How to Paint a Metal Desk

If you have an old metal desk that you are not using and needs some attention or if you just have one that needs a color update, then painting it yourself will be easy. Painting your own metal desk can be fun and very cost efficient. With just four easy steps, you will have the new look for your metal desk that you have been waiting for.

Things You'll Need

• Metal desk
• Primer spray
• Appliance spray paint - color of your choice
• Damp cloth
• Wire brush
• Ospho - only for desks that have rust

Instructions

1. Put desk in an area that is well-ventilated. Place the desk on a large piece of cardboard or an old sheet. Remove hardware and drawers from the desk and stand drawers up so that the fronts are facing upward.

2. Wipe the top, drawer fronts, and sides of your metal desk clean with a damp cloth. If your desk is older and has rust on it, use a wire brush to scrape the rust off then go back over it with a damp cloth. If the rust is severe, use a chemical rust stripper such as Ospho, which can be purchased at your local hardware store. This should clean your desk of rust.

3. Standing back away from the desk about a foot or two, spray a light coat of spray primer onto the surface of the desk. Allow to dry according to directions on can.

4. After primer has dried, use an appliance spray paint that is rust resistant, which can be purchased at any paint store or major hardware store. Spray your first coat onto your desk. Add a second and third coat as needed.