Sneak Peak: Roll Top Desk

I finally did it, I tried chalk paint! I see what all the fuss is about now, this stuff is really amazing. It coats great, so soft to the touch, and distresses so much easier than regular latex.  I decided to try it on my first roll top - double gamble! I didn't know what I was getting into, luckily the whole process was relatively painless.  Here's a sneak peak:

My mom chose the color (thanks mom!), and I'm so happy about it. I knew that left to my own judgement, this would have probably been the brightest teal in the world. I'm sure that would look great, but it might not match with a lot of peoples homes! Since this was my first roll top, and the first chalk paint experiment, we felt traditional colors would be best. 

Roll tops desk are a lot easier than they look, don't let all those nooks and crannies scare you. I think using the chalk paint was perfect on this, because so much of the interior only needed one coat.   So, I decided to make the chalk paint myself.  For a few reasons: I'm impatient, cheap, and I was generally curious how it would turn out.  I used the recipe from I heart nap time.   It was great - though for me, I had to add a little more water in the beginning.  The plaster of paris sort of turned into a pile of clay, I just added more until it was smooth.

Well - I won't lay it all out here, but look for the full chalk paint tutorial & roll top experience in the next session of the School of Restoration.  Have a great one!