Any advice on refinishing a roll top desk?

Question

I bought a small roll top desk at a second hand store. It is in good shape, but I want to refinish it (strip paint, sand, and repaint with an anitqued look). I have no idea on how to address the roll part of the desk. Is there anyway to take the roll off/out and get into the little crevices? Any help would be much appreciated, since I don't have any experience with refinishing furniture.

Answer 1

your best bet may be to take the whole desk, or just the roll top (if you can get it out) to a specialty shop that can dip-strip it. they have vats of stripper - they dip the whole thing into the stripper and scrub it with plastic brushes.

it can be relatively expensive (more than doing it manually but less than having the whole thing refinished), but that of course depends upon how you value your time. i had a six-panel door done for $100, and individual pieces of victorian molding for $8 each.

one thing to be careful of (even if you do it yourself) - the strippers can sometimes dissolve glue also, and you can be left with a loose piece of furniture....

Answer 2

The roll top part of the desk should be removeable from the back. It may possibly have a thin wooden back that is either nailed or stapled on. Remove this crefully and the roll top should be able to slide out of the tracks in the back. Not all roll tops are made exactly the same. This has worked for me in the past on several desks that I have refinished. Be careful with strippers too. Some desks have a canvas or cloth backing on the roll top portion that allows them to flex when it is rolled up or down. the stripper will dissolve the glue holding this on. You may be able to find a book at your local library with info on how to do this to a rolltop. If you get into it and it gets too overwhelming, it might be best to consult an expert refinisher. Sometimes it's worth it in the long run. Good Luck on your project.

Answer 3

in the first place, if it is in good condition, do NOT strip the current finish, you will do more long term damage than you can imagine.
use a product from your paint store with a name like "liquid sandpaper", it will remove any furniture polishes (like liquid gold) that may be on the surface, then sand with 220 grit sandpaper, then wipe with a tack-cloth to remove dust.
now you can apply any kind of finish you want, if you are going to re-varnish it or paint it, or do some kind of specialized finish (faux), rember to apply your materials in thin THIN even coats (especially on the roll top part, as it will get stuck and develope issues if you are not careful with it)
dip stripping will damage the joints and it will fall apart in 6 months after that process

Answer 4

Refinished Roll Top Desk