How to Redo a Kid's Desk

Give your child's desk a whole new look with paint.

That desk you bought your child in first grade may still accommodate her size now that she's in middle school, but the color that fit so well with her old princess-themed room looks out of place with her new color scheme. Or maybe your son's perfectly good desk is covered with half-peeled off stickers and needs a good refinishing before it's passed down to his brother. In a couple of days, you can transform those dated desks into like-new pieces for your kid's room.

Things You'll Need

• Adhesive remover
• Scraper
• All-purpose cleaner
• Paint thinner
• Sponge
• Sandpaper
• Towels
• Primer
• Paint
• Paint brushes

Instructions

1. Clean the desk thoroughly using an all-purpose cleaner. If there are sticker remnants or other material stuck to the surface, wipe them with adhesive remover and scrape them off with a scraper.

2. Remove old paint or varnish, if necessary. Some coated particle board desks won't need stripping; solid wood probably will, unless the old paint is in excellent condition. To remove paint or varnish, brush a gel paint and varnish remover over the surface and let it sit until it wrinkles. Scrape the paint or varnish away, and wipe clean with a damp sponge.

3. Sand the desk to prepare it for painting. Use a sanding block with medium-grit paper or, if you have one, a small belt sander.

4. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth to remove the sanding dust.

5. Apply a coat of primer to the desk. Allow it to dry overnight, or as directed by the manufacturer.

6. Paint the desk as desired in two or three coats. You can paint it all one color, or make it multicolored by adding trim in one or more additional colors. When the paint is dry, you can even add embellishments such as the child's name and other decorative details.

Tips & Warnings

• Use water-based latex or acrylic paint for easy cleanup.

• Redo the desk outdoors, if possible, to avoid breathing the paint fumes.

• Wear safety goggles and a dust mask when sanding.

References

• Refinish Wizard: How to Strip Wood Furniture
• Design Sponge; Before and After Ikea Dresser Redo and Painted Desk; Kate Pruitt