Craigslist Desk Revived
I don’t know about you but I have really good luck with finding things on craigslist. I found this amazing desk and chair a few weeks ago and I knew with a little love it would be beautiful again.
The top was pretty scratched up from years of use so I knew I needed to sand the top down to the bone in order to stain it a rich chocolate brown.
I will sand outside anytime of the year. Even if hats and scarves are required!!!
For the base of the desk I just lightly sanded the whole thing to get the glossy top layer roughed up and ready for some chalk paint.
I painted the base first using an Olympic sample size paint from Lowes in Gray Ghost.
I then mixed in some BB Frosch chalk powder right into the sample container with a little water and shook it to make chalk paint. (you have to order this stuff online.)
I painted 2 coats of paint on with the proper dry time in between. (chalk paint dries pretty past which is one of the reasons why I love it.)
I then moved onto the top of the desk next. I pre treated the unfinished wood with Minwax Pre Stain Wood Conditioner. This helps the stain go on nice and even.
I brushed on one coat of Minwax Gel Stain in Walnut.
I then brushed on a sparse coat of Minwax Stain in Ebony to create some darker areas.
After that dried completely, I put 3 coats of Minwax Polycrylic in clear satin. I think 2 coats would have done it but I wanted the top super durable because I know how I am with furniture.
I then waxed the base of the desk with Annie Sloan Clear Wax. I brushed it on, wiped it in with a clean cloth and then buffed it with another clean cloth the next day to give it a nice sheen.
I then took some medium grade sand paper and sanded the corners and edges for a lightly distressed look. You have to wax over those areas again to protect that area after you sand as well.
I bought new knobs in bulk at Home Depot for a more modern look that fits in with our décor.
VOILA! And now we have a newly finished desk and chair. This thing is solid as a rock and now fits in with our décor!!!