How to Nest for Less™

Distressed Chalk Paint Desk Makeover

in Furniture on

I attended a school/Church auction over the weekend where the committee asked me to paint a piece of furniture as a donation. Of course I said yes, but that quickly turned to me freaking out trying to find a cute piece.

painted kids desk beforeWell I had my sister’s old desk from when she was a kid sitting in my basement begging for a makeover. And since it was a school auction, a kids desk was a perfect fit.

And here’s the final piece…

 

distressed chalk paint deskI used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint for this makeover, mostly because it doesn’t require me to do any sanding.

chalk paint deskAnd this time I decided to apply the paint in a dry-brush fashion, with only about a half-inch of light paint on the brush tip. And without any sanding at all, it looks like this…

annie sloan chalk painted deskOnce I had the base painted in Pure White, I coated the drawers in Paris Gray, then Duck Egg Blue.

painted kids deskI purchased some new knobs from Hobby Lobby and painted the old handles pink to match. Then I coated the entire desk in clear wax to give it a bit of durability.

distressed chalk paint deskI’m seriously in love with these knobs. Totally go with the distressed paint job.

chalk paint distressed desk

 

chalk paint distressed kids deskI did use a sanding block for some areas that weren’t quite distressed enough, but overall the dry brush technique was perfect for the look I was trying to achieve.

chalk paint kids kids

ASCP distressed desk

duck egg blue chalk paint deskIf you want to see some more painted furniture projects from me over the years,
CLICK HERE.

annie sloan chalk paint desk 

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Comments

  4. Wow! I was never a fan of old looking furniture but this looks so sofisticated! And that whole vignette, so pretty! I love the paintings above it too! Hobby Lobby too?

    Reply

  7. Love how your desk turned out. It’s really very lovely. I want to try the chalk paint, but haven’t gotten around to it just yet. The distressing on this is just gorgeous! Great job!

    Reply

  12. Absolutely love it!!! I have a question… I chalk painted a dresser that I will be using for an kitchen island. Would water base poly be better than wax? This is my first time using chalk paint so with all the constant use wasn’t sure if the wax or poly would be better. Thanks so much!

    Reply

    • Hi Tracy. Yes, you can use a water based poly over chalk paint, but I would definitely test one small area first. A water based poly can cause your chalk paint to crackle, depending on some pre-finishes. You can also try Varathane Diamond Wood Finish. It dries quickly and is easy to work with! Hope that helps!

      Reply

  13. SERIOUSLY love this! I’m checking around everywhere to see where I can find this paint! I dread sanding, so I think this will be the kicker for me. I love love love it!

    Reply

  15. hi there wondering where did you buy annie sloan paint at i called home depot and lowes they do not carry that brand?? thanks

    Reply

  16. what is the color of blue ypu used for the desk. I’ve not tried the chalk paint yet. Going to get some after seeing this! It’s beautiful. I’m a beginner and have a lot to learn but love testing out different types of paint. I was going to try the milk paint but can find it anywhere in my area. They have some of the chalk paint at my Lowes store but I saw on here how to make it with paint, water and I think plaster of Paris. I’m going to give it a try on an old cabinet I bought. I’ve sanded it and painted it two time but I’m still not happy with the color of blue.

    Reply

  18. This desk is awesome and I’m getting ready to do one very similar. I am not a craftsy person at all, let alone a painter, so do you mind explaining to me what you mean by the “dry brush” method? Thanks!!

    Reply

    • I only get about 1-2 inches of the brush wet with paint. Then I lightly brush the paint over the dresser, using only one direction for the paint strokes. I do two coats with this technique giving it about 1 hour in between coats. At first it will seem REALLY light and sparse, but the second coat evens it out!

      Reply

  19. I’ve inherited my mother’s French Provincial bedroom suite years ago and was ready to give it to an antique store or someone in need. I didn’t want to give it up because of my sentimental attachment, but it didn’t go with anything in my apt.
    I am going to try doing this DIY on the two end tables first, fingers crossed. I’ve never been a DIY-kinda-gal, so I am a tad nervous.
    Wish me luck.

    Reply

  20. I couldn’t believe it when I was searching for an idea for painting a desk and hutch set. I somehow came across your blog and you not only had pictured your beautiful desk (EXACTLY LIKE MINE) but you provided a tutorial on it to boot! I couldn’t wait to get started.

    I followed your tutorial and photos. It was fun trying to distress in the same places you did. : ) It didn’t turn out exactly like yours but it turned out GORGEOUS. I had no problem selling this piece – except for the fact I really, really would have loved keeping it.

    Thank you so much! I just signed up this morning for your newsletter and realized that you are only about 60 miles from me. Small world!

    If you get a chance, you might want to read the saga of my hutch/desk combo. For anyone who has struggled storing furniture, you might be able to relate.

    Reply

  21. I am amazed by your talent. This desk is beautiful! Not that talented myself, but would love to try this. Do you have a video on how to dry brush?

    Reply

  22. That looks fabulous. I see a lot of awful-looking pieces online, but you really have an eye for it. I love that you didn’t skimp on the hardware. I’m doing my first project (two small shelves) and appreciate the inspiration. Thank you.

    Reply

  23. How much paint did it take? I’m doing a baby crib and 44*36*14 dresser. The crib will be all white the dresser will be white with blue drawers. I’m unsure how much paint of each color to buy

    Reply

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