How to Refinish a Steel Desk

Enhance the appearance of an ordinary steel desk by refinishing it with the appropriate coating. Before you rush into the application process, know the proper way to prepare the desk, or you will ultimately end up with heavy shedding. Steel is non-porous, a characteristic that leaves it ill-suited for adhesion. You must etch the desk by applying a special acid-based primer. In addition, select a particular finish, formulated to remain durable under duress.

Water-based degreaser
Coarse sponge
Rags
Towels
Professional painter's tape
Heavy-duty fabric dropcloths
Galvanized metal etching primer
Roller frame
Nap roller cover
3-inch latex paintbrush
Oil-based enamel
Shed-free roller cover
3-inch oil paintbrush
Mineral spirits

Instructions

- 1
  Wash the steel desk with a water-based degreasing cleanser, using a coarse sponge. Rinse the desk with wet rags and dry it with towels.
- 2
  Set the desk on heavy-duty fabric dropcloths. Cover portions of the desk you do not want painted with painter's tape.
- 3
  Coat the clean steel desk with galvanized metal etching primer, using a roller, equipped with a nap cover. Promote a professional-looking finish by smoothing the wet primer, using a paintbrush, engineered for use with latex paint. Apply light pressure and brush with long, vertical strokes. Wait four hours for the primed desk to dry.
- 4
  Wash your painting tools with water.
- 5
  Coat the primed steel desk with an oil-based enamel, using a roller, equipped with a shed-free cover. Promote a professional-looking finish by smoothing the wet enamel, using a paintbrush, engineered for use with oil-based paint. Apply light pressure and brush with long, vertical strokes. Wait six hours before using the desk.
- 6
  Wash your painting tools with mineral spirits.

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