How to Repaint Veneer Desks

Remove the drawers from the desk plus any decorative hardware.

Clean the desk and the previously removed drawers, using a mild household cleaner. After cleaning, wipe everything down with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue left behind by the cleaner.

Sand the desk and drawer fronts lightly using the orbital sander and fine-grade sandpaper. A very light sanding is all that’s necessary. Rather than sanding away the veneer, the idea is only to roughen up the surface a bit so the primer and paint will adhere well.

Wipe away all sawdust from the desk and drawer fronts using a clean, damp cloth.

Patch holes and imperfections with paintable wood filler. Once dry, sand until it's smooth.

Spray the desk and drawer fronts with one light coat of spray-on primer. Hold the can approximately 12 inches away from the surface and spray with a back and forth motion. Holding the can too close will cause drips. Allow the primer to dry completely, typically two to three hours.

Apply two to three light coats of interior latex paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before reapplying (typically 24 hours). For the best finish, roll on the paint using long, smooth strokes, and don't roll excessively over the same area. Be patient and resist the urge to try to completely cover the surface with one thick coat. Several light coats will produce a much better finish than one very thick coat.

Allow the desk to dry for at least 36 hours -- longer if conditions are cold or humid -- before replacing the hardware and drawers.