How to Make a Desk New Again

Remove all the old hardware with a screwdriver. Wipe the surface of the desk with a sponge dipped in soapy water. Rinse the sponge in clean water and wipe the desk to rinse it, then dry it with a towel.

Apply a paint stripper to the surface of the desk according to the package directions. Let the stripper sit for the instructed amount of time, then wipe off the melted paint with a putty knife. Take care to not gouge the wood while doing this. Let the wood air-dry.

Sand the entire desk with 150-grit sandpaper to remove any rough patches, then sand the surface again with 220 grit to smooth the wood. Follow the wood grain while sanding. Wipe down the surface with a tack cloth when you are finished.

Use a paint roller to apply an interior primer to the surface of the desk. For detailed spots or joints, use the 1 1/2 inch foam paintbrush to apply the primer. Let it dry according to the package directions. Rinse the roller and let it air-dry.

Apply interior latex paint in your choice of color over the primer with the roller, using even, overlapping strokes. Use the foam brush to apply the paint to hard-to-reach spots.

Let the paint dry completely. Once dry, sand the surface smooth with the 220-grit sandpaper, then wipe it with the tack cloth. Apply a second coat in the same way as the first, and let it dry.

Hold a can of lacquer spray 8 to 10 inches from the surface of the desk, then press the trigger. Apply the spray in long, even strokes, keeping the can 8 to 10 inches from the desk. Let the spray dry according to the directions on the can.

Install new hardware in your choice of design using the screwdriver.