Re-imagined Ballard Designs Desk

Shayne brought me this desk a few weeks ago...it was in near perfect condition, with a cream, distressed factory finish. It belongs to a client of Shayne's, who wanted it "aged out". Admittedly, I was nervous...for 2 reasons:

1. This is a desk made by Ballard ($$)
2. It had a shiny, very durable factory finish.



I went through all of the steps for this desk. Beginning with a good sanding. I knew I was going to use oil based primer, but I didn't want to leave any room for error or take a chance that the new finish would scrape off.

I use Zinsser Cover Stain and it has never let me down. I gave the desk 2 coats of primer, followed by 2 coats of white latex paint/primer in one...in Eggshell finish. Distressing this one was more difficult because I needed to get through my new finish along with the factory finish in order for the wood to show through. But I did it, and the desk went home yesterday! Here she is in her new finish!













What do you think? Have you ever been scared to paint something?

~Allison