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How to refurbish a tired desk?

Hello, would really appreciate any help/ ideas on choosing whether to restain this old desk or go the paint part and varnish option. I am not sure about colours, but rest of lounge furniture is that mid century teak looking colour, so a full restain might just be too much of the same. It is a good solid piece,with no damage, so too good to get rid of. Thank you.

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Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Carmenpol. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about refurbishing a desk.

If you’re looking to refresh or upcycle your pine desk, there are plenty of ways to give it a new lease on life. A fresh coat of paint, a change in stain colour, or new hardware can completely transform its look. Start by sanding the desk to remove the existing orange stain and smooth the surface for refinishing. Once sanded, you can apply a modern paint colour, such as a neutral or bold shade, or restain it with a more contemporary tone like grey or walnut. Adding new handles or decorative details can also enhance its appeal.

For inspiration and step-by-step guidance, check out this article on How to upcycle a bedside cabinet. The process outlined there can easily be adapted to your desk project. It’s a great way to see how a simple piece of furniture can be turned into something unique and stylish with minimal effort. The style of your desk is quite common, and many of our members have upcycled pieces similar in nature, so you might like to check out some previous discussions for inspiration.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

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