Drab to Fab Desk Makeover

I’m bursting with excitement over the desk transformation I did for my 9 year old daughter!

We have had this desk for almost 5 years now. It was purchased from a garage sale at a steal for $15.

I couldn’t wait to give it a makeover but we were living in apartments so I knew I couldn’t give it the proper attention it needed.

Well the time has come, we absolutely love our new home and pictures of my daughter’s room are soon on the way.

So, here is the before. A plain and simple desk but with good structure and storage, it just needed a little love.

BEFORE:

I have always admired the drawer pulls detail. I even thought they were one piece until I disassembled them and found it was composed of two pieces. Although I did not end up using them here, I am definitely saving them for a rainy day.

Oh, and the chopped up trim, I never cared too much for the style.

So, I just took a hammer to it and it was gone.

The process took about 2 days. First the sanding, washing, and yes of course primer was must in this case.



AFTER:

I love absolutely love it!

I used paint that was left over from the trim in the house as the base color.

The blue, green and purple are basic acrylic craft paint.

My daughter decided on the stencil and she picked out the drawer pulls too.

After it was dry, I gave the blue drawers, green top and purple cubbies a good coat of clear glossy spray sealer.

Now it just needs the perfect chair to make it complete!

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Clock Makeover

Clock Makeover

This clock is about ten years old and I have always loved its cute shape. I remember getting it on clearance at Wal-Mart for $10.

It was getting a little dingy and scuffed up so naturally I wanted to give it a nice fresh coat.

So I lightly sanded first.

And then I decided to paint it a nice clean matt black.

And here’s how that turned out.

Blahhh!

And this was only after a measly one coat, but I could tell that a couple more coats of paint wasn’t going to help this mess.

I mean, it doesn’t look terrible, it just looks so serious. And the point of a makeover is to make something look fresh and nearly new, a sort of upgrade, if you will.

The only thing this black paint did was take it from ok to “ehhh...”

Where’s the wow factor? There wasn’t one.

So.... Makeover #2.

Since I decided to give it a much uplifting color, I had to give it a bright undercoat first.

After its white undercoat, I painted the clock a regular matt red which I regret not getting a picture for the before.

I knew that it needed a nice glossy finish but I didn't want to use a spray gloss because that would mean I'd have to mess with taping up the glass face.

I know, pretty lazy, huh?

So, what I ended up using was a wood stain/polyurethane. Using a sponge brush I brushed the wood stain on. Other than the few drips, I must say I am pleased with the results. I like how the stain gathers in the creases, it really adds to the whole dimension and texture thing going on.

This paint process was similar to the recent lamp project I did, here. The varnish will be tacky for a few days but will then be dry and remain glossy.

And now for the wow…

Much better!

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