How to refurbish an old desk

While heading out and buying brand-new furniture is a great way to give your home a modern feel, it's not an aesthetic for everyone. Many Australians prefer the rustic charm that comes from second hand furniture, especially if you refurbish items yourself. Picking up used desks, tables and chairs and fixing them up with some DIY painting and woodwork gives an immense sense of satisfaction - not to mention some great tips and stories you can pass on to your friends!

So with that in mind, let's take a look at how to refurbish an old desk to turn it into a winning centrepiece for a bedroom or home office. 

Choose wisely 

First of all, you need your source material. Whether you go to a junk shop, garage sale or pick it up from a friend or relative who is moving, there are certain things to watch out for. Check the legs rigorously - as it's older furniture, you want some firm stability lest you put in lots of hard work only to have it collapse a few months later!

On top of that, make sure you know the measurements of a piece. Too often people have bought furniture because they fell in love with it, only to have some very odd living room arrangements, or a piece that's too big to fit anywhere. Also make sure the drawers slide smoothly, otherwise they won't be of much use. 

Going exactly as sand

Next up, it's time to give that desk a makeover. A belt sander from Kennards Hire can be ideal for stripping paint and smoothing out an item before you add your own touches to it. Check the handles and fittings - if they are worse for wear, you can replace them with something more to your liking, but only take them off for now, don't put new ones on.

Why? Because it's time to bring out your DIY painting skills. Depending on the type of wood, you'll be wanting a different stain, polyurethane and tint - it's up to you to decide exactly which you use, but you might need to check with an expert on what works best with each type before jumping on in. 

A spray paint mechanism could be ideal for adding varnish to your furniture as well. Once you are satisfied with your work, let everything dry out and enjoy the new centrepiece of your living area, bedroom or working space!