Andrew sent us an email: "I just picked up this 30s-style wood desk from a resale shop for $20!!! I would love to get some feedback from you and other ATers for refinishing ideas. This piece will most likely be showcased in my living room or bedroom."
What a deal! The desk is a really nice shape and we love the little detail on the middle drawer. Our January Jumpstart project started somewhere similar; we had a little desk that we really wanted to update with a lacquer-like paint finish...
...We won't lie, it was a ton of work, but we're happy with the super shiny results (shown above) , so we'd recommend an ultra high gloss paint finish for your project as well. Two things we would NOT recommend from our experiece - the take forever to dry and very smelly One Shot enamel paint we used and brushing on the glossy paint - for our final coat we use a small roller and it was MUCH more effective.
Here are the links to our step by step project for more details:
Janel's January Jumpstart Project: Desk Redo #4 - Finished!
Janel's January Jumpstart Project: Desk Redo #3
Janel's January Jumpstart Project: Desk Redo #2
Janel's January Jumpstart Project: Desk Redo #1
January Jumpstart Project Preview: Desk Redo
AT Design Minds - what do you suggest for Andrew's upcoming desk refinishing project? Let him know in the comments...
Before & After: Emily Henderson Transforms a Senior's Studio Space
Danielle's Charming, Classic Walk-Up
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
White Enamel Four-P...
On Saying No to Paleo: Why Eating Isn't One Size Fits All
Perfect Summer Cocktail Recipe: Honey Bourbon Lemonade
looks good as is, but if re-painting definately an oli based paint...
forever to dry equals a finish that lasts forever...
I think it would look better if you strip it and stain it but I suppose it would depend on what else you have in your space.
Andrew,
This month's Sunset magazine has tips on makeovers of items found on Craig's List. They show a dresser and also a side table for inspiration.
http://www.sunset.com/sunset/home/article/0,20633,1728480,00.html
wow, love the look. stripping paint is such a pain. i guess if it's a small surface it won't be too bad. paint stripper is so bad for you.. definitely want to do that outside with heavy gloves!
wow, I grew up with that exact desk as my mom's sewing table...you're making me appreciate it and wonder where it is now...I need to call my mom!
Darn, that would go so perfectly (as is) in my shabby chic bedroom!
Great piece, and best of luck to you.
I rather like the current patina -- if you refinish it, it could pass for a new piece, and lose some of its charm...
what shop did you go to? I am always looking for new places to shop! great desk BTW!
unless you absolutely want the look of wood. ...IMHO the only time it ever seems worth the trouble to strip and refinish old furniture, is when you are dealing with solid wood, minus wood veneer. Also determine the type of wood first, including the veneer surface.
leave it. it has character as it is.
i agree with animalhouze, i'd say leave it. it's a lovely piece, with obvious love and wear, let it look shabbychic. i'd dress it up with a plant or two.
Van Dykes has excellent stripping compounds that are far, far less noxious than almost any other stripper I've used:
http://www.vandykes.com/subcategory/172/
That said, I agree with animalhouze. It's lovely, and it has character. What, don't you watch Antiques Roadshow?! they're always telling people that they've ruined their national treasure with a new coat of paint!
I'd say strip, don't paint. Having said that, I've got a dresser that I have to strip. I've never done it before but I've heard it's quite a pain...
Hey all,
I really appreciate all the terrific comments, advice, and links. I too am a fan of shabby-chic, but this piece really needs work. There are blue and red ink and paint stains on the top, some chipped edges, and the details on the middle chair has been knocked off in two places.
So I decided to strip the paint....I used a fantastic product called CitrusStrip. It is biodegradable and has no harsh fumes, so it can be used indoors or outdoors. Once you cover the surface, let it sit for half an hour, then grab your stripping tool (gloves are still a good idea) and the paint comes right off...seriously, amazing.
I uncovered a dark wood, probably walnut, underneath. I really see this as a chance to do something completely different and creative, so please keep those ideas coming!!
Thanks,
Andrew
P.S. I found the desk at an antique store on Lincoln Ave just north of Grace. Make sure to go across the street to one of my favorite home decor shops, Praha.