How to Refinish a Scratched Desk

Sand the desk completely with 120-grit sandpaper fitted to an electric palm sander, which you can rent from a hardware store. Sand along the wood grain. Sand the entire desk to remove the varnish and stain. Pay special attention to any scratched areas, and sand delicate details on the desk by hand.

Sand the entire desk with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth out the wood. Continue until the wood feels smooth and soft. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain. Wipe the wood with a wet cloth to remove the sawdust residue.

Brush sanding sealer over the wood with a paintbrush. The sanding sealer will help protect the wood to achieve a smoother and more professional result. It will also help the wood absorb the wood stain evenly.

Let the sanding sealer dry completely. Sand the sealer with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth it out completely. Wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove the sawdust residue.

Brush wood stain or paint onto the wood with a paintbrush. If you are using wood stain, let it sit on the wood for several minutes as directed by the manufacturer before immediately wiping it off with a clean cloth. If you are painting the wood, let it dry completely.

Apply a second coat in the same way as the first if you're directed to by the paint or stain manufacturer. Let the second coat dry completely.

Brush a clean protective finish on the wood desk and let it dry completely.