How to Flip an Old Desk into a New Piece of Furniture

Upcycling an old desk was on my list for a long time! I am so excited to show you how exactly I did it and give you some desk paint ideas!

Do you have an old desk that you’re not sure what to do with? Maybe you don’t even know where to start. Don’t worry, I’m here to help. In this post, I’ll teach you how I gave my old desk a makeover. So if you’re ready, let’s get started!

How To Paint A Desk

I had this desk for years.  It has been moved around several times in the back of my garage. We used it for several scrapbook retreats years ago, but I had forgotten all about it.

I looked and looked on the buy sell trade sites to find my daughter a new one before it finally dawned on me. You will not believe it, I actually had two desks to makeover.  They were in the far back of my garage and had been for years. I had just forgotten about them.

I was happy to find one that would be perfect for my daughter. You guys know I love flipping furniture and I even use stencils from time to time. If you have any old chairs around the house that need a little TLC then you will want to check out my tutorial on how to stencil makeover a chair using a stencil. I think using stencils on these desks would be amazing too.

Supplies Needed to Paint A Desk:

How to Paint a Desk

Step 1: Start by prepping your old desk. To do this all you will need to do is to clean it from any dust or dirt.

Step 2: Start applying your spray paint. Yes, spray paint! Let your spray paint dry and see if you would like another coat. I only did one, as I wanted the distressed look.

Step 3: Distress using either sanding block or sander. Just start bruising the edges of the dresser to make it look distressed.

Step 4: Use a sealant to seal the paint onto the sides of the desk. Do not seal the top yet.

Step 5: Working on just the top add more paint, I did a few layers as I wanted a solid color for the top.

Step 6: Seal the top with polyurethane.

Step 7: To add a variation to your furniture, if you wish, you can switch between a mixture of distressing, and glazing. You can also use some swamp mud on there also.

I love being able to complete quick projects in 30-45 minutes for some quick wins; however, furniture has several different stages, layers, techniques, drying times, etc.  I just want you to know that this project does take hours to complete but it is worth it.

How to Flip A Desk Tips and Tricks

Do you need to sand before painting?

No, you do not need to sand it. It varies for me if I do or do not. Just depends on how much wear and tear the desk has. My suggestion is if it is smooth then you do not need to take the time to sand it.

What kind of paint do you use when flipping furniture?

You can use latex or oil-based paint in a satin or semigloss finish for painting furniture. I love working with chalk-based paint as well. However, I used spray paint on one of these desks and it turned out great.

Print

Old Desk Makeover

Check out this easy to follow tutorial on how to give your old desk a flippin furniture makeover!
Servings 1 old desk

Instructions

  • Start by prepping your old desk. To do this all you will need to do is to clean it from any dust or dirt.
  • Start applying your spray paint. Yes, spray paint! Let your spray paint dry and see if you would like another coat. I only did one, as I wanted the distressed look.
  • Distress using either sanding block or sanding paper. Just start bruising the edges of the dresser to make it look distressed.
  • Use a sealant to seal the paint onto the sides of the desk. Do not seal the top yet.
  • Working on just the top add more paint, I did a few layers as I wanted a solid color for the top.
  • Seal the top with polyurethane.
  • To add a variation to your furniture, if you wish, you can switch between a mixture of distressing, and glazing. You can also use some swamp mud on there also.

Just pin this Old Desk Makeover tutorial below to find the instructions later!

DIYDIY craftflipping furnitureold desk makeover