Do you have an outdated desk that could use a makeover? Instead of lugging it to the curb give it a new look with the best paint for a desk that lasts!
Painting furniture is easy, but you want to make sure you are using the best products so it holds up. We share our go-to paint for painting furniture so you end up with a smooth and durable finish!
The Best Paint for a Desk
After painting several pieces of furniture and multiple sets of cabinets, I found the best paint for a desk that lasts. Since a desk is used daily this would be considered a high traffic area that requires a durable finish. So, you want to be mindful of the type of paint that you use to give it a makeover.
You also, want to look for a paint that can easily be touched up if a chip in the paint occurs. A small chip will have over time even from the best of paints, but you want a paint that can be quickly fixed.
My favorite paint for for furniture and cabinets is Behr Interior Semi-Gloss Enamel. This paint holds up against moisture, mildew, cleaning, and in high traffic areas which makes it the best paint for a desk!
How to Prep Furniture for Painting
Before painting a desk or any type of furniture it is important to properly prep the piece, so the paint lasts. The best way to prep a desk for painting is to sand with a medium to fine sandpaper to roughen up the surface and remove the shiny clear coat.
There is no need to sand down to the natural wood when prepping, unless you plan to tan wash or stain the desk. If you are planning on painting the desk like shown in this project, the sanding should be enough to etch the surface of the wood.
The etched surface will give a good adhesion for the paint. If your furniture is greasy, you may want to try a degreaser such as Krud Kutter. The Krud Kutter spray will help remove shine and grease from your furniture before a light sanding.
If your piece of furniture has damage to the wood or dents, it is recommend to use a paintable wood filler. The wood filler should be applied to the furniture in the same manner that you would apply spackle to a wall.
Allow the wood filler to dry completely before sanding and painting then following the remaining steps to painting your desk.
After sanding your furniture, wipe down the desk with a cloth and vacuum the surrounding area to avoid stirring up dust. You want to avoid debris from getting onto your fresh paint.
Products Required:
- Furniture Paint
- Angled Paint Brush
- High Density Foam Paint Roller and Paint Roller Frame
- Sanding Pads
- Paint Tray
- Paint Tray Liners
- Gloves
- Krud Kutter
- Paintable Wood Filler (Optional)
How to Paint a Desk
Now that you properly prepped your desk, it is time for the fun part, paint! To paint your desk you will need a high density foam roller, paint tray, a paint brush, drop cloths, and enamel.
Place drop cloths around the area to avoid paint splatters and work in a ventilated area if possible. You will start with your paint brush to cut into all areas that a roller will not be able to easily cover.
So, grab your paint brush and dip it into the paint without over saturating the brush. Use light to medium pressure to cut into all of the grooves of the desk. Then follow up with a high density foam roller to smooth the brush strokes and cover the larger areas of the desk.
The roller helps to evenly apply the paint over your furniture and gives a super smooth finish. So, don’t skip out on purchasing a roller because it is worth the end result.
The first coat of paint might look terrible and uneven, but don’t worry this is normal. As with any paint project the desk will need 2-3 coats of paint to completely cover the surface.
Applying Additional Coats of Paint
Before applying additional coats of paint, make sure to wait a few hours or even overnight. If you are working in higher humidity, the paint might feel tacky and take longer to fully cure. If the paint feels tacky, you should wait longer before applying additional coats.
Once the paint feels dry to the touch and not sticky, go ahead and apply the second coat of paint. Your furniture should be finished after 2 coats of paint and a few touch ups if needed.
Clear Protective Coat for Furniture
If you used Behr Interior Semi Gloss Enamel that is mentioned in this post then no clear coat is required. This furniture paint and primer are all mixed in one to finish and seal the surface.
This paint is seriously durable, so it will hold up against daily use which is why it is the best paint for a desk. I painted my bathroom cabinets, kitchen cabinets, and various pieces of furniture with this paint with great results.
Decorating your Home Office
When decorating your home office it is important to create a cozy and inviting space. You want this space to make you feel comfortable and upbeat, so you stay put at your desk and get work done. Add decor like open shelving with greenery, a mirror, soft lighting, a gallery wall, books, and other items that motivate you.
Conclusion
Don’t be intimidated to paint that outdated piece of furniture. Remember the prep work is worth the end result, so take your time before painting your desk or piece of furniture. If you should ever notice a chip in the paint these tips will help you quickly fix it.