Categories: Crafts & Hobbies

Refinishing a Desk: How to Paint an Espresso Colored Desk

Creating Espresso Colored Desk is an easy project that can be accomplished in one weekend. To start this Espresso Colored Desk Paint Technique project you will need to spend at least one weekend, but maybe a little more time.

Any real wood or cheap plain fake wood Desks are perfect for this Espresso Colored Paint Technique.

Here is a list of supplies you will need to start making this Espresso Colored Desk:

Grey Primer
Paint (2 colors: black and chocolate brown)
Roller paint brushes
A variety of 2″, 3″, or 4″ paint brushes
Wood stain
Glaze
Sandpaper
Drop clothes
Desk

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Now, start sanding the surface of your plain Desk. Once you have the surface lightly sanded, you should wipe off the dust with a clean dry clothe. An old white t-shirt will work perfectly here.

Now, you are ready to put a coat of primer. If you are using a cheap fake wood Desk this is a very important step. Your Espresso Colored Paint Technique will not stick to your surface if you don’t sand and then prime your Desk surface.

If you want a rough more rustic Espresso Colored Desk try putting the primer on with one of the 4″ brushes. This will give texture and create the look of real wood. If you prefer the smoother look you can roll the paint on with any type of paint roller. A foam roller will create the smoothest surface.

Allow your primer to dry completely.

Put on a coat of your base paint. This is black. This paint should not be the actual color you want your bookcase to end up, but the color you want to show through when you finish the Espresso Colored Desk.

Now you are ready to paint your surface with the real color you wish it to be. I always recommend painting a chocolate brown or extremely dark brown color for true Espresso Colored Desk.

Once your Espresso Colored Desk color has dried you are ready to start adding some more character.

I like to take some more of my black paint. Pour a little in a paint tray. Now, lightly dip the tip of your 4-inch paintbrush into this. Dab off the excess on some newspaper.

Now, lightly dry brush in the direction of your wood grain. Lightly, until you have some nice dark accents.

Once you have finished let this dry. You can stop at this point, but if you want to go the extra mile you can use a mixture of ½ wood stain and ½ glaze to darken your piece. This darkening will mimic years of the aging process.

Start by mixing you paint and glaze in a plastic container. Use a white rag or another old t-shirt to rub the stain onto the Espresso Colored Desk.

You can do this process until you achieve the Espresso Colored Desk look you want for your family room, retro home office, or little boy’s room.

Click here for more from Rebecca.