Monday, March 10, 2014

My New Desk - No More Veneer!

So, one day when the hubby wasn't home I ran out to his barn to grab a tape measure.  I was looking on Craigslist for a new desk or a table that would work for a desk to go into my office.  While I was looking around I stumbled upon an old desk that was in bad shape.  My heart may have skipped a beat, the desk was the perfect size for my office!  So when Mark got home, with the sweetest smile I could find I told him that I had stumbled on to something in his barn that I just had to have.  The desk will be perfect for my office, I can paint it and it will be just beautiful and free!  Free he liked but when I said I would be painting it a sad look came on his face.  ;)  No matter what a piece of furniture looks like I can promise two things.

  1. Mark wants it to stay stained.
  2. I always want to paint it!  
Seriously.  So much that I try to find already painted items to purchase on Craigslist so that it doesn't break his heart when I bring it home and start painting.  LOL.  It's a little game we play.  ;)  So after a little convincing he brought my new project to my office and then declared that I'm no longer allowed in his barn.  Ha!  

Before Pic

The desk had a veneer top that was in bad condition, like way to bad for repair.  So I thought I would just take it off and see what was underneath (it couldn't be any worse than it already looked).  So I just took a putty knife and scrapped away.  I tried a few other things like using a damp rag and putting an iron on top but honestly I don't really think it helped.  Elbow grease is what that top needed!  

A few close ups!




Guess what was under the layers of veneer?!  SOLID WOOD!  Yay for that find!  


Once it was all sanded was the fun part...PAINT.  Well almost, I had to prime it first.  I did 2 coats of Zinsser Bulls Eye 123 Primer, I had enough leftover from a previous project that I didn't need to buy any extra for the desk.  


The original plan was to paint the entire desk a dark gray that I already had (from painting my couch) but once I got the first coat of gray on top with the bottom still primed I kinda liked how it looked.  

  
Decisions!  I consulted my decorating possy and everyone overwhelmingly liked the gray with white look.  So I rolled with it!  


After the desk was painted the only decision left was what color to paint the drawer pulls.  After looking at tons of different options I went with Krylon 18kt Gold spray paint.  It was super easy to use and dried in 30 minutes, which appeals to my impatient side.  :)  I have always been a silver girl but here lately have gotten pulled into this gold trend.  I may end up changing it in a few months but for now I'm a happy girl!  



I loved the final product and even the hubby admits that it looks much better being a painted desk.  ;)  Added bonus = Total cost was less than $5!  I had everything I needed on hand except for the Krylon 18kt Gold spray paint (which was only around $4 with my 40% off coupon from Michaels)!


What about you, have you painted any furniture lately?  I would love to see your pictures!  Anyone else falling for the gold trend right now?!

14 comments:

  1. Beautiful, Heather! I love the gray and white combination. I hope your hubby came around after he saw how beautiful it turned out. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Christy! He did after I was all done! ;)

      Delete
  2. Heather, what an amazing makeover! Isn't it so satisfying to put all that work into a piece to have it come out so beautifully? Great project!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is the best feeling! BTW, I love your blog!

      Delete
  3. Beautiful Heather - a job well done - although you must have had some patience taking all the top off this. I usually get my furniture that is in quite good 'nick' and then paint. I love the two-tone - it gives the desk some 'character' :) By the way I've been on your site where you chat about how you three girls got together - in fact I haven't finished looking at it yet. I shall be looking at your 'home tours' but thought I would look at some of your links first seeing what you've been up to :) I am really enjoying looking through your work and 'touring' around your site - love 11 Magnolia Lane and looking forward to looking at some more work of yours and the girls - Take care :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I love how the desk turned out. :)

      Delete
  4. By the way - not sure if I'm allowed to give you a link to my website, but understand if you have to delete this :) but thought you might be interested in what I do - you will find my website at http://www.decorativeideas.co.uk and http://www.artbyden.com - Regards :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great website and beautiful ideas! Thanks for sharing!

      Delete
  5. I have a similar desk and have put off painting because I'm afraid it will chip easily. Have you found the paint to hold up well? Did you finish with a sealer? I notice you use Minwax Polyacrylic on some of your projects (last time I used a poly it yellowed TERRIBLY so I'm gun shy).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Actually it has held up wonderful. I dont even have this inside anymore! It has been in my carport holding junk for a year. I ended up needing a larger L shaped desk to hold all of my paperwork. Ive never had ANY issues with the polycrylic, that's why I use it instead of polyurethane.

      Delete