Before and after photos - upcycle project
Last weekend I decided to undertake the task of transforming on old desk to one my husband and I can use comfortably. Desk ergonomics[1] recommend your desk [workstation] should have the following features:
- a flat smooth surface for the keyboard and mouse so they can be used on the same level
- space to position all the equipment so that posture or vision is not compromised when completing tasks
- a suitable height (e.g. 680-720 mm when measured from the top of the workstation to the floor)
- adequate clearance for legs under the desktop
- sufficient space under the desk to comfortably stretch legs
[1] Economic Guide to Computer Based Workstations by Queensland Government https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/83067/guide-ergo-comp-workstations.pdf
Current desk is not ergonomic
Our current desk was far too narrow and low down to sit at comfortably. There was not enough space for either of us to stretch our legs and the keyboard and mouse were on different levels. The screen was also positioned too low.
Old desk we found to be upcycled
The new desk we found on Facebook Marketplace for free (yes, free!) was a little tired and missing a handle but I knew it had potential. The top was a bit scratched but nothing a good sand down couldn’t fix. The man who gave it to us had a story about how his uncle had made the desk for him and his wife around 40 years ago. I love furniture with some history and it made the restoration even more special. The measurements fitted the recommendations of desk ergonomics much better than our current desk.
Step-by-step guide including top tips on upcycling a desk:
For this project I used the following tools and materials:
- An old sheet (to rest the desk on to avoid paint going everywhere and also to protect the desk top whilst it is upside down)
- Sandpaper – coarse (40 grit) and fine (240 grit)
- Dishcloth and Turpentine (to wipe surfaces free from dust)
- Wood Putty and Putty Knife (to fill holes and chips in wood)
- Varnish, varnish brush & stirrer (I chose a satin finish and a water-based varnish for easy cleaning afterwards and less toxic smells)
- Spray paint (I chose Flat black (Matte) and ended up using 2 cans. It was quicker for me to spray than hand paint and less brush cleaning afterwards)
- Face mask (to protect yourself from the dust and the spray paint fumes)
- Masking Tape and Bin Bags (to ensure drawers and areas I didn’t want to be painted were kept safe from the spray paint)
- Screwdriver (for removing handles and fixing new ones)
Step 1
I started with the drawers and took them out of the desk. I removed the handles using the screwdriver and then sanded the drawer fronts (I wasn’t going to paint the inside of the drawers so I didn’t worry about these). Wearing the face mask, I used the coarse sand paper to remove any existing varnish and wiped the dust away with a small amount of turpentine on the dish cloth. I filled any holes with the wood putty using the putty knife. Once the putty was dry (around 10 minutes) I used the finer sandpaper to ensure the drawer front was nice and smooth. I again wiped away the dust using the cloth and turps.
Step 2
I masking taped around the edge of the drawers and covered the areas of the drawers I didn’t want to be painted with a bin bag fixed in place with masking tape.
Step 3
Ready for spray painting! Wearing the face mask, I stood the desk drawers up on an old sheet in the garden and spray painted the drawer fronts. I found 2 coats was sufficient, waiting approx. 1 hour between coats (please check your spray paint directions as this can vary).
Step 4
Now for the main desk. I followed the same procedure starting with the desk legs and base. I stood the desk upside down on an old sheet in the garden and sanded the base of the desk, starting with the coarse sandpaper. I wiped the dust away with the dishcloth and a small amount of turpentine and then filled any holes with the wood putty and putty knife. Once the putty was dry, I sanded again with the finer sandpaper. Doing this ensures a smoother finish in the end. I wiped away the dust again with the cloth and turps and then used masking tape to cover any areas I didn’t want to be painted. I didn’t need to use bin bags this time.
Step 5
I sprayed the desk base (which took 2 coats and 2 cans of spray paint!) leaving approximately 1-2 hours between coats.
Step 6
Once completely dry (I left the desk overnight), I turned the desk over so it was now the right way up. I decided to varnish the top rather than paint so I sanded with the coarse sandpaper. I tried to remove all scratches and stains. It is best to take your time over this as this will be the most visible part of the desk and varnish will not cover it (not like paint). Once I was happy with the finish, I wiped away the dust with the dishcloth and turps and used the finer sandpaper to smooth the surface, finally wiping away any dust.
Step 7
Varnish time! I stirred the varnish well with the stirrer (recommended for 5 mintues) and used the varnish brush to paint one coat of clear satin varnish over the desk top and edges. I ended up doing two coats of varnish (the varnish I used recommended a minimum of two coats) leaving 1 hour in between for the varnish to dry. After the final coat – before placing anything heavy on the desk – leave the varnish to dry and strengthen for 24 hours. Please check your varnish instructions as they may differ. Mine was a water-based, satin finish varnish.
Step 8
I fixed four of the old handles back on and added two new handles using the screwdriver.
Voila! End result
A stylish, revamped, solid wood desk with much better ergonomic design. So far we have both enjoyed working at it this week much more than the old, un-ergonomic desk. I hope the previous owners are proud their custom-made desk is being loved and used.
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Beautiful makeover! I don’t know that I would have seen the potential but you made it come to life again! Great step-by-step instructions too.
Thank you for your comment Sally. Glad you enjoyed the post.