Well folks.....this may be a first! We've gone from WHITE to WHITE! My least favorite color to paint just broke me!
I am in LOVE with this white and gold desk makeover with an Italian Florentine finish!!!
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A little interesting backstory....
One day while shopping in my local Home Goods with Zadie, I hear a woman say...."Oh my gosh you are Tracey's Fancy!"
Yes....that is ME (as Zadie is instantly horrified and embarrassed...LOL).
She asked if I accepted custom orders of which I told her....they are my favorite thing to do!
We exchanged numbers and before I knew it I had a factory finish white desk in my shop just waiting to be Fancy-fied!
The Design Ideas and Inspiration Piece...
My client came to me with specific requests and inspiration photos. You can see one she provided below.
She wanted an old world look with white and gold only.
She specifically asked that it not look yellow.....but a true off-white.
So let's get started!
But FIRST...the before!
Before I start painting any piece, I always thoroughly clean the piece and determine if it will need a primer coat. Learn all about how I prep furniture for chalk paint HERE!
The baked on finish on this piece was very slick and I hesitated to invest any of my time into it without priming first with Slick Stick. I applied two full coats of Slick Stick following the directions on the jar.
Supplies Used: White & Gold Desk Makeover
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White and Gold Italian Florentine Desk Makeover
The Old World Florentine look usually appears as if furniture has traveled through time with layer upon layer of paint exposed.
Adding Texture for the Old World Florentine Look
To achieve this Florentine look, I chose to use a texture additive with my white paint.
I stirred well and allowed it to set up for about five minutes before applying it to the table. I attempted to apply this with a roller but quickly saw this wasn't going to work.
I applied the textured paint with the oval round brush in a stippling/stamping motion to allow for peaks to form that would add to the textured look. I did two full coats just like this.
Once I was finished adding the last textured layer and had allowed it to "set up" for about 20 minutes....I followed up with the large Big Daddy natural brush in cross hatch motions to sort of tamp down the peaks that had formed and to add yet another layer of cross hatch pattern to the mix.
I did this all over the entire desk and allowed to dry overnight.
I have an entire blog dedicated to using sea spray additive - including THREE completely different applications. Click HERE for all the details!
Looking for a Slightly Warmer Tone
The desk was now a gorgeous soft white with a gray undertone but my client really wanted an off-white warmer look.
So I added a single coat of the very versatile and neutral color called Drop Cloth (I believe it is Dixie Belle's top selling color).
I applied this coat using a worn out premium chip brush also using the cross hatch method.
The natural bristles of the brush and the cross hatch motion add yet another layer of texture to this finish. This gives it the look of a plaster finish and is so gorgeous!
Creating an Aged Look with Dark Wax
When the piece was fully dry I applied a single coat of Top Coat Satin in preparation for my plan to use a dark wax to age the desk. The top coat seals the paint and keeps the paint from grabbing too much of the dark wax. I want dark wax to age it and settle gently into the texture but I don't want the entire piece to turn brown. The top coat makes this possible.
Once dry I began to apply the Best Dang Wax in brown to all the under-skirting and legs.
I used the French Tip brush as it really helps to get into the crevices and around the trim pieces. I apply the wax quite heavily and wipe away the excess using a damp cloth.
Just look how it instantly aged the desk without making it look dirty.
I am already in love!
Aging the Top *Flat* Surface
Now for the scary part! The top flat surface. Using dark wax on a large flat surface can be challenging. My tips to you are:
1. Always apply top coat first.
2. Apply in circular pattern.
3. Wipe away with damp rag in circular pattern.
4. Follow with long wiping motions from left to right....until the finish is even and in the color you want.
Now for my favorite part.....Gold Application!
I am using a Posh Pigment antique gold mica powder that I mix with Top Coat in gloss. I apply this liquid mixture to every surface that I want in gold....using a small craft brush.
The gold looks amazing over the heavily textured finish and it is the finishing touch that brings forth the final Italian Florentine look!
The Finished Look: White and Gold Italian Florentine Desk Makeover
I love this desk!
It is white and I love it!
I couldn't keep my hands off of it while photographing it. I'm a texture girl and this desk delivers the texture!
My client was so incredibly happy......and that makes the SIX layers worth it!
More Inspiration: Painted Desks
As always, I like to bring you additional pieces for inspiration. Have a peek at these unique custom desks that I've created over the years!
Bold Cobalt Blue Desk - a bold custom office desk order that makes a real impact
Colorful French Desk - a true one-of-kind piece! A party in desk form! I call this one "Beauty in Chaos"
Faux Malachite Desk - this is a favorite from many many years ago
Glam Desk - whimsy meets glam
Click on any photo below for more up-close photos and all the design details
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