Dumpster Desk to French Glazed Desk

Dumpster Desk to French Glazed Desk

Dumpster Desk to French Glazed Desk

Several months ago, I posted this desk on Trashy Tuesday. I had found it one glorious morning of Dumpster Diving at my favorite Apartment Dumpsters spot. The desk was SOLID wood, but had a very sad and abused top. I knew it would take some time, but I could transform it to a thing of beauty. It’s former self, only a mere memory.

This was a rare find, solid wood, CHECK. All Drawers present, CHECK, no broken or missing legs, CHECK. Fabulous potential? CHECK, CHECK, CHECK!

The top was a sad story. The boards were warped and pulling away from each other. There were deep scratches and overall damage. Time to pull out the heaye artillery . I knew Wood Filler, Joint Compound, or any of my other arsenal of tricks wouldn’t work. I had to turn the hard-core BONDO. I don’t recommend this for general use. Only when there is no other choice. It is a compound filler, and dries harder than cement. It is very chemically, so always wear a chemical respirator, a dust mask isn’t going to cut it. My dog, “Keiki” was not interested in wearing a mask. Irresponsible I say.

Because BONDO dries rock solid, a belt sander is your best bet, followed by Orbital Sander, or Palm Sander.

Finally ready for the beauty shots. I base coated the entire piece in CeCe Caldwell’s Virginia Chestnut. This creates a rich, dark wood look for whatever color you put over it. It is my favorite furniture trick for layering colors.

I followed up with two coats of CeCe Caldwell’s Vintage White. I used Cece Caldwell’s 100% natural glaze and Modern Masters glazing tint in Tobacco Brown. The two make beautiful music together.

I sealed the entire piece with CeCe Caldwell’s Endurance. It is a low VOC non yellowing Polyurethane. There is almost no perceptible smell, yet the finish is solid.

I added these vintage looking knobs, and voila, a fabulous Dumpster Desk to French Glazed Desk was born!

Showing off my Dumpster Desk to French Glazed Desk at these fabulous parties:

Original article and pictures take www.redouxinteriors.com site