coat of Caviar black to tall the tiny details……glasses, beaks and nails!
And just look how happy they look!  Freshened up and ready for some pool side fun!

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!
So much fancier, right?

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.
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!
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!
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.

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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