The Arts & Crafts Desk - Before and After - What do you Prefer?

Question

I bought this little desk that was in dismal shape. I thought about refinishing the whole thing but then realized that I likely wouldn't get the money back in labour. So I painted the base a soft gloss black in oil paint and refinished the top in several coats of handrubbed oil. I then lightly distressed since it was not a perfect piece to begin with. I'm selling this piece for $295 as it is now but wondering if you would have paid about $500 if it was refinished?

Chris G · Answer

It turned out Beautifully!

Chris G · Answer

You could easily get that I think. The $500.

Love Digging in the Dirt · Answer

Trash to TRESURE!

Jackie T · Answer

Wasn't expecting the black and I love it!!! before the read the details, I scrolled down (attention span of a hamster) I love the top!

Sally · Answer

This turned out beautiful, your time and effort paid off.

Cynthia H · Answer

You could always negotiate down if it doesn't sell at a higher price. Turned out great!

Pamela Thurlow · Answer

It is gorgeous!! I didn't think I'd like it, but I love it!!!

Jackie I · Answer

i do love the look of natural wood and black however, knowing that it is such an old and unique piece I would have preferred it to be all natural. Definitely worth more money that way!

Cora · Answer

beautiful i would have done just want you did

117135 · Answer

You did the right thing! I love that you left the top in natural wood! Great job! Most people are looking to buy furniture re painted in stead of natural. Like Porta Verde Studio stated antiques have lost some value and people just rant willing to pay the price right now.

Sherry R · Answer

love love love it..I do lots of my pieces with the wood finish top then a color for the legs, sides.

Anna Fults · Answer

Very, very nice!! Good job!!

Debbi W · Answer

WOW!

Regina · Answer

You turned it into a beautiful, useful piece of furniture, and it looks expensive! I usually prefer such pieces in their original finish, but if the original finish was so damaged that it had to be refinished to be presentable, it would have lost its antique value simply because it was refinished. I agree that you did the right thing by refinishing the top and painting the bottom black. The wood drawer knobs are perfect for it. It actually looks better than it would have without the paint. I'd say it's underpriced at $295.

Jim L · Answer

The desk looks great! The pulls on the 'before' desk were replacements. There are some pieces that should not be cleaned, much less painted. This desk, however, is NOT one of those pieces. You did the right thing by painting and 're-habbing' this piece. no one would have wanted it as it was.

Mary · Answer

Love the contrast of the paint and the rich wood top. Some pieces are beyond restoration, and paint is a great way to make it beautiful and useful.

Lynn Scapatici Couch Myers · Answer

Having refinished furniture myself, I know the labor involved and how difficult it can be to recoup the cost of your valuable time. In most cases, I like to try to leave wood pieces as natural as possible, but some pieces are just too far gone or too damaged or just plain scream for paint to liven them up. I honestly have to say that seeing the before picture and reading your description, I was in love with the desk in it's natural wood state and when you said black paint, my first thought was....'really? Why on earth would you paint those gorgeous details black?!'...But after seeing the photos, I have to admit it is BEAUTIFUL!! The black and the little bit of distressing actually makes all the detail really stand out...Great Job!!

Christina M · Answer

Do you need to add a protective finish (polycrylic, polyurethane, wax) to the top? Or does the hand-rubbed oil do well enough on its own?

Heidi · Answer

Looks greAt redone!!! Truth is people don't appreciate antiques as much as we do. Black, white, and color is what is in!!!  Find an inexpensive chair to match for a desk or what a great TV stand. I like it!

Luv137188 · Answer

Very pretty!!!

Debby Boyle · Answer

The black hands down, Very nicely done!!

Kimberly Schoffler Boynes · Answer

really nice

Patty · Answer

Looks so today, love it this way. Top looks great natural. Ihave a dresser I want to do this too...

Gloria Duy · Answer

I love it in the black!

Txvoodoo · Answer

You know where I *usually* stand on refinishing! *grin* But I think you did a beautiful job on this. I agree with @Lynn Scapatici Couch Myers ! You took something that was a sad eyesore, and turned it into something that well be cherished and USED, and not go into the scrapheap. Bravo. :D

Porta Verde Studio · Answer

Thanks so much everyone. The response was overwhelmingly for the black finish. It sold within a couple of days and went to its new home.

Pamela Thurlow · Answer

So beautiful!! I never thought I would paint wood, but this definitely changes my mind!!

Shanty Shop · Answer

I was going to add a photo of dressers my husband & I re-did over 20 years ago... they were old 60's things and the veneer was peeling... I wanted black with wood and we did them black with the light birch drawers, then I painted the knobs black (they were chrome but pitted). This is a very rich look! Of course I love it! :-)

Waysouth · Answer

bet that oiling made your arm ache! Lovely finish though. I have some pieces I oiled with 50% linseed oil and white spirit, initially a lot of work but worth it. Very resilient too when fully cured.
Love that you didn't embarrass the piece by over distressing, it's such a professional job

Kim |Exquisitely Unremarkable · Answer

I love this piece. I think that painting furniture is a very difficult job and not one that I would want to take on, so I'd pay up for a piece that was done well.

The Arts & Crafts Desk - Before and After - What do you Prefer?

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The Arts & Crafts Desk - Before and After - What do you Prefer?

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