Friday, March 13, 2015

A Fresh New Look for a Secretary Desk





I've refinished quite a few secretary desks in the past year. Each one has had its own challenges, and in the end, rewards. But this one really almost put me over the top!

It was your standard Queen Anne-style secretary desk that was mass-produced in the 40's and 50's. And although it may appear to be in good condition from this before photo, it doesn't depict the extent of the damage on the inside. There were numerous deep scratches on the writing part that went all the way down to the wood. I had to sand the heck out of it to get it smooth.



But this wasn't really the main problem with this desk. This is what happened after one coat of primer!

Bleed-through! The worst I've ever experienced!




My usual fix for this type of problem is to spray it with clear shellac. But even this wasn't working! So I did a little bit of research, and discovered that a shellac-based primer could help. I used Zinsser Shellac Base Primer. This was already tinted white.




It did the trick after two coats, and the bleed was controlled enough that I was finally able to paint!

I wanted something fresh, clean and fun looking so I painted the body in General Finishes Snow White. And I wanted a little pop of color, so I painted the back of the upper cabinet in General Finishes Persian Blue. I removed the fretwork on a whim, and decided I liked the look for this piece without it.




I also painted the framework for the insert part on the lower portion and kept the drawers white. A teeny-tiny brush helped with those hard-to-reach areas!





The original handles were sprayed in Rustoleum Oil Rubbed Bronze.






With the secretary complete (two weeks later!), I felt the desk needed a "friend". I had a chair in my stash that I decided to pair with it. I painted it as well in GF Snow White and recovered the cushion in Waverly home decor fabric in "Buttom Blooms".




Don't they look beautiful together? I took this picture after two days of rain (sadly that's all we got here in drought-stricken Southern California) and loved how the light was streaming in through the window.




I've entered this project in the General Finishes Annual Design Contest. I would love it if you would stop on by and give it a little bit of love (vote)! I have a number of entries, so just look for Mary Beth's Place and take a look at my other projects!


Thanks so much for stopping by and have a wonderful day!


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25 comments:

  1. It looks awesome! The hint on the shellac based primer is excellent....
    I've had the bleed through....its awful
    Nancy
    wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com

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    1. This was the worst I've ever experienced! Thank you so much for stopping by!

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  2. Sooooo pretty, Cindy!! I have a secretary I love, and I keep thinking about painting it, but I just.can't.do.it!! I live vicariously through others who can! :) Stop on over some time and visit! ~Zuni

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  3. Ha! As soon as I left your blog I realized I'd called you Cindy, as in The Heart of Home linky party where I saw your post! I'm sorry!! I know, Mary Beth! Got it!! :)

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    1. Not a problem:) Thanks for stopping by from Cindy's party!

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  4. Absolutly stunning! I hope you will stop by my blog this morning and share this on Something to Talk About!
    Have a great day!
    Karen

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  5. Lovely, Mary Beth! Curious, did you spray or brush paint? The finish looks so smooth! I ask because I just got a sprayer for painting shutters and louvered doors, but wondering how it would work with my furniture paint. Take care! Cynthia

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    1. Thanks, Cynthia! I sprayed this piece with my HVLP sprayer!

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  6. I just love this! It's so happy... and I super love the aqua-ish color. <3 Found you through Found & Foraged linky party at House of Hipsters, by the way! (I linked up, too.) Also, why can't I just magically absorb knowledge of how to accomplish these things????

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    1. Thank you! I love the fresh clean new look! I've been painting furniture for years now. And although I still am learning and trying to perfect my technique, most of what I've learned has been through trial and error and gleaning information from other talented bloggers and artists! I say just jump in and go for it!

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  7. So pretty. I am looking for an old piece something like this...here in ky.
    Sheila

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    1. I had four in my shop at one time this year! And now, haven't been able to find one! It's either rain or shine here for secretary desks! Good luck with your hunt!

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  8. This turned out just great! Love it. Thank you so much for linking up at Found & Foraged.

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    1. Thanks so much! And it's always a pleasure to join your party!

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  9. It looks beautiful ! You did a wonderful job : )

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  10. It's gorgeous! Love the two colors inside, keeps it interesting.

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  11. What a beautiful makeover! I love painting old furniture and giving new life to forgotten pieces. It adds so much character to a home, and your new desk is just lovely!

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  12. Darn that bleed through! I know this had to be a lot of work, especially painting those dividers! It turned out lovely though. Thank you for sharing it at What We Accomplished Wednesdays. Have a great weekend!

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  13. I have a thing for secretary desks and wish that I had room for one in my home. Your makeover is great! I'll be sharing it at The Scoop this Monday night. Thank you for linking up!

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    1. Thank you so much, Suzy! Very excited to be featured at "The Scoop"!

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  14. I'm not sure how I missed this post from a few weeks ago, but thank heavens Suzanne @The Painted Drawer featured it on her Friday party! It's absolutely gorgeous! The Persian Blue is a beautiful color choice for the back of the back and interior. Only other DIYers appreciate how much work (and love!) you put into that piece. :)
    Robin

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    1. Thank you, Robin, my fellow painter-friend! It was a lot of work - but a labor of love!

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  15. Oh the dreaded bleed through! But what a beauty. And I've used that exact same fabric on a pair of chairs. Happy to feature you at our party this morning. Thanks so much for sharing!

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  16. Very lovely! You did a great job painting this piece and I love the blue on the inside. Great job. Thanks for sharing. Amy

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  17. I was looking around for an old secretary desk that someone repainted and I found you! I have my grandmother's old secretary. It's mahogany so I've been sealing it with primer before painting. The lady at Home Depot told me to use two coats and I'm trying to get it done while we have a few days with lower humidity. It's oil based. I can always bring it into the house after I get that part done. I was glad to hear you say that you took out the fretwork. I remember my mother doing that years ago when the secretary came to our house to live, so it's just plain glass now. Your secretary turned out so nicely. How did you ever get the insert painted? What kind of tiny brush did you use? Did you try and paint with the grain of the wood or did you paint across? It seems to me that it would be impossible to get into those little cubby holes and paint with the grain. I've put off that piece until last. Any suggestions would be gratefully appreciated! I've already put hours into this thing cleaning and sanding it. I hope I can have it done by Christmas!!

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