How to Paint a Wooden Desk White

Wooden desks can look old and outdated. A fresh coat of white paint will give the desk a modern look, and covering it with the neutral color will allow it to match any decor. Replacing old desk pulls with new ones will add to the desk's makeover. When painting a wooden desk white, sanding is always necessary because it makes the paint stick. Painting is an inexpensive alternative to staining. Always paint furniture in a well-ventilated area.

Bucket
Water
Dishwashing liquid
Sponge
Towel
Screwdriver
220 grit sandpaper
Tack cloth
Foam paint roller
Primer
Latex paint, white

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a bucket with warm water. Add enough dishwashing liquid to create suds. Wipe down the desk with the soapy water using a sponge. Rinse the sponge in clean water, and wipe the desk again to rinse. Dry the desk with a towel.
- 2
  Remove the desk pulls and any other hardware with a screwdriver. Pull the drawers out. Sand the desk surface with 220-grit sandpaper, following the grain of the wood, until all rough spots and old finishes are gone. Wipe the desk with tack cloth to remove sanding dust.
- 3
  Open the can of primer. Dip a foam roller into the primer. Apply a thin coat of primer to the entire surface of the desk with the foam roller. Use even strokes that overlap. Let the primer dry according to the instructions on the package.
- 4
  Open the white interior latex paint. Apply the paint in the same way you applied the primer, using a foam roller. Let the paint dry 24 hours, and then reinstall the hardware and replace the drawers.

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