How to Restore an Antique Roll-top Desk

Move the roll-top desk to a clean and well-ventilated work space. Cover the floors of the work space with plastic or paper sheeting and tape the floor covering to the floor with painter's tape to keep it from moving during the restoration process.

Strip the finish from the desk using paint or varnish thinner and clean rags. You can strip just the top of the desk if you are restoring it due to common wear and tear from regular use, or you can strip the whole roll-top desk, including the back and sides, if you want to give the desk a more updated, uniform look.

Use 150 to 180 grit sandpaper to smooth the surface of the wood after stripping the original finish. If the desk contains any marks or visible blemishes, use 80 to 120 grit sandpaper on those areas to help smooth them out to look more like the rest of the wood. This will help you apply a more even coat of paint or stain.

Paint the wood with a light coat of primer if you plan on restoring the desk with paint instead of wood stain. If you are staining the desk with wood stain, you should not apply primer.

Apply wood stain or paint to the desk. Choose a color similar to the original finish if you are looking to simply restore the desk to its original luster. For a more contemporary look, consider using a darker, less natural color that will match more modern décor. Allow the wood stain or paint to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Seal the stain with a coat of shellac, working with the grain of the wood for a natural looking coating. If you are using paint on the roll-top desk, seal the desk with a coat of polyurethane instead of shellac, working with the grain of the wood or in the same direction in which you applied the paint if the grain is no longer visible. Allow the shellac or polyurethane coating to dry as instructed by the manufacturer.

Replace the handles and locks of your desk with new ones, if they exhibit any wear and tear. This can help complete the updated or refurbished look of the roll-top desk.