Ideas to Refurbish an Old Formica Desk

Paint the Formica

• If your Formica or laminate is in good shape and basically unchipped, but is faded or dated, painting your desk with a spray paint formulated especially for plastics may be a viable option. There are a variety of paint brands and finishes available, including metallic, matte and gloss. Color choices are vast and run from standard primary colors to soft pastels to vivid brights. Preparation is simple: Clean the desk well with soap and water, and a quick sanding with medium-grit sandpaper over the area to be painted is recommended but not required. Taping off any areas you don't want painted on the desk is also recommended.

Paint the Wood

• Most Formica desks are a combination of the Formica veneer and a wood base. This wood base often falls into disrepair, gets scratched or chipped or generally looks worn. If your Formica is in good shape but your desk needs a lift, painting it will give it new life. To paint, apply wood putty to any cracks, holes and chips, sand down your wood and apply a coat of primer and a few coats of paint. White paint brightens and lightens the desk, while a bright red or bold blue adds visual excitement.

Stain the Wood

• If you enjoy the look of the original wood of the desk and would like to bring your desk back to its original glory, consider restaining the wood. Sanding the wood down to bring out the grain and applying new stain and a topcoat will show off the wood, making it look fresh. If your Formica is in good condition and the wood just needs some tender loving care, this solution is an affordable, viable option.

Replace the Formica

• If your Formica is chipped, faded or dinged beyond repair, consider having it replaced. Because the Formica is securely sealed to a wooden underlayment, this is a project that is best left to a professional restorer, especially if your desk is an antique or vintage piece worth lots of money.