The finish I chose for this desk was inspired by some beautiful woodwork inside one of my favorite Thai restaurants in Seattle, Thaiku. The wood in there wasn't just plain old dark brown, it had a rich warmth to the color and such a beautiful glossy shine that I couldn't get enough of looking at it. Also, I recommend Mieng Kamn and the Green Curry Noodle Bowl.

 

These smaller pictures were taken after I had started stripping off the paint but gave up on ever finishing the project due to the rainy Seattle weather. Eventually I moved to Southern California, bought a new electric sander, and gave that desk the finish it deserved!