Desk Makeover Before and After
Turquoise
Let me introduce you to Blah…
Blah with a scratched top…
What I did:
Removed hardware, lightly sand and stained with dark walnut stain.
Sanded the top and stained with dark walnut.
Cleaned the base, painted 2 coats of a custom mix color.
Glazed with General Finish Van Dyke Brown Water Based Glaze, finished with a water based satin top coat.
After sanding and staining the top looked flawless, or as flawless as anything that I do ;).
Before the hardware color was a light stain, after it matched the new dark walnut of the top of the desk. This hardware was pretty cool, I had never seen any like it with the wood in the middle. I knew I had to make it work. I love it when I can reuse hardware.
I believe there’s hope for every piece of furniture and if all else fails, paint it turquoise or some shade of blue/green!
Here’s another —>> Turquoise Desk:
Need even more ideas, I got several dozen!
Click on the photo to magically be transported to my DIY Gallery:
Have you painted anything lately?
How about turquoise?
Be sure to visit Inspiration Monday.
Click the photo:
Victoria says
October 25, 2017 at 7:08 pmLovely! Thanks for sharing!
I just found a piece that I want to adapt and paint…really like the turquoise. Picked up what appears to be the top section of two part cabinet with three glass doors on the front…still in my car! The top has the flared wood cap that is 3″ or so and there is a bottom board/wood that makes a 1/2″ quarter round finish. I want to take both of those off to fit my spot, so I’ll have to get something for the top, and I’m thinking I don’t need a bottom. Suggestions for an inexpensive top?
Debbie says
October 30, 2017 at 11:09 amYou could check Lowe’s or Home Depot for shelving type wood. They may have some wide enough for the top. They also have a section with table top size pieces of wood and there’s always butcher block from Ikea. Good luck! Debbie
Tami @ Curb Alert! says
February 28, 2016 at 9:12 pmThe color is absolutely amazing. I am in love! Great job on another beautiful piece!
~Tami
Shannon Longfellow says
June 27, 2015 at 10:25 amI have a desk just waiting to be done over. Perfect idea for it. Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca says
October 26, 2014 at 4:41 pm2 coats of a custom mix color – can you tell me exactly what two colours you used and what type?
Glazed with General Finish Van Dyke Brown Water Based Glaze, finished with a water based satin top coat. – did you wait for the custom colour to dry first?
I just love the two tone effect and really want to recreate it exactly…would appreciate your feedback
Debbie says
October 26, 2014 at 7:59 pmHi Rebecca, the paint was a misstint from Lowe’s. I bought it from their sale rack. They also refer to those as oops paints, I have no idea what the color was. I’m sorry that I can’t help.
Yes, always wait for your paint to dry before glazing.
Elizabeth @ BlueClearSky says
October 6, 2014 at 6:40 pmThe dresser looks fabulous. Who would have guessed that the before scarred top could turn out so nicely. You always do such nice work. I was painting with ASCP Provence this weekend which is very pretty but not this turquoise colour that you used and that I really like. I may have to go custom and my chalky paint recipe for my next piece.
Chelsea H says
August 5, 2014 at 12:03 amI have a desk waiting for inspiration and I just found it on your page. I’m new to distressing and glazing. Can you tell me the exact name of the water based satin top coat you used? Is there any special way I need to put the glaze on? My dresser looks almost identical to your’s!
Debbie says
August 5, 2014 at 12:31 amHi Chelsea, just follow the directions on your glaze container and you should be fine. I just use a brush to apply and wipe it back after a few seconds. Water-based Minwax polycrylic is what I used for the top-coat. If it’s your first time, I recommend practicing on a smaller piece first. Good luck!
Whitney says
July 5, 2014 at 10:33 pmI’m in love! Basically with everything you post! Question…what type of paint did you use on this? I have an old dresser I picked up curbside yesterday and I’m about to tackle it this week. It’ll be my first time re-doing any kind of old furniture (I’ve been too scared but now I’m ready!) and I love the way the paint looks on this.
Thanks! 🙂
Debbie says
July 6, 2014 at 8:52 amHi Whitney,
I would suggest using a chalk based paint for your first project. They are easier. All you have to do is clean your piece well and paint.
Thanks,
Debbie
Whitney says
July 7, 2014 at 6:43 amAh! Thank you. I started it yesterday and I am in LOVE with the way it’s coming out! I’m definitely bummed because when I took off the cheap laminate sheet on top and sanded I discovered it’s got like a quarter inch thick piece of cheap wood tacked to the top with no pretty grain to find (I was going to stain it) BUT that’s okay because instead I’m just going to find a contrasting color to make it pop. Thanks again! I’m glad I found your blog to finally give me that final kick of inspiration to go through with completing my project 🙂
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
June 12, 2014 at 11:32 amI totally agree!! Turquoise or some shade of blue/green is a win/win! 🙂
Beautiful makeover Debbie!
Nancy
Jordan@the2seasons says
June 12, 2014 at 8:25 amWow the top of the desk looks amazing. I love that you have it a dark walnut and the bottom painted. It is so cute!
Helen says
June 4, 2014 at 8:27 pmDebbie, you’re about to convince me that I need to let go of my fears of ruining these old pieces of furniture from the old, old days. Your desk makeover is perfect!
debbie says
June 4, 2014 at 9:58 amVery nice and great you could use the original hardware with a little tweak. I adore the turquoise desk with the coral knobs, looks great together.
laura@top this top that says
June 4, 2014 at 9:10 amwow—blah is a rock star sporting that blue color! great job.
Heidi @ Decor & More says
June 4, 2014 at 7:50 amAh, painting a desk right now! Feels so good to have a paint brush in my hand again. 🙂 Love the two tone and the turquoise!
xo Heidi
Paula@SweetPea says
June 4, 2014 at 6:54 amLooks great, Debbie! Love the color you used and the hardware. It is great when you can reuse rather than have to find something new to use.