Veneer cannot be refinished. To fix a veneered desk, you’ll have to remove the veneer and apply new veneer. However, depending on the wood below the veneer, you may be able to remove the veneer and rehabilitate the wood. Laminate desks cannot be refinished. Particle board desks cannot be refinished. They are best painted.

Put your hardware (screws and all) in plastic baggies so they don’t get lost. If you have a lot of hardware, put them in separate baggies and label them so you know exactly where to put them when you reassemble the desk.

Allow the stripper to sit for as long as the directions on the product indicate. Use a stripper that you can wash away with water. Open windows, doors, and turn on the air conditioning if you’re doing this inside. [1] X Research source Acetone is a good option for removing paint or varnish, although you can use other commercial stripping products as well. [2] X Expert Source David JulienDIY Specialist Expert Interview. 20 January 2021.

Don’t apply too much pressure – you could gouge the wood. [3] X Research source

If you find that varnish, stain, or paint remains, you may need to apply stripper to the wood again. [4] X Research source

Some products simply require that the wood be wiped down with a damp cloth. [5] X Research source

Always sand with the grain of the wood. Pay attention to corners and hard-to-reach areas of the desk. Sand any rotten or broken spots off until you reach smooth, healthy, wood.

Let the grain filler dry completely before moving on. If you want to emphasize the grain of the wood, choose a filler that contrasts with its main color. If you want to obscure the grain, pick a color that is similar to the color of the wood. [9] X Research source

If you want your desk to appear darker, apply more stain. Depending on the wood, you may need to sand the desk again. This is because the staining process may force wood fibers upward and create a rougher surface. [11] X Research source

When using polyurethane, stir the product very well and to allow time for bubbles to dissipate before applying it. If you choose to use polyurethane, don’t use too much. Only apply a little at a time, otherwise you could cause a running or wrinkling effect. A water-based satin varnish will make it easy to clean the furniture once it’s dry. [12] X Expert Source David JulienDIY Specialist Expert Interview. 20 January 2021. While you can apply lacquer with a clean cloth, you may want to consider spraying it on. [13] X Research source