This old desk came from an estate sale where the man who had passed away was a collector of all sort of antiques. A separate 2 story building on the property was filled and everything was for sale. This desk was shoved back in a corner, all beat up.
Because of the age, the top is slightly wonky and the finish is worn, dented and scraped. At one point someone has stained over that. All those “problems” are part of the character and story of a piece. I actually prefer the quirkiness of old pieces because they are not perfect. I decided to embrace it on this piece. The top got sanded down with the orbital sander to make it smooth. I believe there used to be a set of drawers on top the took up the back half because you can see the outline where it used to be and it has holes with dowels in the top where they used to fit in. Everywhere else I lightly hand sanded just smoothing out the finish a bit and roughing it up so the paint would stick.
I wanted to use a dark (almost black) navy blue color, but the color I had bought was more of a teal/brighter blue. I ended up using a blue grey I already had instead. I painted on 2 coats of Sherwin Williams Smoky Blue, then let it cure overnight. The next evening I sanded everything to smooth it out and distressed the edges and other imperfections. After, I wiped everything with a damp cloth and sealed it with Minwax Paste Was, then added new little pulls to replace the old missing ones.
Here it is all finished. It is perfect as a desk or a small table for an entryway. I love the way the color and finish came out.
It looks great! I love the story behind the dresser and that you let the history shine through, despite its new coat of paint. Another beautiful piece.
thank you!
I love your pieces …great job!
Lynda @ Pleasant Pickins
Gorgeous! I've been really into blue lately and I just love the modern chair with it.
Angela @ Number Fifty-Three
Love this desk. You did a beautiful job!
Keya
Beautiful color! And I love how it goes with the yellow artwork above it!
Absolutely fabulous! This desk has been an image I have had in my head that I am looking to find… at least the before so I could make it into the after! You did an amazing job!!
Krista
love the color!
This is so pretty! I love the color and I love how you paired it with the Lucite chair. Awesome! 🙂
Thanks Krista!
Such a charmer! That color has won me over…I would love to know what it is. I have a big dresser that might look fab in that shade. 🙂
The color is Smoky Blue by Sherwin Williams
Love your color choice 🙂 It's perfect!!
Mandy @ The Hankful House
I am featuring your writing desk on my blog today. Thanks for linking it up. This week's party starts in a little bit. I hope to see you again.
http://www.ifitsnotbaroquedesignblog.blogspot.com/
Would love for you to share this at my link up where we pin all those you join to our party board
http://myfashionforwardblog.com/2013/05/30/all-things-pretty-10/
Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful desk at Project Inspired! I featured it today here! http://www.settingforfour.com/2013/05/12-fabulous-vintage-and-repurposed-diy.html and pinned to my features board!
Just gorgeous! I also love how you didn't strip all the wear and tear away, just added a fresh layer of history. Looks fantastic. 🙂
thanks so much for linking this up to Paint Parade, I love finding little tables like this with so much character. You've done a beautiful job on it and even though it is not the colour you expected, it's really lovely.
Fiona
I love this color!!
Your desk looks awesome with Beautiful color, You did a beautiful job.Fire Engine Kids Bed
What a beautiful redo, Love your color choice.CHEAP BED LONDON
What a transformation! And I loved how you paired the modern acrylic chair with the beautiful desk!
This turned out great! Love the shade of blue.
What a spectacular find!! I love the color choice too! 🙂
Fabulous color! Looks so vintage!
i love this old writing desk Reeves! what a great find and of course you did an amazing job with the paint. beautiful! i need to catch up on several of your posts 🙂 take care.