Reuse, Redesign, Repurpose: A Desk Part I

 

I bought this desk at a neighbor's garage sale
shortly after moving into our new home.

 

I loved the carved out legs and the overall minimalistic feel of it:
the open shelves, the petite size. It would be the perfect writing desk.

The legs had some serious wear, but I wasn't concerned because I
was planning on painting it from the moment I saw it.

Desk: $10

What I hadn't noticed before were the two large cracks,
one on the top and one on the bottom shelf.

 

The top crack was noticeable but didn't damage the structure. 

However, the shelf crack was a different story.
Due to time and age, the wood had warped and refused to re-fuse with super glue.
So no heavy books on that shelf. :/

The makeover of the desk was not as breezy as I had anticipated.  

 

This day was the first without rain in a week and a half.
With storm clouds looming above, I opted for the quick-dry option of spray paint.

I went to Home Depot and bought a sanding sponge ($3) and one can of white spray paint with varnish ($5). I thought it would take me one, maybe two cans, but since we don't live that far from the old depot,
I only bought one. 

Here's the process: 

Sand until your paint level is even. I then washed the desk because it had been sitting outside all day at the garage sale. If you are going to wash an item made of wood, make sure it doesn't soak in. If you are diligent about this, it should only need about 5 minutes in the sun before you're ready to paint.

My first can was a dud. 

Most of the paint collected at the top of the can and dripped down the side. Yikes. So Cory went out and purchased another one. About halfway through that can, I realized I was going to run out of paint again, and he ran back out and bought me two more.

Are you keeping track? That's 4 cans of spray paint ($20!) and one priceless fiancé.

 Suffice to say, I should have just bought a can of paint and a brush.

Total cost of project:  $33  -  I was planning on spending about $20. 
Lesson learned, next time research different paint options.

A close-up of the painted desk. 

Check out Part II of this post to see it decked out and in action!

Bon Nuit!