Refinishing a Wood Desk

Wood furniture is very attractive; it is often considered among the most elegant and beautiful ways to furnish a home or office. Desks are included in this category. Wood desks add elegance and authority to any office or den. The warmth of wood is at the same time inviting and comfortable, sending the message that you can be at ease while you are being awed. Unfortunately, wood changes over time. It can dry and then crack. It might dull or become soiled and dirty. Dark rings and splotches may develop, marring the desk’s beauty.

Refinishing is an excellent way to preserve the look of a wood desk. It will restore the wood’s luster, and enhance the over all appearance of your desk. Some woods, like walnut, cherry, and mahogany, have contrasting grains. When you refinish a desk made from these types of wood, you bring out the inherent beauty of the wood. Here are the steps to follow when refinishing a wood desk:

1.First you must get rid of the old finish. This is done through a process called stripping. You need to get a finish remover that will not harm wood. Most home improvement stores sell such removers. However, a trip to the local furniture store (especially one that specializes in wood furniture) will often yield similar results. And usually an old pro that can give you additional pointers. After the initial stripping, go over the wood with a wood-friendly, non-toxic solvent to clean up any residue. Do not use a water-based solvent. Fine wood furniture should never be washed with water.

2.You will probably have to sand the surface of the desk. Do this after you remove any paint and the old finish. Sand the entire desk. To make the process a little easier, you can make use of an electric sander. Sand until the surface is smooth and even.

3.Now you need to determine what color you will use on your desk. If you like the color of your wood, use a color that is near the natural color of the wood. Most home improvement stores can help you find the appropriate color. If you would like a darker color, you can choose a color of stain that is different from the wood’s natural color. Before staining, however, dab some stain on a less visible section of the desk, or on a piece of wood similar to the wood of the desk. When the stain dries, you will see how it looks. If you do not like it, you can choose another color.

4.The final finish is adding sheen. This is glossiness. You can buy spray on or paint on finishes that will make your desk shinier. You need to decide how glossy you want your desk to look. If you prefer a more natural look, one that it not artificially glossy, there are matte finishes available as well.

Some people choose to paint their wood desks at this time. A good finish will protect the wood from the paint. However, once the desk is refinished, many people agree that there is no need to ruin the beautiful look of wood with a coat or two of paint.