How do I refinish a built-in desk?

Question

I’m redoing a bedroom fo my grandaughter... it has 2 built in desk tops , 1 on each side of the room I believe they are made of plywood but I sanded them down but they still won’t absorb the stain... help! If I can’t stain them not sure what I can do.. painting over wood for a desk seems hopeless cause I’m afraid the paint will just come off with everyday use. What can I do?

Gk · Answer

You could try PolyShades by Minwax. It is a stain and poly product that comes in many colors. Since there is poly in the mix I think that this product sits on top of the wood like a paint but looks like a stain. I believe it would wear well in this situation.

Bijous · Answer

Hi Chris. What a great space. And two desks! What kid (adult even) wouldn't love that -- one for serious stuff and one for creative stuff. If the wood won't accept stain, paint - either alkyd or oil - will stay crisp for years to come. Both those paints harden much like polyurethane. Good luck.

Judy in Canton. · Answer

Good ideas above. If that fails you ca try peel and stick floor tiles or purchase a piece of flooring that is smooth. Good luck- you have a great room to work with.

Jan Clark · Answer

Wow, Chris - this room is fabulous. Maybe you should find out from your granddaughter what she'd like. The desks don't necessarily need stain at all. She might prefer clear coat! Or, there are lots of enamel paints that will wear like iron. I'm sure she would love to have some input and maybe even help you shop or coat the desks. That would bring you both even closer. Thanks, grandad!

Jessica Welling Interiors · Answer

This is my favorite shellac-based primer that I use for all furniture painting projects. If you've already done a bit of sanding that will help it stick even better. Then paint over the top with either latex-based or oil-based paint. You may have to keep some paint around for touch-ups, and you can get a desk blotter or protector for the desk surface. https://www.amazon.com/Rust-Oleum-Corporation-271009-Advanced-Synthetic/dp/B00H08IX22/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=bin+primer&qid=1569116762&s=gateway&sr=8-3

17335038 · Answer

I would not recommend using peel n stick floor tiles for a desk. The grooves and surface designs will likely interfere with a mouse, make it hard to keep a keyboard level, and be frustrating to use as a writing surface.

17335038 · Answer

My comment is not related to the finish on the desk, but before the desk area is completed, I would strongly suggest that you install new outlets with USB ports for recharging. They will be needed.