Garage Sale Desk

This is my first ever refinishing job. Please don't laugh. Snickering is okay though because I'm used to my kids doing it to me. ;)

On Friday I was on my way home from dropping the kids off at school. I saw a Garage sale sign in my neighborhood. I've been looking for dressers and a desk to refinish but hadn't try a garage sale in a while.

I saw this desk sitting there and thought, "Oh I have to have it!!". But guilt took over and I drove away alone. As I saw it in the rear view mirror I got a bit sad. So I made a U-turn and then made a deal.

(You can click on the images for larger photos. But please excuse the blurry ones. My camera is in the process of a slow, painful death.)

It was marked, "Antique Desk $40". I only had $32 cash in my purse. I've never negotiated before so I was a bit nervous. I simply asked her if she would take $30 for it. She said yes!!

I absolutely LOVE the marks and old nasty dirt it has. While I was refinishing it I caught whiff of that "old house" smell.  How could you not like that smell? :)

I knew immediately that I wanted to paint it white. But I wasn't sure if it should be distressed or give it a few good coats of shiny white.

As I was sanding it, I let it "speak" to me. She was begging me to leave the top as it so she can show off her age. And distress the body in white paint.

 I had no idea what I was doing since I've never done it before.

I sanded her down while admiring her curves.

I gave her a quick coat and let it dry. I sanded again and them left it as is.

I'm pretty happy with it. I just need to decide if the top should have a clear varnish coat on it? Or leave her naked.

What do you think? I'd love to hear your suggestions.

Costs:

Vintage Desk: $30

Sandpaper laying in the Garage: Free

Leftover white Paint: Free

Final cost: $30

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