I used spray paint on a metal desk I picked up in Arkansas. It was the perfect choice. I very, very, seldom use spray paint on furniture but it’s just what the metal desk called for.
The blue and orange are one of my favorite color combinations. The colors are also perfect for the granddaughters bedroom.
The school desk looked a little sad when I purchased it. The price was $12.50. Not too bad.
The makeover was really simple and I have all the details for you. My partners in crime, aka The Fixer Upper Girls, have projects today too. The links are at the bottom of the post.
I really hated to share this disgusting stuff but it was part of the makeover. Remember chewing gum in school? And not wanting to get caught? Where did the gum go? Yep, on the desk somewhere. There was gum stuck on every surface of the desk. Be thankful I didn’t show you the REALLY disgusting photos.
I scraped and cleaned and scraped and cleaned some more. Then I filled a few holes on the front of the desk with wood filler.
Once it was dry I sanded the filler until it was smooth.
The silver metal tips on the legs were scratched up but I did like them. I taped over the legs so they would stay as is. I also liked the orange panel on the back so it got taped and papered.
It took about 10 minutes to spray paint the desk. I used RustOleum Ultra Cover in Satin Lagoon.
There were two pieces of clear scotch tape on the table surface that I missed when cleaning it. They sure showed up after a coat of spray paint. I grabbed a piece of sandpaper and sanded them off. The spray paint covered the sanded areas very well.
I usually manage to screw something up before a project is completed and this time was no different. I video taped the whole stencil project. Where is the video you ask? I accidentally deleted the videos before saving them to my computer. I may have said a few bad words. Video is a tedious process.
I added the “find joy” stencil to the top of the desk using various colors on the stencil for depth.
All done.
I hope my granddaughters always find the joy in life. I’m working hard on that myself.
Sofi didn’t like the desk. Well, that’s not true. She doesn’t like change and she wanted the other piece of furniture back. No problem. I kept the orange and white piece that was in her room. Just moved it to another bedroom. Now I’ll be moving it back.
The liner on the bottom shelf is a colorful page from an old book/atlas. Remember to think outside of the box.
That’s it for me. Do you like the blue and orange? Have you used spray paint on furniture?
Be sure and visit my friends. Just click the pink text links below the “before” collage.
1. Just The Woods
2. The Interior Frugalista
3. Confessions Of A Serial Diyer
4. Girl In The Garage
Products used in this makeover, Amazon affiliate links for your convenience.
Rustoleum Spray Paint – Lagoon
Wood Filler
Sandpaper
Painters Tape
(Read my affiliate disclosure policy.)
Have a great day!
Kathy Owen is the creative guru, content creator, photographer, and worker bee behind the popular Home Décor DIY Blog Petticoat Junktion. She focuses on reinventing found treasures and decorating her home Get all the nitty gritty on Kathy here.
Ivory says
Awesome desk. Awesome outcome. Lovin it!
Debrashoppeno5 says
The desk looks great. The colors really perk the desk up.
Missy Wilson says
That’s a very happy desk!
mary scott says
It’s charming!!!
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
Love the new look and the bright blue. Haha Sofi reminds me of my boys – I can work hard on a surprise for them and then usually get complaints after. Kids, go figure. 🙂
Marcie Lovett says
Sometimes spray paint is the answer. With metal, and with all the hard-to-reach places, it really does work best. That’s a beautiful color.
Marie|The Interior Frugalista says
When I saw the makeover, I immediately thought of Sofi’s room at your house – the colors are perfect. Too bad she didn’t like it. I was happy to see you kept the original orange color on the front and then added your signature pop of color – the combination is so pretty!
[email protected] of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer says
Love the bold pops of color on this fun desk, Kathy! XO
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
That is one of my all-time favorite RustOleum colors, Kathy. That desk is so absolutely retro cool!!
kandice says
This is adorable! Love that retro style and bold colors!
Christina in FL says
Kathy, this desk is beautiful. No bad words needed, the photos do a beautiful job of explaining your process. The stenciled “find JOY” is perfect. It really is a great desk and now it has a new and beautiful life.