how to repair a desk

^{Restoring an Old Desk With a New Laminate Surface}

1. Surface Prep. The laminate will cover up moderate imperfections in the surface, but try to scrape or grind off any bumps (old glue etc) and fill in any ...
2. Cut Laminate to Size and Clean Underside. I ordered a 4' x 8' sheet of laminate from Home Depot (large US home improvement center) and had it delivered.
3. Apply Contact Cement to Both Surfaces. I highly recommend finding a low-VOC contact cement, such as that in the photo. ...
4. Adhere the Laminate to the Desk. Once the laminate piece and corresponding desk surface both have cement applied and have dried, you're ready to join the two pieces.
Trim Edges With a Router. This is the fun part. ...
Add Edging. There are a few different ways to approach this, but I went with a pre-glued, iron-on edge banding product.
Enjoy Your New Desk!

Full Answer

How do I fix a hole in my desk?

If the hole is on the edge of your desk, place your tape along the sides so it’s perpendicular to the surface with the hole.

How to fix a scratched desk?

Before doing any repairs, you’ll want to clear your desk of any particles that may be resting on it, and getting rid of any dust/debris will keep the surface clean for repair. This way, nothing gets trapped in the scratch marks or interferes with the repair process.

How do I fix my desk that won't stay up?

Unplug the desk from the power outlet and wait 30 seconds. Check all other cords for the desk's motor or control box and make sure they're secure. Plug the power cord into the wall socket. Press and hold the down arrow button (▼) until the table reaches its lowest position. Then, release. Press and hold the button again for 10 seconds.

Can an old desk be repaired and refinished?

Thankfully, old desks can be rehabilitated and refinished with a little effort. By stripping a desk of its old finish, sanding it, and reapplying a new finish, you'll be able to turn that old desk into an exciting piece of furniture. Part 1 Stripping the Desk Download Article

How do you repair a damaged wooden desk?

1:426:24How to Fix Damaged Wood Furniture - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake some of the wood filler out of the container with a putty knife. Then spread it over your holeMoreTake some of the wood filler out of the container with a putty knife. Then spread it over your hole or scratch leaving a lot of excess on the surface. You want to spread. It.

How do you fix a broken desk?

0:4124:49How to fix a broken table leg - The best way that's quick and easyYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow you can imagine when these three pieces of timber were put together and glued. It's going toMoreNow you can imagine when these three pieces of timber were put together and glued. It's going to create a really strong joint and this whole section would have been put together initially.

How do I restore my old office desk?

2:405:36Refurbishing Old Furniture- Desk Restoration Project Part 1 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAfter sanding with the electric sander I used some sanding blocks and sandpaper with finer grit toMoreAfter sanding with the electric sander I used some sanding blocks and sandpaper with finer grit to give it a smoother surface. Next I repainted part of the desk. Part of it I want white.

How do I fix my desk from peeling?

Using superglue or epoxy glue, adhere the peeling portion to the particle board that rests under it. To ensure that you don't apply too much glue, squeeze a little glue onto a toothpick, carefully slip it under the peeling laminate and then press the laminate back into place, likely reattaching it to the base wood.

How do you fix a cracked board?

0:072:00How to Repair Split Wood Boards : Woodworking Tips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to put the split right about in the middle of the board. Now take and kind of firmly. PressMoreYou want to put the split right about in the middle of the board. Now take and kind of firmly. Press the wood back together. Use your nail gun. And make sure you aren't really close to the crack.

How do you repair cracked wood furniture?

1:243:26How to Repair a Crack or Split in Wood - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce the epoxy is one uniform color you can begin rolling it. And pressing it in to the split. AreasMoreOnce the epoxy is one uniform color you can begin rolling it. And pressing it in to the split. Areas. Once I press the would fill epoxy. Into the crack. I'll take a paper towel.

How do you resurface a desk?

Step 1: Surface Prep. ... Step 2: Cut Laminate to Size and Clean Underside. ... Step 3: Apply Contact Cement to Both Surfaces. ... Step 4: Adhere the Laminate to the Desk. ... Step 5: Trim Edges With a Router. ... Step 6: Add Edging. ... Step 7: Enjoy Your New Desk!

How can I upgrade my old desk?

0:554:13How to Update an Old Desk ~ DIY Desk Update ~ Painting FurnitureYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMy original plan was to cover the weaving part with plywood. But instead I decided to paint it soMoreMy original plan was to cover the weaving part with plywood. But instead I decided to paint it so the border again is polar sky. And I painted the inside part with polar star.

How do you fix peeling veneer on table?

0:422:02How to Fix Peeling Veneer on Furniture - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor a piece of furniture that will be painted this is a very easy problem to solve we can patch theMoreFor a piece of furniture that will be painted this is a very easy problem to solve we can patch the missing veneer with bondo all-purpose putty.

How do you fix peeling laminate on particle board?

Glue It Down Using a paintbrush, apply contact cement to both the particleboard and the underside of the veneer. Ensure you continue to pull the veneer away from the particleboard, as you don't want the cement to touch until it's dry. Once the contact cement has dried, push the veneer against the particleboard.

How do you fix a damaged particle board?

How To Repair Particle Board Water Damage In Step-by-stepDry the wet area. ... Buff off the raised area with sandpaper. ... Cut out damaged areas of the board with a knife. ... Add wood filler to the holes. ... Sand the area to finish the repair. ... Conclusion.

What is the best wood glue to repair furniture?

The Best Wood Glue for Firm, Reliable BondsGorilla Wood Glue. This glue comes out on top when considering versatility, ease of use, and cost. ... Elmer's Wood Glue. This is an economical and effective option from another reputable glue maker. ... Glue Masters Thin Instant Glue. ... J-B Weld Wood Adhesive. ... Titebond Ultimate Wood Glue.

How do you fix a roll top desk?

Brush glue over the lift bar and wrap the end of the tambour cloth around it. Nail and clamp the cloth in place. Then apply a thin layer of glue over the lift bar and the slats using a foam brush, or by squirting lines of glue randomly over the bar and slats, rolling it smooth with a paint roller.

How do you fix a crushed corner on a table?

Using a utility knife, scrape off any loose wood or veneer around the damaged area. ... Gather a few scraps of cardboard and a straight edge (I used an old medical card). ... Mix a small amount of wood filler together and apply it to the damaged corner. ... Remove the cardboard before the wood filler fully dries.More items...•

How do you reinforce a desk drawer?

0:575:51How to Fix Saggy Drawers from IKEA (or anywhere else) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut all you really need is a plain old screwdriver. Then i'm going to take things one step furtherMoreBut all you really need is a plain old screwdriver. Then i'm going to take things one step further and use a big clamp to hold this drawer together snug while i work on solidifying.

What to do if you accidentally break a desk?

If you accidentally broke your desk, the hole may have more jagged edges and won’t accept the wood filler as well. Rub around the edge of the hole with a folded piece of sandpaper to get rid of any sharp or pointed edges. Keep sanding the edges down until they have a smooth finish.

How to get rough edges off of desk?

Keep sanding the edges down until they have a smooth finish. If you have trouble removing the rough edges with sandpaper, try chipping them off with a chisel. While you may need to use more wood filler, your patch will look less noticeable and blend in more. Tip: Use wood filler on desks made of solid wood and MDF.

How to fill a hole in a desk?

Press the wood filler into the hole using your knife. Scoop up some of your wood filler onto your putty knife and press it into the hole in your desk. Try to push the wood filler as far in as you can so it fills in the space completely. Keep adding wood filler until it’s level with the wood around it.

How to get rid of a hole in a wall?

Rip off pieces of masking tape and place them as close to the hole’s edges as you can. Use small pieces of tape so you can work around and curves easier without any waste. Just be careful that the tape doesn’t fold over the edge, or else you won’t be able to peel it off once the filler dries. ...

How to cut foam with a knife?

Push the blade of the knife through the foam with gentle back-and-forth movements to cut through the foam. Throw the excess piece of foam away with your regular trash so the top of the foam looks level with the wood. If you have trouble using a putty knife, you can also use a utility knife to cut through the foam.

Can you punch holes in a desk?

Accidentally drilling or punching a hole through your desk can be a real pain and make it difficult for you to get your work done. While it may seem like you need a new desk, there are many ways that you can patch the hole.

How to fix a broken desk?

Fill in rotten or broken pieces. Use wood filler or epoxy to replace any pieces of the desk that have broken or rotted off. Use a putty knife to apply filler to the area in question. Shape it with the knife, toothpicks, or any other tool that might come in handy. Allow the area to dry before moving on.

How to remove varnish from a desk?

Use a putty knife to remove the stripper and varnish. After you've let the stripper do its job, take a putty knife and gently remove the stripper, varnish, stain, or paint. To do this, gently scrape the surface of the desk in a systematic fashion. Remove as much as you can.

What is the best way to remove varnish from a desk?

Chemical strippers will help remove varnish, stain, or paint and make the sanding process a whole lot easier. When applying the stripper, do one section at a time (avoid stripping the whole desk). Use a liberal amount of stripper and don't mess with it after application.

What is the best thing about old furniture?

This article has been viewed 79,726 times. One of the best things about old pieces of furniture, especially desks, is their quality and craftmanship . However, due to the demands put on them, old desks are often scratched and have other problems with their finishing.

Can you refinish a desk?

Verify the desk can be refinished. Before taking any action to refinish a desk, you need know the original finish of the desk. This is important, as there are some finishes and types of wood that you may not be able to refinish.

Can you refinish a veneered desk?

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.

Can you refinish a desk if you leave the hardware on?

If you leave any hardware on, you won't be able to properly refinish the desk. 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.

What is stopping a desk from going down?

Object is in the way. There may be an object below the desk that’s stopping it from going down. Common objects include chairs, mobile pedestals, file cabinet, etc. Many standing desks have a collision detection feature that prevents the desk from hitting another object and causing any harm or damage.

How long does it take for a desk to turn on?

First, just wait and give your standing desk about 18 minutes of rest (the average amount of time required by most control boxes). Your desk may turn on before 18 minutes has gone by. Often times, the table will turn back on once it’s had a break. You can then go on using it as normal.

Why does my desk go into reset mode?

In many cases, when a standing desk loses and then regains power, it automatically goes into reset mode. While being in reset mode, a sit stand desk can only travel downwards.

What is a standing desk?

As a safety measure, many standing desks have a collision detection feature that prevents the desk from hitting another object. When it detects an object in the way, the table will stop moving upwards and then slightly move down, giving you room to remove whatever is in the way.

What happens when a desk control box stops working?

So, when you’re desk stops working all of a sudden, don’t panic. Standing Desk Control Box by TiMOTION. Standing Desk Control Box by Jiecang.

What to do if your table won't go down?

If you’ve given the table adequate rest time and it still won’t go down, complete a manual reset. A manual reset can override the cycle time resting period that’s currently turned on. Even after you complete the rest, you should still allow the desk to rest. Click here for the reset instructions.

Why are my legs uneven on my desk?

Over time, the legs on a standing desk with two (or more) motors can become a bit uneven. If the motors don’t have a good self-locking mechanism, the motor and spindle can turn when it’s supposed to maintain its height position.

Damaged Desk Major Repairs

This damaged desk was in our shop for round 2. I have an affinity for old desks & this one was damaged for the second time during it’s shipping adventure from Ca to Ma. My husband told me to toss it when I got it back, but I just couldn’t. A well used desk smells of poetry, of literature, of education, and of creation.

Her Journey, round 1

Our damaged desk has had a journey that was anything but ordinary. I actually have had to make her over twice now due to some chaos on her last adventure. We will start with her first stay in our workshop.

Get ready for the plot twist

Bundled for her journey. The receiving agent thanked me for an excellent packing job.

What we did, after procrastinating

It is now January, a year later that I am writing about this incident. I wanted to repair the desk, but I had to work up to it. I was a little afraid of ruining it beyond repair if I made a mistake. The leg section that was broken was not like a leg that just gets screwed in. Nothing we could order and replace 1 or even 4 of.

The Plan

I spent some time and decided that the safest way to proceed would be to cut a strip from the bottom of the desk to more than half way up the side.

Our power tools save the day

Once the leg pieces were cut, they were sanded back to our pencil line, Our Dremel was used in the curved area to sand it smooth & our Random orbital to sand on the flats.

Blending the repair

After it dried I sanded the glue line, and filled the nail holes. The space where we patched it all together was filled in with my favorite wood filler. This filler is great for indoor, outdoor, paint and stain projects. then we sanded again with a 120 grit paper on our orbital sander.

Can you join laminate to a desk?

Once the laminate piece and corresponding desk surface both have cement applied and have dried, you're ready to join the two pieces. Be very careful when setting this up, because you only get one shot -- once the two pieces come into contact, there's an instant bond. Fortunately laminate is stiff enough that wrinkling isn't really a problem, so it's a matter of lining everything up right and then systematically dropping the laminate onto the desk top.

Can you use clean dowels on contact cement?

The clean dowels won't stick to the dried contact cement. Take your time and make sure there's a good overlap over every edge (that is, the laminate will hang over each edge of the desk when dropped down). Once you're all lined up, slide the center dowel out to let the laminate bow down and make contact.

How to fix a scratch on a desk?

One method is to apply “wood filler” which is a putty-like substance that fills the scratch. You can also find wood filler at your local home improvement store.

What is the best way to clean a desk?

When doing regular cleaning, the best bet is to use a gentle cleaner, like mild soap and water, or an eco-friendly option, as harsh chemicals may damage your desk, and cause further scratching. For further tips, be sure to read our blog post on keeping your tabletop clean.

How to get scratches out of a walnut desk?

If it is a small scratch, crack open a walnut and gently rub the walnut (not the shell) over the scratch. Wipe your desk with your soft cloth and let it rest. This should help remove the scratch. You can also try simply using a small amount of a gentle hardwood cleaning agent.

How to keep your desk from scratching?

Use a Wireless Charger and Padded Organizers. Using a wireless charger will keep your desk free of clutter and avoid wires constantly rubbing against the desk surface. For any other items stored on your desk, using padded organizers will keep them from slipping or scratching the tabletop.

How to buff out scratches on wood?

After application, level off the filler so there is no extra material. Then, use a lint-free cloth to softly buff out the scratch. You may also wish to use sandpaper to sand down the filler for a smoother finish before buffing.

Can you use sandpaper to buff MDF?

You may also wish to use sandpaper to sand down the filler for a smoother finish before buffing. These steps should remove the scratch and give you a clean, level surface. If you have an MDF tabletop, you may want to apply a primer before using the wood filler.

How to format a corrupted hard drive?

The specific steps are as follows: 1. Press “Windows” + “R” to open the Run box, typing “diskpart” and press “Enter”. 2. And then, type the following command and press “Enter” after each. select disk n (here “ n ” is the disk number of the disk you want to format.)

What causes damage to a hard drive?

Damage caused by related inferior accessories. (If the user buys a poor quality data cable, a poor quality power supply or a poor quality motherboard will cause damage to the hard disk. Therefore, users are advised to choose a good brand with good reputation when selecting accessories.)

What causes a hard drive to fail?

The main causes of hard disk damage can be summarized as follows: 1. Abnormally cut off the power supply for the hard disk. (eg: suddenly power off when powering on and off.) 2. Wrong partition operation. 3.