Sunday, August 7, 2011

Old Writing Desk


I found this old writing desk at a yard sale when visiting a friend in Cleveland.
It is a sweet little desk, very old and very charming.  I'm not sure I
did it justice because the paint job did not come out as nicely as I would
have liked.  But before we get to the painted pictures, here are the before pictures.





This piece has lovely detail work.









Now for the after pictures.  I painted the piece black and although it
distressed very nicely, the black paint sanded out very splotchy and
uneven.  No amount of effort seemed to resolve this problem and left
me very frustrated.  Does anyone have any secrets for working with
black paint?  The paint seems to go on okay, it's just when you start sanding
or distressing it that I run into trouble.

Here it is on display at the store.





This picture shows the unevenness of the paint and under these bright lights
it shows up even more than it did in my home.





I'm hoping that someone interested in the piece might think that the
unevenness of the finish adds to the oldness of the piece.  One can only hope.





Here is how I finished the inside.  I wasn't about to paint all those
little cubbies, so I left them natural for contrast.





Now this is my favorite picture ~ how I wished the whole piece looked.





I would truly love to hear if anyone has ideas of helpful tips on distressing black paint.

~
Linking with
~
Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday
~
Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday
~
The House in the Roses for Show Off Your Cottage Monday
~
Mod Vintage Life for Mod Mix Monday 
 

9 comments:

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

I think it looks really nice Cindy. I can't really tell from the picture of any uneveness. I do like the contrast of the cubbies. I would not want to paint those either! I have never painted anything black so cant offer any suggestions to that problem. ~Hugs, Patti

Amanda said...

I think it looks absolutely lovely! You should give yourself more credit! The unevenenss gives it character and adds to the shabby style. Besides. if shoppers want perfect...they will go pick up a factory finished piece from a chain store!
Best Wishes and Blessings,
Amanda

Ivy and Elephants said...

I see added character not uneveness. I think you did an amazing job on that piece. The contrast is perfect.

Paula

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful little desk! I can see the unevenness of the paint, but like the other commentors, I believe it gives it character.
Be as weetie,
Shelia ;)

Anonymous said...

Goodness, I love it! I think you did it complete justice!!! Great job!

René said...

What a beautiful piece! The detail in the carvings is very nice. Great job!

Chaos Cottage said...

I think it's lovely.

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh, are you kidding me? This piece is to die for! LOVE it!!! The stained wood / black contrast really makes it! I think it looks awesome online; what type of paint did you use?

Kathy said...

OH this is amazing! I can just imagine a lady from a by-gone era writing to her love on a desk such as this - the new finish looks terrific - has great character.
Kathy

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