How to Paint a Desk White

Take apart as many elements of your desk as possible. Pull drawers out and remove handles, knobs or hinges. Lay down drop cloths to protect your furniture and floors.

Determine if your desk needs to be sanded. If your desk is made of laminate or other plastics, has been varnished or a sealer has been applied, you'll need to sand it. Also sand wood with nicks or scratches to smooth it out, or sand previous paint off if it's peeling or bubbling. Natural, stained or previously painted wood won't require sanding if it's in good condition. Metal does not require sanding, either.

Sand all surfaces of your desk, if necessary, with a medium-grit sand paper. An electric sander makes the job go faster, but you can do it with elbow grease if necessary. Sand the edges around the drawers as well. Once you've given it a thorough sanding with medium grit, switch to a fine-grit paper so you'll get a smoother finish.

Clean all elements of your desk to remove any dirt, dust, grime or debris that might be clinging to it. Clean it whether you sanded or not. Mix a teaspoon of dish detergent to a quart of warm water and wipe well with a rag. Use an old toothbrush to get into any decorative carvings, moldings or trim. Wipe it dry and let it air dry for a while.

Prime the surfaces of your desk. Pour the primer in a paint pan and use a roller for more even coverage. Use a brush for detailed areas such as decorative carvings.

Apply a second coat of primer. A third might be necessary if the previous color was very dark or bright and is bleeding through. Allow the coats drying time between applications.

Paint your desk white when the primer is dry using a brush for detailed areas, and a roller for flat surfaces. Allow the first coat to dry and apply a second coat, if necessary.

Re-attach all hardware to the desk and replace the drawers.