Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Before & After #2 - French Desk painted with Chalk Paint

Hi Y'All!  This is Paula again.

Before & After photos of French Desk. This desk was a Craig's List purchase.

French Desk Before - has "leather" looking top.  Sorry about the glare.
The first coat applied was Louis Blue.  No sanding and no primer, just a good wipe down to make certain the desk was clean and dust free.  Gotta love that part!

Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint - Louis Blue
The next coat was a color wash with Aubusson Blue & water (mostly water) applied with a brush and wiped off, giving the paint enough time to settle in cracks and crevices but not to completely dry.  

Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint - Aubusson Blue
Desk after application of both colors.  
 The wash with Aubusson was applied before the Louis Blue had a chance to cure overnight.  By applying the paint this way, the Louis Blue just rubs off in places with enough pressure so that sanding isn't necessary.  I love saving steps!


Tools of the trade:  Paint Can Opener; Water Bottle Lid; Snapper to Keep Bag of Snacks Fresh; Flathead Screwdriver and the drawer pulls!  Isn't this what you use as well when working?  =)


Desk Top Before.  Most of the marks came off, but not all.  Had hoped to be able to stain the top, but the stain did not stick.  Tried a light sanding but that did not help.
Desk top after. 

Big difference achieved with Annie's Dark Furniture Wax.  And believe me when I say that a little goes a long way.  The arms wear out quickly when buffing wax  The wax did sort of revive the top though.  I really like the way that the wax made the "leather" look old and worn and comfortable. 

Final after photos.




These last photos all have different colors, don't they?  Still getting the hang of the camera. 
This last color is the truest match to the dresser up close and personal.
This desk was such fun to do!  The drawer pulls were sprayed with Rustoleum Oil Rubbed Bronze and reattached.  I think she looks spectacular and hope that someone on CL falls in love with her too!

 Next project?  A redo of our music dresser.  I just love to strip furniture!   

17 comments:

bikim said...

gorgeous!
love the colours
take care,
Rosa

Anonymous said...

the results are lovely! I appreciate your discussion of the technique you used and your trial and error with refurbishing the leather top. I'm working on a dresser for my dining room at the moment and am undecided about whether to apply a diluted color glaze after sanding or just clear wax. Not using chalk paint though. The softness that you get with this paint is just astounding. Thanks so much for sharing! ~diane

Amy Kinser said...

That is one fabulous piece of furniture and you are one talented lady. Pass some skills on to this Tennessee girl because my painting skills aren't so great. I am getting a beautiful old harvest table with a great top but with red legs. I don't want the legs to stay red so I am going to try my best at painting and distressing. Blessings...

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

Turned out beautifully! Thanks for sharing the wash tips!!!
Blessings,
Cindy

Nannette said...

Love, love, love this desk! Great job!

Nannette said...

Love, love, love this desk! Great job!

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