Hi friend, it’s time for another Themed Furniture Makeover! This month’s theme is decoupage, and I’m no stranger to updating furniture with some pretty paper and Mod Podge. 😉 I’ll show you how to decoupage a desk like the vintage one below.
This was a commissioned project, and I was thrilled when my client asked me to give this desk a French-themed makeover with decoupage for her daughter’s birthday. (French + Decoupage = Just my style!)
How to Chalk Paint a Desk
First I gave it a good sanding to smooth out some peeling areas. I planned to do two layers and some distressing, so I painted a base layer of Old Ochre Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan. The water rings bled through this layer, but it was okay since I planned to make the desk dark. If I had wanted to keep the desk a light color I would’ve used a shellac primer before painting.
*Learn all my best tips for How to Chalk Paint Furniture here.
I sanded to smooth out the brushstrokes and then added two coats of Graphite Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan. Then I lightly sanded again- especially the edges to give it a distressed, naturally aged look. Both clear and dark wax were used to make the desk look more black. (Graphite with just clear wax looks dark gray.) Update: Now Annie Sloan offers a true black paint color – Athenian Black Chalk Paint.
For the drawers, I used matte Mod Podge to glue French-themed scrapbook paper on the fronts. One layer of Mod Podge under and then another thin layer on top after a few minutes.
The hardware also got Graphite Chalk Paint and both clear and dark wax.
I LOVE how it turned out – but more importantly, my client and her daughter love it too!
The reddish book (second from the bottom) was one of my French textbooks from high school. The others I’ve collected over time, and the top two I’ve brought on our trips to Paris. 😉
Below you can see where some Old Ochre and also the wood underneath are peeking through.
Here’s another Chalk Painted desk idea:
And even more inspiration below from my friends!
– Jen, Girl in the Garage
[email protected] of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer says
I think you already know how totally in love with this piece I am! Such a gorgeous makeover. I know your friend’s daughter went bananas over it! Love it! XO
[email protected] of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer recently posted…Decoupaged Paper Mosaic Rolling Cart
Jen says
Thank you so much Christy- you are too sweet! 🙂
Angie @ Postcards from the Ridge says
You rocked it Jen! That desk is gorgeous. I can see why your client loved it. Anything French is a good idea!
Angie @ Postcards from the Ridge recently posted…How to Decoupage Furniture
Breanna says
Oooo la la! This turned out fabulous, Jen! How could your client not love it?!
Breanna recently posted…Martha Washington :: Themed Furniture Makeover Day
Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle says
What a GREAT transformation! LOVE that black and white theme! Life to the full! Melissa
Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle recently posted…Paint and Decoupage Furniture
Jen says
Thank you Melissa! So happy to be touring with you!
Meegan says
The look is ideal for this piece. I really like the new decoupage look.
Meegan recently posted…Decoupaged Target Bookcase
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
Oh you rocked this one for sure Jen!!! It’s a beauty!!!
Nancy
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule recently posted…$5 Thrifty French Paper Decoupage Table {themed makeover}
Shanna Gilbert says
This is so pretty Jen! I love the black and white papers you went with! I’m sure your client loved it!
Shanna Gilbert recently posted…Decoupaged Vintage Child’s Dresser
Jen says
Thank you Shanna! Have a happy Labor Day holiday! 🙂
[email protected] says
I adore everything about this desk and know that the young girl that now uses it shows it off to all of her friends when they come over. Thanks for the tip for using clear and dark wax on black graphite chalk paint.
[email protected] recently posted…Media Cabinet Makeover with Decoupage
Jen says
Thank you Paula! Hope you’re enjoying the holiday weekend 🙂
Debbie says
You had me at French 🙂 Love the graphite! and the paper!!
Debbie
Debbie recently posted…Decoupage with Mod Podge Chair Refresh
Beth says
This is so fantastic Jen!!! I love with the black and white contrast! You did a fabulous job on this piece.
Beth recently posted…How to Decoupage a Sidetable {Themed Furniture Makeover Day}
Jen says
Thank you so much Beth! Hope you’re having a great holiday weekend!
Deana says
I love the black and white! Super cute.
Deana recently posted…Thinning paint for HVLP spray gun
Jen says
Thank you so much Deana! I love black and white together also. 🙂
Wendi @ H2OBungalow says
This is so pretty. I would take this desk home and decorate a whole room around it in a minute! Just love how you mixed the paper styles on the drawer fronts too:)
Wendi @ H2OBungalow recently posted…Americana Decoupage Chairs
Jen says
Thank you Wendi! This is the perfect piece to create a room around- and it’s just my style! (Too bad I couldn’t keep it) 😉
Christy @ Our Southern Home says
What girl of any age wouldn’t love this!!! It turned out just beautifully!!! Love touring with you! ~Christy
Christy @ Our Southern Home recently posted…Decoupaged Desk
Jen says
Thank you Christy!! 🙂 It’s great touring with you also!
Kathy, Petticoat Junktion says
Jen, you are a pro at decoupage. You know what works together and that sets you apart from other DIYer’s. This piece is gorgeous.
Kathy, Petticoat Junktion recently posted…Easy Bandana Pattern Decoupage Table
Jen says
Kathy you are too sweet. Thank you for the compliment. 🙂 I have done a lot of decoupage projects, LOL.
Jeanette says
I’m so in love with the color on this desk from the moment I saw it. I took down your steps so I can recreate it! Fingers~crossed! You are a decoupage expert! Beautiful job! ~Jeanette
Jeanette recently posted…Share Your Project
Jen says
Thank you Jeanette! Let me know if you try it 🙂
Susan says
Love this!! This is one of your best pieces!! I’m sure she loves it.
Jen says
Susan, thank you! XO
Therese @ Fresh Idea Studio says
Crushing of the black and white Jen! You NAILED that desk redo! Gorgeous! I bet it totally makes the room it’s in!
Therese @ Fresh Idea Studio recently posted…How to DIY Perfect Stripes on an Imperfect Wall
Carmody says
Wow! what a beautiful desk makeover!
Carmody recently posted…On Display Thursday #10
Julie says
LOVE this!!! So beautiful! I’ve been wanting to makeover my desk in the bedroom and this would be so beautiful in there. Definitely going to have to give this a try!
Chrissie says
Gorgeous! The paper adds such a unique flair!
Chrissie recently posted…Peacock Blue Beauties
Martha says
It’s beautiful and so well done!
Jen says
Thank you so much Martha!
Mari says
beautiful work following via email and added this to my must try projects folder!!!
Mari recently posted…Peppers stuffed w/ Mashed Potatoes & Tomatoes
Jen says
Thank you so much Mari! 🙂
[email protected] Interior Frugalista says
Oh my gosh Jen, I think this is one of my favorite decoupaged pieces yet – gorgeous!
Helen says
Wow, wow, wow…………how awesome is that black and white dresser. I envy the amazing creativity you ladies have. I live in New Zealand and am not familiar with what “Mod Podgel” is. It is an amazing country but it seems to take years for the latest things to reach here….!!! Does it seal the paper so it won’t rip. Best regards, Helen.
Nikki says
I’m quite enjoying a bit of decoupage recently so enjoyed this post a lot! I’ve shared it on my 5 of The Best feature over on http://www.bigredbarn.co.uk x
Nikki recently posted…Five of the best… No 4
Jen says
Thank you so much Nikki! I do love to decoupage also 🙂
Barngirl says
I have a dresser that is ugly as sin and would like to do something like you did here. Will that treatment work on metal? Thanks!
Jen says
Hi Barngirl,
I know that Annie Sloan Chalk Paint will adhere to metal, and from the bit of research I’ve done, Mod Podge should work fine on metal too. If it’s a very smooth surface you may want to rough it up a little first. Hope that helps- good luck!
Kelsi says
is just one layer of modge podge on top enough to seal it from scratching/wearing? Did you put some clear wax on as well?
Jen says
Hi Kelsi,
If I Mod Podge on a horizontal surface (or with thin paper), I’ll do a few layers for extra protection. On these drawers I think I only did one layer since it’s vertical and the scrapbook paper was thick like cardstock. I don’t wax over the paper- just the painted areas.
Hope that helps! Jen
Shane Ann says
I have already painted my furniture with chalk paint and want to apply photos with decoupage. Can I do that over the chalk paint? I have not applied the wax yet. Thanks for your help!
Jen says
Shane Ann, you shouldn’t have any problems adding decoupage over Chalk Paint. I always use Mod Podge- is that what you’re planning to use? However I do not suggest waxing over the decoupage. Hope that helps – good luck!
Shane Ann says
Thanks so much for your reply. Yes I was planning to use Mod Podge. Do I need to print the photos I want to use on copy paper or is photo paper okay?