How to Make Over an Old Desk

The Finish

• 1

  Evaluate the existing finish on the desk. Determine whether or not the desk's current finish can be cleaned or repaired to make it like new.

• 2

  Clean the desk with oil soap if you decide the existing finish can be saved. Apply the soap following the manufacturer's instructions, using a soft cloth. Work on a small area at a time, and dry each section thoroughly before moving on to the next area.

• 3

  Strip off the old finish if you decide the current finish is not worth saving, or if you want an entirely different look. Use commercial paint and varnish strippers, following label directions carefully. Sand the desk with progressively finer grits of sandpaper until the finish is smooth. Remove sanding dust with a tack cloth.

• 4

  Paint or varnish the desk in your choice of colors or methods, applying multiple coats where warranted. Sand lightly between coats, and remove sanding dust with a tack cloth. Allow the final coat to cure and harden for 24 to 48 hours before applying a clear, protective topcoat, if desired.

New Additions

• 5

  Evaluate the condition of the hardware, including drawer pulls and internal moving parts that help drawers open and close smoothly. If any drawers have built-in lock sets, consult a locksmith to determine if a key is available.

• 6

  Remove old drawer pulls before refinishing the drawer fronts, even if you plan to keep the hardware. If the drawer pulls are made of wood, refinish them along with the desk. Polish brass or metal pulls, if desired, or leave the patina of age if that is the effect you desire. Or, replace the pulls with new hardware to update the look of the desk.

• 7

  Evaluate the desktop, which is oftentimes scratched, scarred or otherwise defaced in an old desk in need of a makeover. If it is severely damaged, consider covering it with the same type of laminate used on kitchen countertops. Available in dozens of colors, prints and even textures, including wood grain, kitchen countertop laminate is permanently glued to the desktop. First fill in any scars or scratches with a wood filler product. Once dried and sanded, you won't notice the scratches after you apply the laminate.