Vintage Secretary Gets Jazzed Up!

Lynnette Soltwedel
by Lynnette Soltwedel
7 Materials
$50
2 Days
Easy

This little cutie was posted in an online auction, and I WON! I had to go pick it up, but was happy to find that they would load it for me! My enabler was at work so I was on my own that day. 😂

Here is the picture from the auction. Cute right?!

My first step (after wiping down) is to sand and base coat. Here you can see the sanding and base coating are completed, and I carried it in to paint.

I decided on a soft gray. Here you can see the first coat is on and drying. It generally takes two to three coats to get the best coverage. A light sanding between coats will help minimize brush lines, and give you a smooth finish.

I decided to do a two tone of black and gray on the desk “door,” and drawer fronts. This requires taping off, because I do NOT have a steady hand. 🤣

I decided I wanted to add a little something to the desk “door,” because it was just too plain. I found this cutie at Lowes, and inspiration struck!

After painting it black, I dry brushed it with the sea foam color. How fun is this?! If you aren't familiar with dry-brushing, here is a link to a "how to."

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/craft-room/craft-room-furniture/dry-brush-painting-technique-41664662

Seriously, I should have attached the appliqué BEFORE the door was painted...but this worked. A little wood glue, some tack nails, and a nail set to sink the nails..and perfect!

I started out with rub n buff...but quickly decided it just wasn’t right for this hardware. I moved on to Rustoleum metallic spray paint instead. If you follow me, you know that patience is NOT one of my virtues....*sigh* several light coats will prevent runs, more work, and more time. One day I might learn this lesson myself. icon

After the paint is dry and the piece is lightly sanded with a fine grit sand paper...wipe it down so no dust remains and polyurethane time. I have found I really prefer a wipe on. I hear you can mix regular and save some $$...I may have to try that!!

I just can’t resist a pop of color!! And if you follow me....you already know my passion for sea foam is real. 😂

I put the door back on, and done!

What do you think?! I love the transformation of this piece.

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  • Bonnie Greene Worsely Bonnie Greene Worsely on May 13, 2019

    Beautiful job, what grit sandpaper did you use between each coat of paint??

    Bonnie in Pacolet, SC

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