Monday, July 1, 2013

A French Desk Worth Waiting For

Have you ever been blessed with an opportunity beyond your wildest dreams?  I was fortunate to spend the last week studying at Harvard! Yes, THE Harvard.  And yes, it was awesome.

While I was gone I sold a couple of pieces in the shop so I needed to finish up this desk and get it ready to sell.


I found this A.MAZ.ING desk at an auction.  


It had issues.

But it had character.


So I set out to give it a fresh look.
Inspired by a photo of a French chair in Annie Sloan's "Color Recipes for Painted Furniture," I painted it in Duck Egg.


























I used a craft brush to get into the nooks and crannies around the ormolu, the brass trim on the legs.


I used some Brasso to brighten up the metal.
I sanded lightly and it was time to apply the wax.  
That's where I had some odd "issues."

Here's what the end of the desk looked like before I applied the wax.
 I used a wax brush to apply Briwax.  As I applied it, the wax seemed to remove the paint!  And here's the after. 

I kinda liked the effect so I went with it, but was wondering why it happened.  So I tried applying the wax with a cloth instead of the brush.  

Before:

After:
Same effect.  
But it seemed rather authentic.  I like it.
In the end, it's a show stopper!
She even looks good from the back!

I'm curious, though.
Have you ever had issues with the wax removing your paint?


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19 comments:

Susan @ SunflowerHugs said...

I have had wax remove the paint when I had watered it down too much and also I think maybe the paint needed more time to dry.
It does look beautiful!

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said...

I've read that Briwax does not work well on chalk paint, not sure why. But your desk is a beauty. It does look very old and authentic. ... And how fun to spend some time at Harvard!

betsy said...

I think I prefer the "natural" distressing that occurred with your wax. It doesn't have that forced look that sometimes happens with sandpaper. Maybe I'll try distressing with Minwax.

NanaDiana said...

I think the desk looks beautiful. I think it is the Briwax over the chalk paint. I do like how it turned out though- xo Diana

Susan - Uniquely Yours or Mine said...

It's beautiful! Yes, I've had Briwax act that way, but only if when applying it I rubbed hard. Great "mistake" though, it's a beautiful finish!

Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ said...

The desk turned out beautiful!

Tina@WhatWeKeep said...

I love your odd issues with the wax- it looks fantastic!
It's a gorgeous desk.

Unknown said...

This desk looks amazing!!! Pinning for sure. Thanks for sharing and blessings to you, Patti

Ann said...

I love the outcome. Did you put the wax on right after you painted? What a great effect, even if it's not what you had originally intended. Thanks for sharing at Restyled Sundays.

Jenna said...

Gorgeous! Love the color you chose! Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof

Unknown said...

I love this desk and i bet you couldn't be happier with you're waxing issues! Fantastic outcome!

One Shabby Old House said...

It is beautiful and now I think I must go get some briwax. I have never used it before and if that is the result then count me in. It turned out amazing.
Becky

Unknown said...

Very cool! I have no idea why that happened, but I do love a fortunate accident :D

Unknown said...

Wow, what a transformation. I often have oops moments but usually my best work comes from my mistakes.

Crystal

Fiona, Lilyfield Life said...

Lucky you to study at Harvard for the week! Great desk, such a lovely shape as well. Thanks for linking to Paint Prade. Fiona x

Fiona, Lilyfield Life said...

Parade. Typing on my iPhone and its not letting me edit . Have a great week

Good Time Charlie said...

Cyndi, thank you so much for sharing! Wow, it is just gorgeous! What a great find! Featuring today at my link party at 5:00 EST. -K

Unknown said...

You knocked this right out of the ball park - OMG I'm so in love with it !!!!!!!!!
AND you taught us a new technique LOL
I have the same vanity/desk? in storage - gorgeous to begin with - but you took it to a whole new level - definitely pinning this all over the place - on as many boards as it will go!!!
Visiting from French Country Cottage and congrats for your ( very well earned ) feature!
XOXOXO

Ggomez said...

Beautiful! I am really looking for the right gold accent paint. Would you share what you used?