If you have been around here long, you know I love a good before and after and this chalk paint desk makeover is the perfect example of transformation! I was lucky enough to find this massive desk at a garage sale…FREE! I will give you the simple steps I took for this makeover, although I admit I did not take process photos. You can also check out some of my other furniture makeovers.

1. Secretary Desk
2. Vintage Radio Cabinet
3. Yellow Desk Makeover

Before…

After…total desk makeover!

Desk Makeover steps

1. Clean really well. A rag and water is usually enough.
2. Sand any rough areas. Not important to sand the whole piece, which is the beauty of chalk paint.
3. Patch any holes/cracks. Then lightly sand.
4. Remove drawers to make it easier to paint
5. Paint with chalk paint. This is what I used: Cast Iron
6. Add new wood top.
7. Stain/seal new top. Stain is Minwax Provincial and Minwax wipe on poly.
8. Wax painted surface. Furniture wax I like: Clear Furniture Wax
9. Add new hardware.

New Wood Top

I felt this desk makeover needed a wood top, to break up the black base. The new top was actually fairly easy to construct. I laid a piece of plywood on top of the desk. Traced around the desk on the underside. I used my jigsaw to cut out the desk top, then glued and clamped it down to desk. And to finish the plywood edge, I used wood veneer edging. This product is actually really easy to use and turned out just as I pictured! I lightly sanded around the edge after applying the veneer, then stained and sealed.

What I love about this desk is the unique curved shape and the built in front bookshelf! So happy I came across this piece! If you come across any great used furniture pieces that just need a little tlc, consider chalk paint for a full makeover.

Emily