Monday, November 1, 2010

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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2 comments:

  1. I am so glad to be the first to comment on this and let you know what an amazing job you did. I am so glad you left the top as is. It looks exactly like a display piece at Anthropologie. I wouldn't even bother putting a clear coat on top unless you need to protect it from something.

    You clearly have a natural talent, so you should continue to refinish pieces. Warning though.....once you start, you can't stop.. :)

    Take care,
    Lisa

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