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Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Le Beautiful French Desk - Chalk Paint Project

In a previous post I showed off the hexagon table I chalk painted and I'm still considering whether that project is finished - I think not.  My second chalk painted piece of furniture is a little french desk for my computer.

This is the picture from the craigslist ad of the chest I beautified for a  bedside chest and the desk.  Not too impressive, right?  But the $60 price for both pieces more than make up for it.  The chest turned out AMAZING in black.  Please don't miss that one it's my favorite.

Had I not painted the desk white FIRST, it probably would be black also because I love the little chest so much.  But I wanted to try chalk paint so I started with the desk and chose white.


Here is is on the patio complete with a nice little sticker on the side ready for it's transformation into a French Beaute'.


BEFORE
I sanded it all over because some of the paint was peeling especially around the feet which had obvious been damp.  I sanded the top pretty heavily because it was laminate (think kitchen counters).  I roughed it up pretty good and it took the paint well.
I made my own chalk paint from various recipes I found here and there which mostly said mix 2 parts Paint with 1 part Plaster of Paris and a little water if it needed to be thinner.  I used Behr Toasted Marshmallow - it looks white to me, I guess it's a very LIGHTLY toasted marshmallow.  I put on 3 light coats to get full coverage and the look I wanted. 


The painting went very well and then I used a Minwax Clear Paste Wax applied with a rag after the paint dried.  I wasn't sure I would chalk paint again and I didn't want to spend $30 on a brush.  So I applied it with a rag and then buffed it with another rag.  I was very pleased with the effect of the wax over the paint. 


I distressed some of the edges lightly. I have to admit this desk is sort of small for my computer and I wish the knee space was bigger - BUT she's very pretty and I don't have much room in the corner of the bedroom anyway, so it's working (for now).  Please disregard the cords and the cat in this photo.


The desk and the chest had very nice solid brass handles which I would not consider painting.  I found two methods for cleaning when I google "cleaning brass".  The first was ketchup and this actually did make some improvement.  The second was baking soda and I found this worked better than the ketchup.

So there it sits looking all beautiful and French now I just need to get organized!  (and replace that carpet with wood)  That will happen eventually, if I didn't have a project on my list I'm not sure what I would do.


AFTER - Magnifique!

Much Love & Laughter,

Laura




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6 comments:

Connie said...

You've created a treasure. So glad you didn't do too much distressing. It is just right and I know you'll enjoy it for a long time. Good job!

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Poppy @ With a Dash of Color said...

aah looks so Frenchy! I love the gorgeous curved lines of the beautiful desk and thanks for sharing the baking soda tip for cleaning brass. I have to try that on some of my furniture hardware. Loved the island chicken and salad recipe in your previous post..beautiful pictures and perfect recipe for summer. Enjoyed your Frenchy desk makeover! Thanks for letting us take a peek and for your lovely comment on my beachy living room. I appreciate your visit. Have a wonderful day!hugs,Poppy

Debbie said...

It does look magnifique! I think you were wise to leave the brass as brass on this one, too.

Cynthia said...

Love the desk and you di a great job. Very vintage. Saw you at Debbiedoos.

Cynthia

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

Laura, your little desk looks fantastic! I love the curved lines and details. Stopping by from Debbiedoos and visiting some newbies!