It’s not every day that you find a free piece of furniture. This solid wood executive desk was left behind in our recently purchased ranch home, and I think it was meant to be. It’s meant to be my new office desk, but not before I give it a natural raw wood finish with a paint combo. I think you’re going to like this DIY.
Thanks to Dixie Belle Paint Co for sponsoring this post. While I was compensated to write this post, all opinions are my own.
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How To Get A Natural Raw Wood Finish On Furniture
Here is the before in all its amazing wood glory. Would you just look at the details on this desk? P O T E N T I A L The backside is equally gorgeous. I’ll show you later on in this blog post. Of course, I offered it to my hubby first because it was in an upstairs bedroom that he claimed for his office, but he declined, and I’m so glad he did.
I know precisely what this desk needs, and a natural raw wood finish will look stunning in my breezeway office. It’s a temporary space until I can get my new office completed. A new home, a new office, a new desk. SCORE!
SUPPLY LIST:
- Wood Furniture
- White Lightning (powerful cleaner for furniture before painting)
- spray mist bottle
- SurfPrep Sanding System (Discount code DOIT10 to save 10% on purchase)
- Au Naturel VooDoo Gel Stain (water-based)
- Gator Hide (topcoat)
- 2 Minute Remover Advanced (varnish and paint remover)
- Odorless Mineral Spirits
- Premium Chip Brush
- Scarlet Brush (to apply the SILK all one mineral paint)
- Cactus (SILK All-In-One Mineral Paint)
- Minwax Paste Finishing Wax (to help wood drawers slide easier)
- modern black hardware
How To Remove An Old Stained Finish
Before we begin, let’s chat a little about stripping old finishes. The way I see it, there are two ways to do this.
- If the wood finish is old and brittle, it’s easiest to use a sander with coarse-grit sandpaper (100 grit) and rip the old finish off, including the stain, to reveal the natural wood. Finish it up using 220 grit sandpaper, and it’s ready to go.
- Use a chemical stripper to remove the old finish, and then once the wood is dry, use a sander to remove any leftover stain or finish to expose the natural raw wood.
If you know me, I chose #1 as my method. To me, it’s quicker and easier with a lot less mess. Just a lot of wood dust! Wear your mask.
How To Apply A Natural Raw Wood Finish On Furniture
If you chose to use the sanding method to remove the old finish on your wood furniture, you’d need to remove all the wood dust from the surface before you proceed. I use my shop vac with a brush attachment! It does a great job.
Now is a good time to vacuum the inside of your piece too.
I used Dixie Belle’s Au Naturel VooDoo Gel Stain to get the natural raw wood finish I was seeking.
It’s super easy to work with, and it’s water-based. After the application with a brush (to get down into the crooks and crannies), simply wipe back any remaining stain on the surface before it dries. It will dry quickly, but no worries. To remedy this, use a spray mist bottle with water, lightly mist over the stain, and wipe back the stain until you get the finish you want.
Painting The Desk To Compliment The Natural Raw Wood Finish
To complete the look of a paint and stain combo on my desk, I used Dixie Belle’s SILK All-In-One Mineral Paint in this beautiful green color called CACTUS. Its natural, earthy color gives off the feeling of calmness. That’s exactly what I need in my office.
DIY Natural Raw Wood Finish… The LOOK
How did I get so lucky to have this fantastic desk just put in front of me? Was it meant to be? I think so.
Thank you for joining me today on my blog. I sure have enjoyed sharing my natural raw wood finish desk with you and hope you’ll consider this look on your next makeover. That’s if you love wood as much as I DO.
And don’t forget to share this on your PINTEREST board and let me know you stopped by. I always enjoy hearing from you. kiss kiss
Until the next project… xo, Do
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!💚💚💚
I was very curious about the Au Naturel stain. It gives an almost bleached effect. Thank you for the side by side before & after shot! 😊
Hi Stacey! Thanks for stopping by. It does look a lot like the beached look without nearly as much work. 🙂 xo
It’s absolutely beautiful! I love the color combinations. You really turned a trash to a treasure!
Thank you, Laura! It feels good to revive these old pieces. 🙂 xo
This desk is gorgeous. I do believe it was a meant to be. I can’t wait to see the house when finished.
Thank you, Lynne! It’s still a work in progress, but we have made such a difference in this ranch home. We LOVE it! I promise to share more. 🙂 xo
Just beautiful Do! You preform miracles!
LOL, not hardly but I do love what I do. Thank you! xo 🙂
Absolutely gorgeous, my friend. I’m so enjoying watching your home come together. Hugs and blessings to you
Thank you, Renea! I can’t wait to see you in Atlanta, my friend. I want to hear all about what you’ve been up to. 🙂 xo
Super gorgeous Do! I love the natural wood paired with Cactus! 🙌
Thanks, Denise! It is a great combination. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂 xo
Do, what luck! That desk is perfect with your touch. I love how beautiful it is with the VooDoo Gel Stain and the Cactus Silk All-In-One Mineral Paint. Stunning, my friend!
Thanks, Tammy! It was luck and a desire to save every piece of furniture that is put in front of me. Call it a sickness. LOL 🙂
Beautiful transformation! I really like the color combo. How fun that it was left especially for you! Definitely meant to be!
Especially for me… I like that very much. Thank you, Kim. 🙂 xo
Love it!! The color combo is great!
Your new place is fantastic! Those windows! I’m just wondering how long until you paint the brick exterior I spy in the window 😂😂😂 Don’t forget to look into Romabio Paint on Instagram before you do. It’s made for that.
Hi Jackie!
I wanted to paint it the first time I saw the home, but the longer I’m here, the more I’m okay with it. It’s a ranch home, and I think painting it would appear out of place. I like the larger blocks instead of the traditional brick, and thank goodness it’s not RED. Time will tell. LOL 🙂
This is gorgeous Do!
Thanks, Wendy! I’m so glad you could join me here. 🙂 xo
This piece is stunning, Do! The finishes really highlight how lovely it is. The stain seems like a safer way to get the bleached wood look. I’m so excited to watch the progression of your new home and the updates you are doing! Pinned!
Hi Cindy,
It was easier than bleaching, that’s for sure. The looks are different, but I really like the Au Naturel stain. Thank you 🙂 xo
Where’s the other side of the piece? I only saw one side.
Hi Loretta, I’m sorry I couldn’t capture the other side; it’s super heavy, and I had some help to move it in, and they didn’t hang around for me to stage and photograph. Oh well.
Beautiful! You are a great teacher! Thank you for sharing all your knowledge!!!
Hi Mayra! I appreciate your kind words. I’m always happy to share with others. 🙂 xo
Gorgeous!
I’m a little jealous. ☺️
Hi Joanne! It’s not every day you find a desk like this one. I’m pretty happy with how it turned out. Thanks for reading. 🙂 xo