Hello sweet friends and welcome to Furniture Fixer Upper Day! Not only do I have a brand new furniture makeover to share with you today, so do my friends! You’ll find their makeovers at bottom!
Let’s get to it!
I’m back working on my FREE haul and this desk (once a dressing table) is getting a brand new look:
I got a message from one of my sweet neighbors from our old neighborhood several months ago asking if I was interested in this this desk, otherwise it would be donated.
Of course I said yes and headed right over to pick it up! Thank you for thinking of me, Tracey!!
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
The Prep
The prep is the most important step!
I started this makeover by giving it a good cleaning using White Lightning and an applicator pad:
The applicator pads are covered in terry cloth and are perfect for this step! See how dirty the water got? Be sure to wear gloves and then do a final wipe-down with clean water after to remove any residue.
I had a couple of areas where the veneer was missing, so next, I filled those areas with Dixie Mud:
I allowed that to dry completely and then lightly sanded the filled areas with 220 grit sandpaper to smooth them out.
The next step in our prep was to BOSS this piece as it definitely had potential to be a bleeder with that red wood!
I gave all the areas to be painted one coat of BOSS in white and let it sit overnight to thoroughly dry…
Time for Paint
Finally, the not-so-fun part was done and I could start painting!
For this piece, I chose Pink Champagne:
It is a very subtle pink color.
I decided to use my favorite tape for painting, FrogTape for delicate surfaces to add a broad stripe to the fronts of six of the drawers. I removed the tape as soon as I added my second coat of Cotton:
See how I measure out perfect stripes every time HERE.
Once everything was dry, I lightly sanded all over using 220 grit sandpaper wrapped around an old sanding sponge:
I hit the edges a bit harder to distress this one a bit.
Adding a Transfer
I’ve been wanting to try another of our new transfers called Flower Child Transfer:
This one is so pretty!
See all the transfers I have in stock HERE.
This transfer has a couple of larger pieces that you can connect to make one larger spray of flowers, but since there are enough pieces to make two of these larger sprays, I only used half of the spray and I had enough for each side.
I started at the bottom, cutting the transfer with a razor blade so that I could start with just the parts that would be on the drawer front:
This is the easiest way to work a transfer…by holding one edge and pulling up as you burnish the transfer to the surface. If any of the transfer sticks to the top clear sheet, just lay it back down and burnish some more.
Then I worked on the rest of this design, working it over the bumps. It’s easy for it to have a few boo boo areas over these parts:
That actually happend when I ran my razor blade in the crack there…it pulled off some of the transfer. It’s an easy fix if you have scraps.
I took a piece of the transfer that I didn’t plan to use on this piece and cut a few small pieces to match up what was missing along that seam.
Here it is after:
Finally, once the transfer was in place, I used a finishing pad to make sure the transfer was adhered well all over:
The pads I have in my Etsy shop are large at 4X6 each. I cut them in two and it gives me two pads.
Seal and Protect
The final step is to seal and protect all that hard work!
I used Clear Coat in Satin, applied with the blue sponge applicator:
I cut my sponge just enough to give it a flat edge so I could get it flush with the lip of the top of the dresser. It works so well!
Everything got two coats.
You can see how I apply sealer with a sponge in this video:
If you have trouble viewing, find it on YouTube HERE.
The After
Here is how this little lady turned out!
I chose this soft Pink Champagne color because the floral piece I chose to use had a large pale pink flower in it, but it was really hard to settle on a base color!
I also thought about using Flamingo or Peony.
I really wanted to keep going and adding more transfers, but I just added this small spray to the front drawer:
I chose to leave the top just painted.
The drawers
Y’all know I like to have fun with the insides of the drawers.
The only drawers that were really showing wear were the three across the top.
I chose to paint the two smaller drawers on either side in the pink:
I taped them off all around the edge with FrogTape to get a nice, crisp line.
The drawer front in the center I kept solid on the outside instead of adding stripes, but I chose instead to add them to the inside!
I then added another transfer!
The rest of the drawers were in great shape after a good cleaning, so I left those alone.
I chose to keep the original drawer pulls as I really like this style.
I gave them a couple of coats of Cotton white paint using my French Tip brush to get into all the details more easily:
Then I used my nail to remove some of the paint here and there and shabby them up just a bit.
Then I sealed with Best Dang Wax in Clear using my French Tip brush once again to apply the wax.
I buffed away any excess wax with a soft cloth.
And here’s a peek without the chair in the way:
The transfers really add so much!
Update!! I found THE perfect stool to match this desk and this set is even cuter now!
See how gross it started out and how I covered it in vinyl HERE!
Don’t forget my friends also have furniture makeovers to share with you today! See the afters at the links below!
I get to cross another project off my list yay!!
See the afters at the links below!
Painted French Provincial Dresser
Four Basket Makoevers
Curbside Table Makeover
Grandma’s Mirror Makeover
How to Upcycle a Secretary Desk Hutch
Stenciled Stool Makeover
Antiqued Christmas Mirror
STENCILED BENCH MAKEOVER
STENCILED DESK MAKEOVER
CURBSIDE LAMP MAKEOVER WITH WAX
LONGABERGER BASKET MAKEOVER
HOW TO “FIX ” A BROKEN CANE CHAIR
Only two more pieces left! I need to get shopping!
If you enjoyed this makeover, you might like this one too!
See what I did with it here!
And just another reminder that we have TEN brand new SILK Mineral Paint colors on the way!! I hope to have them in my hands by early next week and I will ship same or next day!! Let me know if you want to get on the list to be notified as soon as I get them listed in my Etsy shop!
They are forecasting more snow coming our way this weekend, but I’m hoping to finish this mirror frame:
UPDATE: It’s done woohoo! See what I did with it here!
Have a fantastic weekend!!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Mary Kaiser says
WOW, it is so beautiful now! I love the light pink of that paint. That would look so adorable in a little girls room. I also love how you did the wide stripes, so classy looking!! I LOVE how it turned out!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Mary! This one was a bit bold for me with that transfer, but I tried to keep the rest more subtle. I really enjoyed pulling it all together! Have a wonderful weekend! XOXO
Denise - Salvaged Inspirations says
This desk is super sweet Christy! The inside drawer detail is the icing on the cake! Have fun in the snow. We’ve been doing our fair share of shoveling here as well. XOXO
Christy says
Thanks so much, my friend! It’s all in the details ha ha! Snow shuts our city down and I love it ha ha! XOXO
Christina says
Wow, Christy, this is a beautiful makeover! I did not see this coming at all. Love the way you strategically placed the beautiful transfers. It is charming and delicately feminine. Way to go!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Christina! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! XOXO
Janice Holt says
This turned out so pretty. Love everything about it.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Janice! XOXO
Denise Cox says
Oh my goodness, Christy,!! I think this is one of my FAVORITE furniture pieces you’ve EVER done!! While I typically don’t prefer stripes, I love the stripes in the Cotton/Champagne colors in this piece. So soft & pretty. And as ususal, you hit it out of the park with the stencils!! A… N… D… the piece de resistance… that middle drawer! The inside stripes with the decale DID IT for me!!! BEAUTIFUL PIECE. Your are such an inspiration… 😘🤗💕
Christy says
Aww yay! Thank you, Denise! The stripes are very subtle on this one…it was a fun one to play with!! XOXO
Lyn Edington says
That is just stunning. I don’t usually care for pink, but this is a lovely shade. Well done!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Lyn!! XOXO
Toby says
Stunning!! Always shaking things up a bit! You have that confidence in your projects that I love. I also stare at something for months it feels like…with a million ideas and afraid that I am not going to like what I choose to do. So silly I know…cause, you know you just paint it again if you don’t like it! But this project is amazing. Great job!!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Toby! Trust me, I do my fair share of staring blankly at pieces too ha ha! Sometimes, I just start painting to see where it will take me! And yes, you can always repaint!! XOXO
Lorrie S says
The desk turned out beautifully!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Lorrie! XOXO
Cecilia says
Ooo, pretty. I like the soft pink on this piece (and I’m not much of a pink person). And the transfer! Love it!
😊 Cecilia
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! Pink was a fun change! XOXO
KB says
I love your work except for the transfers. They are taking away from the beauty of the paint job and style of the piece.
Christy says
Thank you, Kristy! I totally understand that they’re not for everyone! XOXO
Sharon L Austin says
The moment I read “Pink Champagne” I knew I was gonna love this; and I wasn’t disappointed! And the inside of the drawers was a great surprise. Somebody is gonna be so lucky to get this piece.
Christy says
I’m so glad you like it, Sharon! It was a fun piece to work on! XOXO
Tracy says
This turned out so pretty 😍
Christy says
Thank you, Tracy! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
It’s lovely, Christy! You could really go crazy with the transfers, so I commend your restraint on this one 😊 I predict someone falling in love with it right away (if it hasn’t already been snatched up).
Christy says
Thank you, Marcie! It is very easy to get carried away ha ha! XOXO
Vicki says
This is absolutely gorgeous!!!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Vicki! XOXO
Roberta Menconi says
Wow. That is simply amazing.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Roberta! XOXO
MARGIE BRAMER says
That transfer is beautiful! Great tip on how to touch up that spot that didn’t stick.
The final product is georgous!
Christy says
Thank you, Margie! I’m so glad you like it! XOXO
Amanda says
What a TOTAL transformation! Love it!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Amanda! XOXO
Jackie C says
The inside of that drawer is EVERYTHING! Such a pretty piece! I love that transfer.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Jackie! XOXO
SONJA HANSEN says
I do want to be on that list to see new colors. Those subtle stripes were the icing on that cake, or maybe under. I would never thought of using them under the transfer. It is a show stopper.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sonja! And I added you to my list! XOXO
Donna Nance says
So, so cute! I can just see this treatment on my desk. Although the MIL would probably roll over in her grave…lol.
Christy says
Thank you, Donna! Ha ha! That’s the wonderful thing about paint, transfers, etc, if you ever tire of them, they can always be removed with sandpaper! 😀 XOXO
Cecilia from Georgia says
Wow! Just, WOW! Love everything about this beautiful piece. Your choice of Pink Champagne was perfect. Customers will be lined up waiting for you to put it in your booth! Speaking of booth; would love to see how your booth looks and the way you style your items! Just saying 😜
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Cecilia!! I hope so! I share my booth about every six months or so. I’m way overdue, but you can see my latest one here: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/booth-update-march-2021/ Have a great weekend! XOXO
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
Wow, that’s a beauty now! Love the peek-a-boo in the drawer! Perfect! xoxo
Christy says
Thanks so much, Nancy! Those finishing details are always the most fun! XOXO
Nancy F Lambert says
The desk is absolutely Beautiful!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Nancy! XOXO
Cleo says
Do you have a tutorial on how you achieved the finish on the dining table shown in the video on applying a sealer. Love that look.
Christy says
Hi Cleo! You can see that table makeover here: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/drop-leaf-table-makeover-and-how-to-apply-sealer-with-a-sponge/ There is also a video on the process included in that post! XOXO
Rebecca Payne says
Gorgeous! Beautifully done.
Christy says
Thank you, Rebecca! XOXO
Val says
Stunning work Christy! I just love how the desk turned out and how the transfers stand out from the striped backgroung. I have already used transfers on furniture renovations and each time I get so impressed with the results! Congrats!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Val! Transfers are such an easy way to really up your game! XOXO
Michele M. says
Oh my goodness, that is AWESOME!!! BRAVO!!!! My eyes bugged out of my head seeing this before and after, Christy! WOW WOW WOW!
I tell ya your tutorials are the best too. Well done, ma’am.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Michele!! I really appreciate that, my friend! XOXO
Susan says
Wow! What a transformation! I really like the pale pink w/white stripes! So pretty! Not crazy about the colors in the transfer, I prefer more pastel. I’m sure they have them. I’ve really loved other transfers you used. Maybe it’s just bc this one looks so orangy. 😬 Maybe it’s just the lighting. Nevertheless, it’s a work of art and you did a great job! I wish I had your boundless energy!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Susan! This transfer has some more bold colors for sure. I like the contrast, but I can see what you mean. I’m glad you still enjoyed it! XOXO
Constance Colvin says
Another masterful job Christy! I’m curious: how will you price this in your booth?
Christy says
Thank you, Connie! I’m not quite sure yet. It only cost me the materials, so that will probably factor in. Also, I’m not quite finished with it and you’ll see what I mean hopefully soon. 😀 XOXO
Rose Lefebvre says
It looks so lovely! I have acquired a desk just like it but with a kidney shaped top. Now might consider painting it. Hmm…
Christy says
Thank you, Rose! Oh I bet yours is lovely!! XOXO
Betty Bilnoski says
Wow – just Wow! 💕💕💕
Christy says
Aww thank you, Betty! XOXO
Lucy Caldwell says
I love the lighter pink! It’s perfect with the white background!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Lucy! This is such a pretty pink! XOXO
KT says
Is the mudd actually wood filler? Is the Boss just a primer or actua paint
Christy says
Hi KT! The mud is just like a wood filler and the BOSS is a stain and odor blocker. XOXO
Robin says
Echoing Cecilia’s comments. Stripes + floral is a great combo. Imho, though, I would have run 2 more white stripes on the center drawer and omitted the outside posey. The peek inside that drawer would generate a HUGE wow factor.
Christy says
Thank you, Robin! XOXO
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
This turned out so beautiful, my friend! That transfer is gorgeous too! xo
Christy says
Thank you so much, Jen! XOXO
Petra says
That pink is just so perfect Christy, and the flowers really give it a wow factor. I really like the handles painted white 🙂 totally beautiful! xo
Christy says
Thank you, Petra! I toyed with the idea of going gold on the handles, but white won out lol! XOXO
Sharon says
You are so gifted. Amazing transformation…. I just love you work….. you inspire us all….
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Sharon! Thank you! XOXO
Kathy Owen says
Beautiful Christy! I love the transfer in the drawer idea, Kathy
Christy says
Thanks so much, Kathy! XOXO
Kim Nadeau says
I just came across your site – WOW! I’ve spent the past 3 hrs looking at your posts – great ideas, inspiration and motivation. Looking forward to what’s to come!!
Christy says
Hi Kim and welcome!! Thank you so much…I’m so glad you found me!! I share new makeovers every Tuesday and Thursday! XOXO
Kerryanne says
Christy, my shabby heart was swooning for that soft pink and white stripe, but the transfer just took the desk to a whole new level of gorgeousness. Love it!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful desk make-over at Create, Bake, Grow & Gather this week. I’m delighted to be featuring it at tonight’s party.
Hugs,
Kerryanne
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, my friend!! I truly appreciate the feature!! Have a fantastic weekend…you try to stay cool down there, while we stay warm lol! XOXO