🖼️
The project:
I decided to see if I could find a small project I could work on. I found this small 1970s desk on gumtree for free. I have never used a sander before. I needed to strip back the brown paint . I removed the old handles and had to find a handle that would cover old holes. These brass shell handles are from Bunnings. I thought they suit the retro style of desk. I found old tins of decking stain I painted the front of drawers. Once the timber on desk was revealed on side and back panels I used linseed oil with a cloth to rub. The legs of desk were sanded back to lighter timber which looked better to leave natural. The metal feet had rust. I used a kill rust spray can to coat and left for week. I sanded it off which did remove rust. I had some leftover primer, laminate paint & small microfibre roller. I used this to paint the brown laminate top since there were scratches & marks on laminate.
- Materials:
RYOBI SANDER
Brass shell handles x3
LInseed oil
Sandpaper
Laminate primer 1 x coat, laminate paint x 2 coats ( white knight) cotton ball tint
Small paint tray, small roller with smooth microfibre roller
- Tools:
Ryobi sander
Ryobi drill
- Step 1:
Removed old handles. Sanded back brown paint with ryobi sander on timber parts. Drawers on the inside were in good condition so used decking stain on front of drawers and the base of drawers needed stain to cover
marks unable to remove.
- Step 2:
Sanded back paint from desk legs. Sprayed rust kill can on metal feet of desk. Left coating for approx a week.
- Step 3:
Sanded around timber edging of desk to reveal lighter timber . Left this timber bare . Used linseed oil ( small amount) to rub side and back panels of desk.
- Step 4:
Chose the brass shell handles x 3 from Bunnings to also cover some marks from previous handles & old holes. New holes needed to be smaller for screws.
- Step 5:
Once all sanding completed I cleaned laminate ready for 1 coat of White knight laminate primer and the next day applied 2 coats laminate paint. Ensure painting in a space where nothing will blow dirt etc on your paint.
- Step 6:
Attached remaining handles. Upcycled desk completed! This desk is versatile to use for beauty dresser ( add mirror on wall), sewing/ art craft table etc...add a comfy stool.
