The color is darker and so much richer in person! Wish my camera would capture that! grrr! |
BEFORE-Dark and dreary, just like the lighting in this picture |
Before I get into the details, I need to tell you what the coolest thing about this entire thing is: it was FREE. Yup. Gratis. I can’t believe it either! The desk was listed on the Free section of Criagslist and wouldn’t you believe that it was located 1.7 miles from my house? Um, YEAH! So I ran down there and the lovely lady who was giving it away and I visited for a little bit before I committed highway robbery and took her Thomasville treasure, for FREE. Yes, ‘Thomasville’ and ‘free’ in the same sentence!
I thought long and hard and decided I wanted to paint it my favorite shade of blue.
The very first thing I needed to do was to remove the hardware and sand the whole thing down. I could’ve used cover stain and skipped the sanding but this had a few layers of pretty old looking varnish so I figured an orbital sander was the best way to go:
I went at it with the sander for a while until it looked like this:
And just when you thought I was done with the sanding, I had to go back and sand some more to make sure the finish was completely smooth, and to correct any drip marks. Not that I had any drip marks.
I love these sanding blocks with the handles on them. Easy breezy! |
Once I had the top as smooth as I wanted it, which was pretty darn smooth, I added another coat to the whole thing including the drawers.
I trust you are ignoring the mess in my garage, yes? |
Once the paint was dry to the touch I figured I’d put a coat of polyurethane, and several on the top of desk since it will get the most use. I LOVE this brand of poly. This little quart can has gotten me through a 6 chair dining room set, a cabinet, this desk, and still have enough for another couple of projects. Plus it dries lightning fast and has no odor. WINNER!
Also applied the poly with a sponge brush |
Are my hands really this veiny?? |
Put the polished hardware back on the drawers and voila! I seriously could not be more pleased with the way this turned out! I LOVES!
I promise I cleaned up the garage after I took the pics |
A beauty in blue To recap: ugly dreary desk in need of some serious love BEFORE
And a vision in lovely blue all dressed up for the prom AFTER
|
I think this could’ve been finished in one day, but I took my time and spread it out over 2 days, cause that’s how I roll! Now to figure out what to do with it?? What do you think?
Love, Barbara
Linking up here!
Michaela @ coveredinmodpodge.blogspot.com says
The color is absolutely beautiful! I can’t believe you got that sucker for free! What luck!
Chase the Star says
Thanks Michaela! The price was definitely right! Think I may use it as a sofa table! Who knows!
Claire says
Wow-fabulous transformation-following you from TDC-stop by for a visit!
Chase the Star says
Thanks Claire!!
A To Zebra Celebrations says
Amazing!!! come link to my party tomorrow if you’d like :)
Chase the Star says
Thanks! Will do!
gail says
Oh my! This looks just like a piece I made from a nightstand and parts to be a kid’s desk. :)
You did a fabulous makeover on this puppy, and FREE? You can’t beat that!
way to go.
gail
Chase the Star says
Thanks Gail! It was a lot of fun to makeover! Love your blog!
Chase the Star says
Thank you Rebecca!
Rebecca @ My Girlish Whims says
great redo!!! so bright and fun :)
Jennifer says
I did not know there was a free section on Craigslist! This turned out great you thief! Ha! Just kidding!
Chase the Star says
It’s true! Technically she gave it to me but it was ROBBERY in my mind because it was in such great shape! Thanks Jennifer!
Elizabeth (Blue Clear Sky) says
A beauty in blue for sure! It is amazing how some paint and effort can rescue a piece.
Chase the Star says
Thanks Elizabeth!
Beth@Makemeprettyagain says
I just saw your entry to the freaktastic party at vintagerevivals. Love the color on this desk! I thought I knew every Behr color (yes I’m a sick paint-puppy) but apparently I missed the Neptune Blue! Beautiful job and great score!
Chase the Star says
Thanks Beth! I’ve used that Neptune Blue shade all over the house I love it! Thank you for stopping by!
Kelly (Our Everyday Harvest) says
The finished product looks great! I love the color. Nice work!
Chase the Star says
Thank you, thank you!!! XO
harleywife57 says
WOW ! a FREE THOMASVILLE desk ??? I can see why she wanted to get rid of it ! :D You changed it from ugly to pretty !!
Chase the Star says
Yes can you believe it?! Free Thomasville! It was such a blast to re-do too! Thanks so much!