This roadside find was ripe for a serious refresh, ready for a whole new life. Seeking to create something with a wow factor I pulled the back off to find out how the roll top actually works. I removed loads a stables, nails and backfilled any in prominent places.
Finding that everything was in good shape, I was able to slide the roll top out and then set about stripping back all of the tired lacquer and repainting the sides and top in Dulux primer, Dulux black fox, and sealing this with a clear sealer for longevity.
The shelving, desk top and roll top were recovered with a Feast and Watson’s Scandinavian oil, breathing new life into the hard wood lustre of the roll top.
With the desk now taking shape, I turned to the botanical feature - I sought out a wallpaper with a black background and botanical features that really pop.
I applied the wall paper to the back of the desk and also the draw sides. I found that the wall paper wouldn’t stick to the drawer base, so instead used a template and the same black paint to stamp inside the draws for a nice little feature.
Next up was to put everything back together, apply candle wax to the draw runners and roll top groove so that everything moves smoothly and start using!!
This roll top desk is a feature conversation starter and one of my favourite furniture refreshes. Even better, I saved this basic 1980s pine desk from landfill giving it a whole new life!
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