Welcome to Part 2 of my Road-Rescue Series using General Finishes Products. I’d like to do some more of these ‘series-posts’… they’re kind of fun… and I hope you’re enjoying these before and afters.
When I first laid eyes on this writing desk, I wasn’t going to stop to pick it up. The top looked really beaten and un-salvageable.
After taking a closer look-see (sometimes it pays to slow down to investigate) I realized the veneer top was peeling off from water damage but the wood underneath looked pretty darn good.
Lucky me… a little work but an easy fix!
Once the veneer was all removed, (7 easy tips & tutorial here) the top was stained with General Finishes Java Gel Stain. The stain was aggressively wiped off in areas to create an old look where it would have naturally worn with regular use.
The set was painted in Miss Mustard Seeds Tricycle Milk Paint and Glazed with General Finishes Van Dyke Brown Glaze Effects.
The GF Van Dyke Glaze is very similar to the GF Gel Stain. Looks the same, smells the same and is just as easy to work with. No runny mess and easy to apply.
I did find I had to work quickly with this glaze as it wasn’t leaving me much “play” time before it dried, however I L-o-V-e the ‘old-world-effect’ it provided for this piece.
Stay tuned for the final Part #3 of the Road-Rescue Series when I’ll be painting with General Finishes Milk Paint. I’m really looking forward to giving it a try because I’ve heard rave reviews. If you missed Part #1 on General Finishes Gel Stain you can find it here.
If you have any questions or comments about General Finishes Van Dyke Brown Glaze Effects, I’d love to hear them!
And don’t forget to check back in next week. I’ll share some tips and techniques I used to remove this damaged veneer.
Enjoy your day!
Denise x
Hello again... I'm so happy you dropped by! Let's keep in touch! Follow me on social media or sign up for a dose of furniture painting inspiration and diy tutorials. :) 
Where can I find your techniques on using the glaze?
I first saw this make over on another page, didn’t realize there were more photos, and said I wanted to see more since there was damage to the top. I see it now, good job! Next time I shall not comment before having ‘wake up’ coffee. Nice work, Denise!
Thanks you! x
That is great. I have taken the veneer off top of a dresser. The wood under it was prettier. Good job. Red is my accent color in my home . Thanks for sharing.
Often times the wood underneath IS prettier! Thanks for reading and commenting Rosemary. 🙂
This desk and chair are absolutely beautiful~! Of course the color red is my favorite…I need to try some of these techniques out…
What did you seal the top of the desk with?
Lisa, the General Finishes Java Gel Stain can be used as an all-in-one stain/sealer because it “produces a tough polyurethane finish”. Because I applied several coats to get the “old” effect, I didn’t use an additional topcoat.
Great job again Denise…love the color and the desk is a perfect size for a little nook!
The top is gorgeous. Is that just the stain giving it that shine?
Thank you… and YES.. that’s the General Finishes Java Gel Stain giving it the shine!
I received samples of both the General Finishes Tuscan Red and Seagull Gray milk paint, and I really loved using them. They spread on smoothly with a brush and the first coat is a bit translucent, so the grain peeks through in places if you like that effect. Their Top Coat finish is easy to use, too. I’m looking forward to seeing more of your work.
Thanks Kathy, and good to know! My next project is going to be painted with the General Finishes Milk Paint.
Gorgeous work. Love the desk. I really have to start using milk paint more often and I’m dying to try this new product
Thank you Carole! It took me a few tries to ‘adjust’ working with Milk Paints but I really like the end results.