New Paint

• New paint is the first step in refinishing a desk for a kid's room. Apply primer to the desk and wait for it to dry. Then you can paint the desk virtually any color. Desks can be painted with regular brush paint or spray paint. Acrylic paint is the best choice for children's furniture because it is washable, water-resistant and less prone to cracking. Desks for girls' rooms can be painted in hot pink or pastel colors and boys' desks can be painted in camouflage or rustic, outdoors colors. Be creative and daring; paint the top and sides of the desk one color and the drawers another contrasting color.
  
  

Stencils

• One way to make a desk match a room's decor is to add stencils. All craft stores carry stencils and there are many to choose from, so the possibilities are endless. If the desk is painted a light color, stencils can be painted on in almost any color. If the base color is dark, add white, silver or other light-colored stencils to liven it up. Flower and vine stencils add a whimsical garden-like feel to any girl's room and crown and tiara stencils can add the finishing touches to princess-themed rooms. Fire truck, tractor or bug stencils can be added to a refinished desk to awaken the imagination of any little boy.
  
  

Sponge Painting

• Sponge painting is a fast, easy and fun way to refinish a desk to match a child's room. Many retail and craft stores carry sponges in basic shapes, fish and alphabet letters. The alphabet typically appeals to younger children, so sponge-painted, multi-colored letters all over the desk is an interesting and fun way to get a child's attention, decorate his room and liven up an old desk. Once the surface of the desk is dry, the sponge paint can be applied. Latex and acrylic paints should be used, as spray painting the sponges can become a difficult and messy task. To apply sponge decorations, lightly dip the sponge into the paint, let excess paint drip from the sponge and then place the sponge in the desired location on the desk. Light pressure should be applied to ensure that every inch of the shape leaves a mark on the desk.
  
  

Polyeurethane Finishes

• Children can be rough on furniture, so adding a poly finish to protect it is very important to keep water out and protect the paint underneath. Poly finishes can be sprayed or brushed on. Oil- and water-based finishes are available in different levels of sheen, but keep in mind that water-based products contain less odor and are much easier to clean up after.