To Restore or Not to Restore - That is the Question

[Kiwidave]

Question for the hive mind:

I have been given this desk for my painting, modelling etc. I'm in two (three?) minds whether I should attempt to smarten it up.






It's not the most well-made desk, and quite clearly past it's prime. I can't open the central door without forcing it as I don't have a key.

If I do tart it up, I'm leaning towards stripping out the internal drawers, and painting the exterior matt/satin black so that it matches the rather nice computer desk I've bought from Ikea. I'd do the interior on off-white, or possibly light grey.

Restoring it to its wood finish would be the most effort, and I'm no cabinet maker...

Over to you, gentlemen.

[Noktu]

I assume it still has some laquer on top?

You could try to paint it with a dark pigmented laquer. So you would not need to sand it at all.

And I'd probably pick the locks open and remove them alltogether and just glue the face back after painting.

I'd definately try to touch it up, it has a certain mystique to it!

[Dave Fielder]

I'd got for it, keeping the natural colour. It'll take some sanding and then a coat to finish off but the effort will be worth it.

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Sand, wax, or sell to my wife for her furniture restoration projects! 

[Noktu]

https://salvagedinspirations.com/5-ways-to-paint-furniture-without-sanding/

Some great ways to avoid sanding

[Steve J]

I'd give it a coat/s of Danish oil, to help restore the wood and give it a nice finish. I think you would be pleasantly surprised. You can then wax over the top should you want to.

[FierceKitty]

Speak to an expert. But that's too handsome to go to waste.

[Sandinista]

I like the matt black idea, but then I was a Goth briefly in the 80s 

Cheers
Ian

[FierceKitty]

Goths couldn't have produced much black cloth, if a recent debate got it right.

[Techno]

I think you should pick the lock on that door...There might be something interesting hidden in there.

Cheers - Phil

[OldenBUA]

I am all for the practical solution. It's not the most spectacular desk, and it should fit with the other furniture, so just paint it black.

[fsn]

I'd give it a coat/s of Danish oil, to help restore the wood and give it a nice finish. I think you would be pleasantly surprised. You can then wax over the top should you want to.

Yup. Wot Mr J said.

[Kiwidave]

Cheers guys - given me something to think about

[Knowing me, I'll agonise over it for another month before making a decision...]

[Sandinista]

Goths couldn't have produced much black cloth, if a recent debate got it right.

That's why I stopped being a Goth - I ran out of cloth 

Cheers
Ian

[FierceKitty]

And why Swedes are so often nudists these days.