Antique Desk

I thought in this post I would share one of my favorite refinishing projects of late. This desk/table belongs to my client’s husband. He was always against having anyone touch it until he saw some of my work. I was so flattered when she called me to come look at it. It has so much character. I know that they bought it from an antique dealer before they were married and had not done any work to it since then.

Starting to refinish furniture has struck my sentimental side. This piece had been stripped at one time, I also found layers of yellow and black paint. It would be so awesome to see a sturdy, weathered piece of furniture through all of its stages in life. I can’t help but think of my days with my hair black, then light blond and also red before admitting that God knew what he was doing when he made me a brunette. Apparently my furniture had an identity crisis as well.

Please take special notice of the top of the desk. My client has four busy children who decided to help decorate. There was pen, marker and crayon decorating the top. I knew that I wanted to refinish the top piece but it is made out of a soft wood. No amount of stripper or sanding were taking the marker off. I feel like it had stained deep into the wood. Finally after many google searches I tried hairspray (no luck) and rubbing alcohol. I was amazed at how well it worked. So with the top taken care of I stained it a medium honey stain and painted the bottom black. I just love how the black makes the legs and details stand out. To weather the kids I put many layers of sealer on it.  My client loved it and I hope you do too!