Desk/Dressing Table makeover

[Gormal]

I had been wanting a desk for my crafting and was lucky enough to find what I was after (not free), in this vintage piece.
It was in some state. It had some woodworm (which had been treated) was badly painted/stained, bits of wood missing from the front and drawer rails, I don't know how the drawer stayed there. The feet had beautiful brass & porcelain castors, sadly one was broken and another siezed. This was originally a dressing table, but the mirror was gone all that was left were the chopped off dowels.

Here are the before pictures.

[Gormal]

I started by dismantling it, took out the drawers and front panels. Removed the top boxes and back lip. Then I turned it upside down and had fun removing the feet. There were a lot of rusty screws and everything was stuck solid, but I got there eventually. I also removed the bottom board, 2 of the screws sheared, so half was left in the wood and one I managed to get out with only half a head.

I started by sanding the top down to the bare wood, which was it's original state judging by what was under the top drawer boxes. There was some woodworm holes here, that lead to long crevices, when I finished sanding, I filled them in with wood filler. I washed it with white spirit and when that was dry I stained it with antique pin before varnishing it (Yacht varnish).
I sanded down the rest and filled in all the other holes, replaced the missing wood and painted the rest magnolia (Woodies high gloss). This took 2 coats.
The drawer fronts I decided to varnish, the dark lines where already there so I decided to leave them.

Cleaning up the brass, oh boy. the handles I dipped in nail varnish remover to get rid of the paint, then I used a vinegar solution to clean them, followed by brasso to buff. There were lovely brass rings on the legs, I left them to soak in Coke as the other solution had no impact. Coco cola all the way in future.
I bought pine knobs for the feet and stained and varnished them too. I found a nice folk image online and printed it out to make drawer liners, since I couldn't find any groovy stuff to buy.

The best thing is that I can use it as a craft desk or dressing table if I pop a mirror in the middle.

[patricias6]

are you sure this is the same table ? its hard to believe it could turn out like that ! beautiful job, you are gifted , keep up the good work !

[Chris P]

Remarkable work, as usual, Gormal.

Many thanks for sharing and inspiring!

Regards
Chris P
Admin

[Leo1]

oh wow its really beautiful - well done. You must be so proud of your work.

[Chalkie]

Great work - you now have a lovely piece of furniture with many uses.

[Eibhlin ni Sheambrai]

Hi Gormal, what a great job you have done giving this old piece a new lease of life. And you had to use so many different skills, a real testament to your talent. Well done.

[Pacman]

Well done Gormal - a wonderful transformation.

I laughed out loud about your using Coca Cola to clean the brass rings on the legs. And I thought it was only good for cleaning toilets!!! Must remember that tip. Thanks for sharing :-D

[Rachelirl]

Well done! Fantastic job. The table looks amazing.

[lizann]

Wow looks amazing well done

[Gormal]

Thanks for all your comments. I wasn't too sure about how it was going to turn out. I had plan A. As you see it. Plan B. Using blackboard paint for the worktop and then waxing for the slate look & C. Just Annie Sloan it with Chalk paint.

Thanks Eibhlin ni Sheambrai nice to see a familiar face ;)

@Pacman I've been admiring you thread, reminded me of my younger days when I was fit to do these things. Really is great fun and a learning curve, as well as the satisfaction when it's finished. Think my biggest one was recovering a metal action sofa bed.

[Leahsmam]

looks great if we had a like button i'd like it :-) your house must be lovely as you are great at revamping stuff

[daisybones]

Amazing job. It's beautiful now.

[Pacman]

@Pacman I've been admiring you thread, reminded me of my younger days when I was fit to do these things. Really is great fun and a learning curve, as well as the satisfaction when it's finished.

Many thanks :-)


Think my biggest one was recovering a metal action sofa bed.

Wow, I'm impressed!!!!!!

[jeep2]

fantastic job Gomal well done