Letty, before you strip the finish if it's an antique that has value it is best to just clean it carefully. Some places even recommend leaving the patina of use as it is. If you want to redo it for yourself or it's value will increase due to the shape it's in now, decide how much you are willing to do.
The desk I have has multiple slots for papers etc. It looks as if this whole section may come out as a single piece then I can decide what I'd do to it. Otherwise I will have to work on it while it's in the desk. Not only does that make it harder to do a good job on those slots it will make getting to the whole inner surface of the desk difficult. I'm going to have to decide how to tackle that before I jump in and start removing it's finish.
Several years ago we bought a mammoth roll top that was in pieces. I didn't start refinishing until I was sure what went where and if I could put it together again or take it apart. I didn't want to find out I'd refinished parts of the slats but couldn't get to the inside surface. Just some thoughts.
I painted a secretary desk and the tannins of the wood bled like crazy. Be sure to coat the whole thing in shellac first to seal it. I also suggest spraying it if yours still has the cubbies on the inside. That thing took forever to paint.
You could paint it with General Finishes milk paint. I painted my oak kitchen cabinets with it, and they turned out great. They have a primer that is designed to prevent the wood from bleeding through. You can see the steps I took on my kitchen cabinets here: https://momhomeguide.com/my-painted-kitchen-cabinets-a-year-later/
I have an interesting secretary desk that I would like to paint and modernize. It’s in great condition except for the grills on the doors. Do you have any suggestio...
See more
old desk with glass bookcase in one half and mirror, desk and storage in other half. repurpose to working computer/printer area and storage ideas. Old Oak but need to...
See more
Hi Letty,
Here's some help:
https://www.wikihow.com/Refinish-a-Desk
Letty, before you strip the finish if it's an antique that has value it is best to just clean it carefully. Some places even recommend leaving the patina of use as it is. If you want to redo it for yourself or it's value will increase due to the shape it's in now, decide how much you are willing to do.
The desk I have has multiple slots for papers etc. It looks as if this whole section may come out as a single piece then I can decide what I'd do to it. Otherwise I will have to work on it while it's in the desk. Not only does that make it harder to do a good job on those slots it will make getting to the whole inner surface of the desk difficult. I'm going to have to decide how to tackle that before I jump in and start removing it's finish.
Several years ago we bought a mammoth roll top that was in pieces. I didn't start refinishing until I was sure what went where and if I could put it together again or take it apart. I didn't want to find out I'd refinished parts of the slats but couldn't get to the inside surface. Just some thoughts.
Chalk paint is a popular alternative.
I painted a secretary desk and the tannins of the wood bled like crazy. Be sure to coat the whole thing in shellac first to seal it. I also suggest spraying it if yours still has the cubbies on the inside. That thing took forever to paint.
Paint is always a good way to go.
You could paint it with General Finishes milk paint. I painted my oak kitchen cabinets with it, and they turned out great. They have a primer that is designed to prevent the wood from bleeding through. You can see the steps I took on my kitchen cabinets here: https://momhomeguide.com/my-painted-kitchen-cabinets-a-year-later/