For a long time, I was on the lookout for a small inexpensive solid wood desk for my home office. One day on my way to take my daughters to daycare I got lucky. Outside on the curb just around the corner from my house I found a perfect solid wood farmhouse desk in need of a makeover. I recently revealed my Budget-Friendly Farmhouse Style Home Office, which all started with this desk.

I love the simplicity of this desk. It has just enough storage, so everything I need is within reach.

Vision for this Desk Makeover

I had an easy plan for this desk makeover. Remove the old paint on the desk top, chalk paint the rest of the desk, and add new drawer knobs. That’s all this curbside treasure needed to give it a fresh new more expensive look.

In the end, I wanted this desk makeover to have a farmhouse appearance to match my personal Fixer Uppers style.

Removing the old paint

Removing old paint used to be one obstacle keeping me from making over furniture. I hated sanding, so if I had to sand paint to remove it, I avoided it. However, for this desk makeover removing the paint off the top was necessary so I could stain the desk top with a dark stain.

Then I discovered a new way to remove paint without sanding and harmful chemicals. I have used chemicals to remove paints and adhesive before, it worked great, but I probably lost a million brain cells in the process.

SO, when I found Sunnyside Ready Strip Paint and Varnish Remover, which is environmentally safe, with no harmful chemicals, with easy clean up, and can remove 7 layers of paint at a time, I had to give it a try.

Ready Strip makes removing paint incredibly easy. Brush the mint goop on the painted area you want to remove, wait 24 hours, and scrape off the paint. It is that simple.

Ready Strip darken when it is time to scrap off the old paint.

I also recommend using a paint remover rinse and a thorough cleaning before staining or painting.

This is what the top looks like after scraping off the paint remover. Pretty amazing!

Going Dark on Top

After stripping the paint from the top, I was ready to stain. My favorite stain is Minwax Jacobean, which what I used here. I applied two coats of wood stain for a dark rich desk top.

Time for Chalk Paint

In many cases when I’m using chalk paint, I will make my own chalk paint. However, for this desk makeover I used Amy Howard At Home One Step Chalk Paint in the shade Chelsea Square. This color is an off-white, which creates a lovely contrast with the dark stained desk top.

I must say I like the Amy Howard Chalk Paint. It went on easily with great coverage and finish.

Wax to Protect

When using chalk paint, especially on furniture, it is important to apply a wax protective finish. On this desk makeover, I use FolkArt Home Decor Clear Wax, which is quickly applied with a wax brush. Let the thin layer of wax to dry for an hour and then buff to a satin shine. The wax protects and enhances the paint color.

Lastly, I added new drawer pulls to enhance the farmhouse style look.

Now it’s Time to Get to Work

Now that I have a beautiful home office, it is time to get creating. From this space in my home, I plan to continue to help you transform your home into your own personal sanctuary.

Behind the scenes I’m working on some special projects that I hope will make helping you decorate your home easier and more personal. As we get closer to the end of the year you can expect me to share more exciting details. Stay tuned!!

In the meantime, would you please do something for me? I hope yes.

When it comes to decorating your home, what is your biggest trouble?

Your answers will help me shape future projects and content just for you. Thank you!

Source List:

FolkArt Home Decor Clear Wax

Amy Howard At Home One Step Chelsea Square Chalk Paint – I purchase this chalk paint from Ace Hardware.

Minwax Jacobean

Sunnyside Ready Strip Paint and Varnish Remover

Vintage Antique Bronze Drawer Pulls

Vintage Antique Bronze Drawer Door Tag Style Pulls