Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


-----

Refinishing Vintage Steel Desk

I recently purchased a large stainless steel desk covered in green paint. I would like to remove the paint to take it back to it's original stainless steel finish, and then apply a clear lacquer to seal the finish. I have been searching for information on how to do this, and can't find any. Can I do this at home? If so, what is the procedure?

Thanks,

Lisa Babinec
- Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
2002

---

Did you get a response to this posting? I just purchased a vintage steel desk and would like to do the same.

Thanks,

J Barlow
- Los Angeles, California, USA
2003

I have also purchased an old steel school desk and would like to remove the finish and seal the metal - any response would be most helpful.

Reba Phillips
- San Jose, California
2003

---

The best info I have found is on www.twentygauge.com. They are a retail outfit in LA that specializes in vintage steel rehab and resale. They explain their process on the website, but it is too general ("chemical stripper", but no mention of brand; "mild abrasive," but no specific kind, i.e., #0000 steel wool [on eBay or Amazon] or polishing paste, although I would imagine these both play a part). Also, has anyone tried burnishing steel? Would this inhibit clear coat or paint?

Aaron Matzkin
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2003

Regarding the refinishing of metal office furniture. How about the process of electrostatic painting?

Barbara Driscoll
- Atlanta, Georgia, USA
2003

---

2005

Responding to the question of refurbishing your desk.

Any paint stripper is good, after you are done with the stripping, wash all the body with lacquer tinner getting rid of all residues, then blow all the cracks wipe one more time with
lacquer thinner [on eBay or Amazon].
Use a orbital sander 100 grit sandpaper, sand all desk to get a shiney finish, then use 140 grit to get rid of marks use rubber gloves or you'll get finger prints.
If you want a brush steel finish, use 120 grit sandpaper and with a sand rubber block straight sand all body and doors.
You MUST apply anno kind of rust stopper that you have available in your area, then apply the clear coat.

Juan Granillo
- LA, California

---

2006

Oh MY GOD!

Don't even think about it!

It took me an entire week-end to strip it, burned my hands (despite the gloves), the top would NOT come off without almost burning it, the sanding took another week-end,etc...

At the end the paint job was not even and the piece rusted after a couple of months....

And I AM handy...

A nightmare...

I finally got one from the professionals mentionned above...

Jamie
- Los Angeles, California, USA