Galeria CTR: Roll Top Desk Makeover

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Roll Top Desk Makeover

Hi everybody,

I just finished the cutest little roll top desk and I couldn't wait to share it's makeover with everyone.
This desk has been sitting in our shop for about a month and it needed some character SO much. So I did some googling and debated about what finish to add. I thought about a faux brushed metal, but this desk was so curvy and feminine I settled on a "Shabby Chic", cottagey kind of look. I mixed up some trusty homemade chalk paint and got started.
The desk was originally some kind of particle board, fake wood material so I didn't feel bad about painting it one bit.

Here's my chalk paint recipe and some pics.

Chalk Paint:
1 cup of whatever paint you have on hand (I use the Reject Oops Paint from Home Depot)
1 to 2 TBs of either unsanded grout or Plaster of Paris
1 to 2 TBs of warm water

Use a small container with a lid to mix the warm water and plaster or grout. When all the lumps are gone add your paint of choice and stir. (I use recycled plastic containers from take out for my paint containers.) You can start with one tablespoon of water and grout/plaster added to the paint. You are looking for the right consistency, thick like cake batter is the best way I can think to describe it. (Maybe it's because I'm on a new year's diet...I miss cake :) ) If the paint consistency doesn't thicken enough, add the other tablespoon of grout/plaster and water. Hope this helps.

The Process:
I painted three coats on the desk, sanding a little in between. When the last layer of paint was almost dry I added some distressing by wiping some corners and random areas with a wet rag. You can sand too, but it makes a big mess. Then I added Minwax Paste Finishing Wax. Let the wax dry for about 10 minutes and buff with a clean cloth to a nice sheen.

On to the photos!