Old Carved Desk Transformed with Chalk Paint (Red Theme Tour)

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Giving this old carved desk new life with a little paint…and love!

Distressed Old Carved Writing Desk Transformed with Chalk Paint - before front - #chalkpaint #makeover artsychicksrule.com

It’s Themed Furniture Makeover day! This month’s theme is RED.
(to see previous month’s themes, look here–>Themed Furniture)

Red is fun. Red is festive….and red is bright! ;)

I love red…in small doses.

So when I saw the theme for this month I wondered how in the world I would incorporate an entire piece of furniture with red.

That’s when I got to thinking about how much I love the colors teal and red together. I love how they off set each other.
Opposites with such contrast.
Just like my Family room during the Christmas holidays last year. You can see what I mean in my Holiday Home Tour here.

So….I incorporated that exact idea into one piece of furniture and came up with this….

Distressed Old Carved Writing Desk Transformed with Chalk Paint - front side 1 - #chalkpaint #generalfinishes #javagelstain #makeover artsychicksrule.com

This old carved desk was falling apart…

Distressed Old Carved Writing Desk Transformed with Chalk Paint - before front - #chalkpaint #makeover artsychicksrule.com

I know there are a lot of “wood lovers” out there. Yes, I do love paint BUT I also love a nice wood finish.

However, this table had problems. LOTS of them.

I’m not going to show you all of them in this post, or how I fixed them all, because I’d have to share 40 pictures!
I’ll share the makeover details in another post. <<< UPDATE: You can see it now, here!

Today, I’m just sharing “the pretty”. :)

I mean, take a look at all that gorgeous detail that is almost hidden in the old finish.
It’s just beautiful and when I found it at the thrift store I couldn’t pass it by.
I knew she was coming how with me. Poor little sad, quirky thing.

Yes, very quirky….such as, why does it have knob feet….and legs?
Anyone know? 

And did you happen to notice the trim on the legs?
I think someone mixed some things up.
The two scroll-ier legs (they have an extra flair at the top) are on one side (end to end) and the not as scroll-y legs are on the other!
I am guessing the fancy ones were supposed to be on the front…and the less fancy on the back?

Anyway, I left it as is…because it has character. Not to mention, it has been this way for many, many years and who am I to change it?
But as far as painting it….well, I’ll give you a teaser photo of all the work I had to do…and why it really needed paint.

Distressed Old Carved Writing Desk Transformed with Chalk Paint - multiple repairs - #chalkpaint #generalfinishes #javagelstain #makeover artsychicksrule.com

Lots of fixing. Lots of putty and caulk. Extra screws for support. Decorative trim parts missing and molded to make anew.
So painting was the best option. Plus it really brings out the detail, in my opinion.
I did keep the wood top though.

After repair and cleaning her up, I started by painting the base red.
Emperor’s Silk & Primer Red  Chalk Paint® mixed, to be exact. (approx 1/3 Primer Red to 2/3 Emperor’s Silk)

Distressed Old Carved Writing Desk Transformed with Chalk Paint - Emperor's Red Chalk Paint - #chalkpaint #generalfinishes #javagelstain #makeover artsychicksrule.com

Then painted over that with a mix of Provence and Pure White Chalk Paint mixed. Heavy on the white.
I wanted a very pale teal over this so the red would “pop” underneath.

Distressed Old Carved Writing Desk Transformed with Chalk Paint - Emperor's Silk & Primer Red Chalk Paint under - #chalkpaint #generalfinishes #javagelstain #makeover artsychicksrule.com

Once the red was dry I painted one good coat of the teal shade over top.
One coat only because I didn’t want it too thick so I’d be able to distress it easily and see the red.
Painting all that detail…..well, lets just say I won’t be in a hurry to do that again anytime soon!
UNLESS I use my paint sprayer. AND if it weren’t 30 degrees outside, that’s surely what I would have done.

Before the teal coat dried fully (easier), I took fine grit sandpaper and went over every single inch distressing edges…..

Distressed Old Carved Writing Desk Transformed with Chalk Paint - up close detail - #chalkpaint #generalfinishes #javagelstain #makeover artsychicksrule.com

…bringing the red out all over.

Distressed Old Carved Writing Desk Transformed with Chalk Paint - distressed detail 1 - #chalkpaint #generalfinishes #javagelstain #makeover artsychicksrule.com

 

Distressed Old Carved Writing Desk Transformed with Chalk Paint - distressing to the red - #chalkpaint #generalfinishes #javagelstain #makeover artsychicksrule.com

Red, red, red coming through all over. I just love the mix of these two colors together.

And how about this fun little surprise….

Distressed Old Carved Writing Desk Transformed with Chalk Paint - red drawer - #chalkpaint #generalfinishes #javagelstain #makeover artsychicksrule.com

Boom!

Distressed Old Carved Writing Desk Transformed with Chalk Paint - red drawer side - #chalkpaint #generalfinishes #javagelstain #makeover artsychicksrule.com

Now that’s RED.
I love that fun pop of color when you open the drawer.

I decided to change out the original hardware for these pretty crystal knobs…

Distressed Old Carved Writing Desk Transformed with Chalk Paint - front - #chalkpaint #generalfinishes #javagelstain #makeover artsychicksrule.com

Distressed Old Carved Writing Desk Transformed with Chalk Paint - front side - #chalkpaint #generalfinishes #javagelstain #makeover artsychicksrule.com

But wanted to show you what it looked like with red knobs too….

Distressed Old Carved Writing Desk Transformed with Chalk Paint - red knobs - #chalkpaint #generalfinishes #javagelstain #makeover artsychicksrule.com

Distressed Old Carved Writing Desk Transformed with Chalk Paint - red knob - #chalkpaint #generalfinishes #javagelstain #makeover artsychicksrule.com

Isn’t the top gorgeous?
I used General Finishes Java Gel Stain on that.
Will talk more about that in the other post too. I LOVE this stuff.
Night and day…and ridiculously easy.

I’ll also talk about what I sealed up the paint with on this carved desk and why.

Distressed Carved Writing Desk Transformed with Chalk Paint - after 1 - #chalkpaint #generalfinishes #javagelstain #makeover artsychicksrule.com

I’m not gonna fib and say this one was an easy transformation.

It wasn’t.

BUT only because it needed a ton of repair work and have you ever painted nooks and crannies like that before?
That many? With a paint brush???
Ohmigosh. No. Don’t do it. ;)  No, really, I’m serious. You might never paint again!

But I am in love with the result. And I’m glad I came to this sweet, quirky little desk’s rescue.
Sitting there all lonely in the thrift store just waiting on me.
I always wonder what story these old pieces have to tell. This one was has a great one, and was well loved at one time, I am sure. :)

And now, this pretty old, carved desk is ready to be re.loved all over again.

Distressed Old Carved Writing Desk Transformed with Chalk Paint - before and after - #chalkpaint #generalfinishes #javagelstain #makeover

Be sure to keep an eye out for the upcoming post about the details of this makeover. It’s a doozy! ;)
And not to be missed…especially if you love to makeover furniture.

Now it’s time to take a look at all of my friend’s RED furniture makeovers below!

 

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Sharing with: Funky Junk Interiors


42 Comments

  1. Love that quirky writing desk, I couldn’t have passed it up either. I can only imagine the time it took to brush all those details! I like your mix of emperor’s silk and primer red (must remember that ratio). I love the red peaking through the light teal too. But I’ve got to say, I also loved the desk in red with the dark top (but I’m a sucker for red, being my favorite color). Love the pop of red in the drawer. I loved it with the pop of red knobs too. Awesome makeover Nancy!

    1. Thanks Marie! :) That red combo is the perfect red, not too dark and not too bright! :)
      Definitely give it a try since you love red!! xo
      Nancy

  2. Ooh, I sooo feel your pain about painting all that detail. I love the transformation and you rocked the red, Nancy!

  3. I’m really interested in the General Finishes Jave Gel Stain. I haven’t done a lot in re-finishing furniture. I don’t know the pros & cons of the different products yet. I’d like to know more on why you liked this product so much & what were the downfalls of this and other products you’ve used. And also, I’d like to know which finish looks & wears better (or are they all similar).

    I’m workin on something very similar to this table however mine’s a desk but the coloring is very close.

    Thanks

    1. Hey Aimee!! :)
      Ok…since I’ve only recently starting using their products, I can’t speak to wear etc. (although I am confident they will wear well!)
      What I like about the Java Gel Stain….it’s soooo easy to apply. AND it looks fabulous!
      It’s a wipeable stain and I think that helps a lot with application. Great for beginners.
      The Gel Topcoat that I’ve been using is the same way. Provides a great finish and it so easy to apply.
      The Milk Paint from them….I love. Also great application.
      I plan to try a few more of their sealer/topcoats but haven’t had a chance yet.
      Hope that helps! :)
      Nancy

  4. Gorgeous, Nancy!b I really need to get some red chalk paint, The accent color in my kitchen is red and I’ve been wanting to paint a stool I keep in there in Emperor’s Red. Thank you for the inspiration! xo

  5. I can imagine that this makeover took a long, long time but was worth every minute. I love how the red pops out from under the teal. I’m looking forward to reading about the repairs you had to do on this piece.

  6. oh I just love the pop of Red coming through. Such a beautiful table to begin with and the time and effort you put into just made it all the better!
    love it!
    Hugs,
    Karin

    1. Thanks Christy! :)
      I love it in the foyer where I will have it until after the holidays. BUT my husband likes the other piece I usually have there (with the drawers…he keeps gloves, hats etc in there handy)
      Soooo we will see!
      Nancy

  7. Nancy,

    This table is stunning! I wish I lived closer so I could buy it and take it home with me. You really outdid yourself!
    Sally

    1. Aw thanks Sally!! That is the highest compliment!! :)
      I had originally intended to paint this piece to sell….but I have fallen in love with it and have decided to keep it!
      (even if I am running out of room here!! ;) )
      Nancy

  8. Nancy…Such a huge task on this one and worth every bit of elbow grease! You have an good eye fpr what will transform, I wouldn’t have imagined the outcome would look so beautiful! …oh..and love the red drawer :) Great job my friend!!

    1. Thanks Wendi! :)
      It was!!! lol And I’m so glad it’s behind me. I’ve decided to keep it because…it was SO much work and because I love it!
      Nancy

  9. You see so much more of the detail on the legs now.
    I love how you painted the inside of the draw red and the little red pulls are so sweet.

    I love red.
    My Master Bathroom is red, and one wall in the MB –
    It makes me happy.
    Have a wonderful day.
    Rose

  10. I’m not a red person, but the color you chose is something I could live with – lol I think. I was a tad bit disappointed when, as I scrolled down. I saw you covered it with white, but either way job well done and the way you accessorized the top is so charming.

    1. Hi Dana! I’m not really a “red” person either but did this one for a “red” furniture makeover challenge. As you noticed, I covered it with another color as to allow only a tiny bit of the red to peek through. That way it still qualified for “red” but wasn’t all red…so I could live with it! ;) Oh, and I covered it with a pale teal blue, not white. :) It definitely looks more blue in real life and goes nicely with the red, I think anyway! And thank you for the nice compliment too! I really love this piece. :)
      xo
      Nancy

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