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taking it old school

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I have had this lovely vintage school desk sitting in my garage since last summer, when a friend of mine let me rescue it from her parent’s yard, where it was just begging to be given some TLC.
Yes.
Since last Summer.
Give me a break, okay? I’ve been lazy busy.
But, finally, FINALLY, I decided I couldn’t stand it taking up room in our garage anymore and I had to get it finished before this little baby girl makes her appearance.

The first step was obviously all the prep work, you know, the “unfun” part: first, I had to sand all the wood down; then I cleaned everything with diluted vinegar; lastly I had to tape all the wood off so I could spray paint all the metal. That part probably took the longest, but once that was all finished I was able to give it three light coats of Rust-Oleum Ultra Cover in Seaside.
After letting the paint dry overnight, I could get started on re-staining the wood table top and seat. I picked Minwax Polyshades Honey in Gloss, which I already had leftover from another project. I love the Polyshades stain because you don’t have to completely sand or strip the wood down before you use it. 

I am in love with the contrast of the bright, new looking aqua metal base against the antique, natural wood tone. I could have sanded all the wood down more, treated it with a wood conditioner before staining it, tried to erase all the imperfections; but I think that’s what’s so great about it. I love all the scratches and dents that stand out even more now that the stain has settled down into them.

11 Responses to taking it old school

  1. Marybeth Barrett September 24, 2014 at 9:27 pm #

    Love it! The new color totally pops! 🙂
    ~MB
    http://www.ArtandSoulLiving.com

    Reply
  2. Trish Anne September 24, 2014 at 9:39 pm #

    What a cool project! I love how it turned out and that color blue is gorgeous!!

    Reply
  3. Natalie September 24, 2014 at 10:12 pm #

    That is adorable–I love old school stuff, and this desk is just awesome. The blue is gorgeous!

    Reply
  4. Paris Anderson September 25, 2014 at 1:38 am #

    I love the color! I've been wanting to find a vintage school desk like this for my daughter.

    Reply
  5. Southern Fried Mouth February 20, 2015 at 11:18 pm #

    Yes!!! I have a desk I need to re-do, pinning!

    Reply
  6. J Young February 28, 2015 at 5:48 pm #

    Thanks for pinning, and good luck with your project!

    Reply
  7. J Young February 28, 2015 at 5:48 pm #

    I know, I love that color too!

    Reply
  8. J Young February 28, 2015 at 5:49 pm #

    I ADORE old desks and it looks just perfect in his room!

    Reply
  9. J Young February 28, 2015 at 5:49 pm #

    Just keep looking, you'll find them in the oddest places!

    Reply
  10. Jess rey August 12, 2015 at 2:35 pm #

    This is cute! I love how you kept the original top and did NOT paint over it! Love it!

    Reply
  11. Justine Y @ Little Dove Creations August 13, 2015 at 4:47 am #

    Thanks so much Jess!

    Reply

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