BEFORE & AFTER: Green & Gold Chalkboard “Agenda” Desk
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When I told my husband I wanted to paint a desk for him that would have a chalkboard “note pad” or agenda on the right-hand size of the desk, he looked at me like I was crazy. “Why not just use paper? Just paint the whole top and forget about it!”
(Thanks for the encouragement, baby!)
Maybe he’ll think differently once he sees THIS, perhaps??:
…because this pretty thing looked like this the day I saw her looking haggard and scratched in the thrift store, for a mere $12.00:
Here’s What I Did:
- Color-matched the shade of green I wanted.
I’ve been addicted to (and prefer) Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, but ASCP doesn’t have the shade of green I was looking for. - Bought some Rub N’ Buff.
Seriously, this stuff is awesome! It’s best if you want to change the color of an object, to give it a metallic look. They have many colors, actually, and I plan to cop all of ‘em! You can use your finger to rub it on, or you can use a soft cloth. I used the Rub N’ Buff around the ledge of the desk, as well as around the outline of the chalkboard AGENDA to give it some definition. I used Rub N’ Buff Gold Leaf. I think I’ve made a new best friend
- Bought some Chalkboard Spray Paint. Chalkboard spray paint is the best to use for small, quick projects where you want a chalkboard. I primed the surface first, and then taped off the areas that I don’t want to get sprayed. I highly recommend Frog Tape (the green tape!) versus the blue painters tape. Whenever I use the blue tape, the paint seeps into the taped area. Frustrating!! That doesn’t happen with the green stuff.
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| Taped off with Frog Tape the area that I didn’t want chalkboard, but didn’t feel a need to totally cover the whole thing–only the localized area. |
4. Used a paint sprayer and a paint brush.
I love my paint sprayer for tough jobs like getting in between lattices or bars. It’s just sooo much
easier. You know I prefer Annie Sloan chalk paints (and from what I’ve read, you can even use
ASCP in a paint sprayer!!). But sometimes you need a sprayer for a fine finish or to complete a
difficult painting area.
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| I own a Command Max HVLP sprayer.
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5. Applied stickers to spell “AGENDA.”
I don’t yet own a Cricut or other cutter to do cute little stencils and letters yet. SOOO……the next
best option is some of those pretty little stickers from Hobby Lobby or Amazon. They work
surprisingly well, and they are inexpensive! I got gold ones to match the gold Rub N’ Buff, and
after I applied them, I put a coat of the poly over top to protect them from prying little fingers
(ahem–my children).
6. Applied 2 coats of glossy water-based Polycrylics.
I prefer the water-based Polycrylics just because it’s easier to clean. I want to run my brush under
I don’t yet own a Cricut or other cutter to do cute little stencils and letters yet. SOOO……the next
best option is some of those pretty little stickers from Hobby Lobby or Amazon. They work
surprisingly well, and they are inexpensive! I got gold ones to match the gold Rub N’ Buff, and
after I applied them, I put a coat of the poly over top to protect them from prying little fingers
(ahem–my children).
6. Applied 2 coats of glossy water-based Polycrylics.
I prefer the water-based Polycrylics just because it’s easier to clean. I want to run my brush under
water and soap when I’m done–quick, simple cleanups.
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| FROM THIS………. |
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| TO THIS!!!! |
So what do you think??
If you like this project, please feel free to leave a comment! I read them all, and am grateful for taking a peak!
Linking Up To:
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Tags: BEFORE and AFTER, chalkboard paint, featured, Rub n Buff
WOW!! Totally blown away by this project! So many great ideas from one do-over! Never would have thought to use chalk board paint & Metallic Rub-on on furniture. Love it!! Thank you for the inspiration & sharing!
Lyz
Thanks, Lyz! Definitely some good ideas there! It’s amazing what you can do to a piece of furniture, huh?
Thanks for you comment!
Thanks for using AMACO’s Rub ‘n Buff. It provides a great finishing touch to the desk. Can’t wait to try this look too!
Yeah, the Rub N’ Buff was awesome! I’ll definitely be using that stuff for more projects!
That’s a beautiful desk! You did a wonderful job. Thanks for stopping by at What-About.co. Please come again soon!
Where do you end up putting all of your projects? Do you resell them? Or do you have tons of space? I am currently refurbishing a hand me down bed frame, but it’s going into my daughter’s room.
Hey, Elizabeth! I’m sooo sorry, I don’t think I ever responded to your question!! You asked me about where I put all my projects. I haven’t been reselling (yet), but I mostly decorate my house with them! I just posted some pics of my craft room (in progress) and 95% of everything in that room came from a thrift store!
Here’s the link in case you missed it:
http://www.thriftdiving.com/2013/01/thrifted-craft-room.html
This green and gold desk is in that room! Hubby is using it!
Serena recently posted…GIVEAWAY and Cheap Valentine’s DIY Gift Ideas!
serena, that is awesome!!!! i am a huge fan of the color combo- beautiful!
cassie recently posted…Emmy’s Snow Fairy Party
I don’t think anyone would have ever thought of the bright idea of having an Agenda board on their desk. Everyone is so techy now… truly old school and brilliant at the same time!
Kenya recently posted…GIVEAWAY and Cheap Valentine’s DIY Gift Ideas!
HAHA, I stole the idea from Pinterest, from something I had seen a loooonnngg time ago that always wanted to try!
And I really prefer to write down my list of “To Dos.” It just feels more rewarding marking them off, you know?
Serena recently posted…GIVEAWAY and Cheap Valentine’s DIY Gift Ideas!