Re-imagined Ballard Designs Desk

Shayne brought me this desk a few weeks ago...it was in near perfect condition, with a cream, distressed factory finish. It belongs to a client of Shayne's, who wanted it "aged out". Admittedly, I was nervous...for 2 reasons:

1. This is a desk made by Ballard ($$)
2. It had a shiny, very durable factory finish.



I went through all of the steps for this desk. Beginning with a good sanding. I knew I was going to use oil based primer, but I didn't want to leave any room for error or take a chance that the new finish would scrape off.

I use Zinsser Cover Stain and it has never let me down. I gave the desk 2 coats of primer, followed by 2 coats of white latex paint/primer in one...in Eggshell finish. Distressing this one was more difficult because I needed to get through my new finish along with the factory finish in order for the wood to show through. But I did it, and the desk went home yesterday! Here she is in her new finish!













What do you think? Have you ever been scared to paint something?

~Allison

Pedestal Table for a Large Entry

We think that this was a former card table...it's an odd height and comes with 4 chairs.

Before:



Now before I go further, I have to address the awfulness of my recent "before" photos. I cannot get my point and shoot camera to have any focus. If anyone has any ideas, let me know...I haven't dropped it, etc. I think it's DOA, but maybe not?

So here is the after. I used oil based primer, a neutral white, distressing and then used Jacobean stain by Minwax to glaze.











And one with the unfinished chair



I'm super happy with how it turned out and I think it'd look amazing in a large entry!

~Allison

www.restoreinteriors.com


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Painting Despite the Heat

Ugh, people...it is SO hot here. 95-100 degrees + 70% humidity and I have lost my painting mojo. I feel lost without my hobby....so I sweated it out a little bit yesterday and some today, and finished a few things. Get ready for some stripes!

First up, this little stool that I finished a few weeks ago, but it's so small that I didn't think it deserved it's own blog entry.

Before:


After:







Next is a sewing table that I found at a thrift store. It had already been gutted, so that's a bonus! I glued the top down with Gorilla glue because, without the weight of the sewing machine, it's easily tipped over when open.

Before:



After some white paint and gold Rub-n-Buff:











Hope you are all staying cool and had a fabulous 4th of July!!

~Allison



















www.iheartnaptime.net