How to Refinish a Formica Desk

Clean the desk thoroughly. Use a degreasing agent and a scrubbing pad to remove all of the gunk and oil from every surface. Use a toothbrush to get into any cracks that are hiding grime.

Rinse the desk with clean water and dry it with a clean, lint-free cloth.

Sand the desk with a medium-grit sandpaper to remove surface stains and even out nicks.

Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Smooth out any rough edges left from the medium-grit sandpaper, using fine-grit sandpaper. This smoothes out any rough sandpaper lines. But do not make the desk "glass smooth" or the paint will not adhere properly.

Clean away all the dust from the desk with a wet cloth. Allow the desk to air dry for several hours.

Apply a thin layer of primer to the entire desk and allow it to dry completely.

Rough the primer lightly, using fine-grit sandpaper. Clean away the resulting dust.

Apply a second coat of primer and allow it to dry thoroughly.

Rough the primer lightly, using fine-grit sandpaper. Clean away the dust.

Apply one thin coat of your chosen paint to the entire desk.

Rough the surface lightly with fine-grit sandpaper. Repeat the painting and roughing up process two or three times.

Sand the last coat of dried paint lightly with fine-grit sand paper and clean away the dust. Allow the desk to dry thoroughly.

Apply a clear sealant and allow it to dry.

Repeat until you have three coats of sealant on the desk. Do not sand the last coat.

Wax the entire desk with furniture wax. Use a sheepskin buffing cloth to give it a smooth finish.