An exciting upcycling project!
I’ve been busy giving this old children’s desk a makeover and along the way I found these gorgeous animal knobs from Abodent. Not only am I able to showcase the fun before-and-after pictures of my hard work with you today but I’m also launching a giveaway. Just for you, my lovely readers.
Abodent sells lots of colourful and uniquely shaped knobs – from insects to safari animal desk accessories (like you can see below) they’ve got plenty that I’m sure will suit your upcycling taste 😉
Now, what are you waiting for? Enter by the rafflecopter below today for your chance to win £25 to spend at Abodent store online on knobs of your choosing.
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t’s and c’s apply.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
If you remember, a couple of years ago I upcycled this beaut of a writing bureau which turned out really brilliantly. This upcycled table is no exception, if I do say so myself 😉
Kids Desk Upcycling Tutorial with Pictures!
BEFORE:
1. Prepare your Old Kids Desk
Prep is really important. It makes it easier along the line of your upcycling project. So, go ahead and unscrew the old knobs and throw them away (or re-purpose them?) and take those drawers out.
2. Remove the Paint or Varnish on your Furniture
Remove the paint or varnish that is already on your old desk. This needs to be done so that the new layer of your chosen paint or lacquer is even and so that it looks professional.
This is hard work but it was made easier by B&Q’s awesome varnish stripper. I left it on for half an hour (at least. Once, I left it for a couple of hours for sure.) Use a scraper, sponges, scourers and anything else that you find that might work. Be sure to wear thick gloves and cover your face so that you don’t breathe this stuff in though as it’s really strong and powerful.
3. Sand down your Furniture
Once that’s done, it’s time to sand down whatever is left after your hours of labour in the first step… trust me it’s worth it in the end! I used a hand sander that I bought from eBay for about £20. It’s electric and works like a charm. My tips for this would be do it on a dry, windy day so that the debris flies away with ease, rather than getting stuck on the surface.
4. Paint your Desk
Make sure that it’s clean and dry, especially as sanding wood can be so messy. Then start painting.
I painted my desk a mocha colour. It has a lovely light hue as well as a tinge of purple and light brown in my opinion but you make of it what you will. Either way, it’s perfect for my Safari themed knobs, which leads me nicely to the next stage…
5. Add Animal Knobs to your Desk
Adding the finishing touches and accessories is always the nice, easy part. Here it took me only a few minutes to put the rhinos, elephant, and hippopotamus onto my drawers.
AFTER:
Perfect desk for a Safari themed kids bedroom!
It was a lot of hard work but it was all worth it. I’m selling it too as I unfortunately don’t have room for this beauty any longer so if you’d like to buy it for £50, it’s pick up only. Based in Essex and can be reached via [email protected].
A massive thanks to Abodent who provided me with the knobs for the desk makeover as well as the gift for the awesome giveaway.
Polina
This is beautiful. I love it xxxx
Alina
Thanks lovely x
Harriet
This is so wonderful, I love the patina on the animal knobs, in the past I’ve only ever seen really garish knobs so these are great!
I’m also interested to hear you had a positive experience with varnish stripper, I’ve always been wary of it but I need to give it a try!!
Alina
Haha I must say I was scared to use it at first but wearing a face mask and thick gloves really helped 🙂 let me know if you try it!
lorraine kirk
It’s gold. Wow, I love what you have done – it looks amazing! Feeling inspired 🙂
Alina
Yes, you’re right! Thank you and glad you’ve been inspired.
Helen
Wow what a great upcycle – those knobs are so unique, perfect for a child’s bedroom!
Alina
Thanks Helen, I thought the knobs were unique too 🙂
five little doves
Wow this looks great! I’ve never attempted to upcycle anything, DIY isn’t really my forte!!
Alina
I recommend starting with something small and then with practice I’m sure anyone can do it 😉
cheryl hadfield
GOLD
Holly - Little Pickle's Mom
Wow, what a great upcycle! You’ve done an amazing job. Love the knob handles especially – they make it so special.
JULIE WARD
Gold, I have a table I need to upcycle when I find the time
Kerry norris
You’ve done a fab job. Those knobs are amazing. My littlest has a safari themed bedroom so they’d be perfect for there
Allan Fullarton
Gold
Kim Neville
Gold
jo liddement
The Queen Bee cupboard knob is Gold and i love the variety of designs.
Susan B
The Queen Bee is a gold colour. What a fab range they have and you desk upcycle looks brilliant.
Kimberley Ryan
Gold
Monika Bascombe
gold
Steph
Great idea, just a simple change like the knobs brings it all together and make a it a fantastic piece!
Black Friday Sales
I just love it. This is an amazing makeover. This desk is looking beautiful.