School Desk Reveal

♪"Schoooool's (still) .....out.. for.. the summer..."♪,

but I'm working on a school desk! Go figure:) Actually I just finished up this little school desk I found out yard sailing not too long ago. It was in really good shape.  I immediately grabbed it as there are a ton of home schoolers around here who'd probably love to get their hands on one. Let's just hope it's a boy who likes racing stripes!






Would you believe I forgot to take a true "Before" picture?! UGH! Sometimes I get ahead of myself and jump on a project before getting my ducks in a row. I'm sure none of you ever do that:) I remembered after I'd slapped on some Zinser Bin Primer.

It was all this color wood. I at least remembered to take pictures before getting primer on all of it! 

First, I lightly sanded the whole thing, then masked off the wood. Krylon's Oil Rubbed Bronze spray paint was applied to the metal and allowed to dry. Then, the desk was coated in primer.

After appling a coat of Sherwin Williams "Rice Grain".

After applying stripes prior to sanding, staining and waxing.

Nice and neat stripes that I was about to rough up and stain. That part always pains me, but I love the after.

A layer of SW Rice Grain in satin was applied (that I found at the Habitat ReStore - a whole gallon for about $5!), some stripes were masked out with my favorite painters tape - Scotch Blue Delicate, a thin layer of sealant brushed on to make double sure of no leakage under the tape, and then navy stripes were painted in BM Midnight Blue. Lastly I re-taped the red stripe, sealed and applied some red acrylic paint. After it was all dry, I wiped on a layer of Minwax Dark Walnut stain to age it, then applied Minwax clear wax. Done! Sounds quicker than it actually was! I love how the stain, sanding and wax gave it a well worn and loved look.

Now it looks loved and worn from time (wink, wink).



Nice and lightly worn.



The finished product which is now in the booth.

Funny thing is my first refinishing/repair project was a little desk just like this several years ago and now sits in the boys room and has gotten TONS of use as both a homework and art spot as well as a timeout chair:)

This was my first little desk and refurbish job that put the bug in my blood:)

And lastly, I guess I'll spill the beans on the current big project, like you've not already guessed it...the love seat shown in it's before stages here:

I'll be as excited as anyone to see the finished redo on this baby!

I've pulled so many staples today that I have blisters forming on my hands and a crick in my back from leaning over. I have a whole new appreciation for upholsters! They earn EVERY single penny they charge and must have the patience of Job! Once I FINALLY get all those staples out, it should be quick work (please no surprises!).

linking up to:





Common Ground Vintage Inspiration Friday

















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