What if your precious vintage tanker desk started looking old, affected by rust, and the color has faded? Imagine how bad it would look!
The tanker desk is basically used as an office desk. But when it starts looking old and damaged, it definitely needs to be restored. But how to restore a tanker desk?
Well,
Restoring a tanker desk is easier than throwing it away or wasting money on buying a new one. You just need to disassemble the desk, clean it, sand down the old finish and rust, repaint the desk, and apply a finish, and that’s it you are done.
Rushing to start the restoration process? Wait, you are not done yet. To learn about the entire process, keep reading and restore your tanker desk perfectly.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- To disassemble the table first you need to clean the desk, remove all the items from it and the drawers as well, then remove the drawers from the desk, detach additional components, and lastly unscrew the top.
- To restore the tanker desk, you need to first gather the tools and the desk, clean the surface after sanding, apply primer, apply paint to the desk, and lastly, apply the clear coat.
- Before restoring the table, remove the rust from the desk. To remove the rust, first, you need to remove the loose rust, apply rust remover, scrub it off, and let it soak. Lastly, rinse the removal off and dry the desk completely.
How To Disassemble A Tanker Desk?
But before answering how to refurbish steel tanker desk let me tell you the disassembly process. You can’t restore it if you don’t disassemble the tanker desk. So, before getting into restore, pause and disassemble:
Clean The Desk
Start the process of disassembling by removing all the items from the steel desk. Empty the desk properly and don’t leave any items on the desk.
Empty The Drawers
Now remove all the items from the drawers of the desk. It is necessary to empty the drawer as well for the betterment.
Remove The Drawers
Most of the tanker desks have drawers. Most of the drawers come out easily. Just by pulling the desk drawers out, you can remove them. If the tanker desk drawer stuck in its place, gently wiggle or lift the drawer and apply pressure to remove it.
Detach Additional Components
If your tanker desk has any additional components like shelves, cabinets, etc, remove them. With the help of a screwdriver, remove the screws and bolts that hold them in place and remove the additional components from the steel tanker desk.
Unscrew The Top
Now find out the screws that are securing the top of the tanker desk to the base. With the help of a screwdriver, remove the screws and separate the top from the base of the tankers desk.
Following these steps, you can easily disassemble your vintage tanker desk easily without damaging any part of the desk.
How To Restore A Tanker Desk: The Step-By-Step Guidelines
So, How do I refurbish a tanker desk? The process is easy and simple. You just need to follow the guidelines step-by-step and properly. Wanna know about the guidelines? Here you go;
Step 1: Gather The Tools And Materials
Start the process by gathering the tools and materials that are needed to complete the restoration process of the tankers desk. Gather sandpaper, primer, paint, paintbrush, steel wool, a clear coat, a damp cloth, and protective gear. You may need to use an autobody shop for repairs.
Step 2: Disassemble The Desk
Disable the table following the steps mentioned above accordingly. Be careful when disassembling the desk tops and desks so that you don’t damage any part of the desk. When performing this process, try to choose a well-ventilated room or an open workspace like your garden or pine beach. You need to do this while Fixing the drawer too.
Step 3: Sand The Desk
Now, with the help of sandpaper, remove all the old original paint or rust from the metal tanker desks. Do not forget to wear protective gear when performing this step. Sand is helping Buddy in every even in fixing a hole in a wooden desk.
Step 4: Clean The Desk
Now, when you are done sanding the desk tops, start cleaning the desk. Clean the desk with the help of a damp cloth and remove all the dust and debris from the desk tops.
Step 5: Apply Primer
Now, apply a coat of primer. It will help to set the paint on the desk perfectly. Let the primer dry properly before you move forward to the next step.
Step 6: Paint The Desk
That would lead to questions: how to paint a tanker desk? With the help of a paintbrush, paint the desk evenly. If you wish, you can apply a coat of gray paint on the desk. Apply more layers of paint if needed. Let the paint dry before applying more layers of paint.
Step 7: Add Finishing Touch
Now, you can add some finishing touches, such as you can add a piece of glass cut to fit over the top of the desk. You can also add pencil drawers on the desk. If needed, you can put a grommet hole in the desk during the process.
Step 8: Apply Clear Coat
Lastly and most importantly, it is time to apply a clear coat. Apply a clear coat evenly to protect the desk from any kind of damage like scratches, dents, etc. You can consider using a desk powder coating for a durable and perfect finish like professionals.
You can follow the guidelines and restore your tanker desk on your own at home. Otherwise, if you are unable to restore the steel desk, you can take the help of professional services. There are many online professional service sites like aloha finishing.com, etc. You can book a service from any site of your choice.
How Do I Remove Rust From A Tanker Desk?
Now, let’s get into how do you clean an old metal desk? It is normal to get attacked by rust if it is a metal desk. It is necessary to remove rust from metal desks to enhance their beauty. Wanna know how to remove the rush from the metal desk? Here is how you can do that;
Assess The Rust
Inspect the office desk properly and find out the area affected by rust. Try to inspect the desk carefully so that you don’t leave any affected place.
Remove Loose Rust
Use a steel wool, wire brush, or sandpaper and rub the affected areas. Remove all the loose rust from the metal desks. Make sure you have removed all the loose rust before moving forward to the next step.
Apply Rust Remover
Now apply the rust remover to the affected area evenly and let it stay there according to the instructions. You can use white vinegar and baking soda paste, or lemon juice and baking soda paste to remove the rust as well.
Scrub And Soak
Now, with the help of a scrub brush or abrasive pad, scrub the rush remover or anything you applied to remove the rush and let it soak according to the instructions.
Rinse And Dry
Now, using clean water and a damp cloth, clean the metal desks. Remove the dust remover from the affected areas. And inspect the desk to see if there is any rust left. Let the desk dry properly before you start using it so that it doesn’t get affected by rust again.
Follow these steps and remove the rust from your tanker desk properly. It will help to get a smooth finish and increase the beauty of the desk. You can remove the rust from the metal legs when fixing the laminate desktop too.
Can You Replace The Tanker Desk’s Missing Or Damaged Parts?
You can replace the tanker desk parts if any of them are missing or damaged. You don’t need to be worried about the replacement.
Identify The Missing Parts Or The Parts That Need To Be Replaced
Inspect the desk properly and determine the parts that are missing or need to be replaced. Such as drawers, handles, locks, screws, etc.
Purchase The Missing Parts Or Replacement Parts
Now, look for the parts at local shops or online sites. You can also try the affiliate links and can buy the parts from there as well. Try to match the parts with the damaged or missing ones and purchase the appropriate one.
Remove The Damage Parts
Now, using the appropriate tools, remove the damaged parts. Then, clean the area using a damp cloth and remove the dust and dirt from there. Let the area dry before moving forward.
Install The Replacement Parts
Now, using the appropriate tools, install the replacement parts at the exact location. Be careful so that you do not misplace the parts. You can use screws and bolts to secure them in place.
Test The Desk
After you are done installing the parts in place, it is time to test the steel desk. Test the desk to make sure everything is functioning properly.
You can easily replace any parts of the desk that are missing or damaged. You can purchase them from online or local shops as well.
Can You Repaint Your Tanker Desk?
Yes, you can definitely repaint your tanker desk however you want. During the restoring process, you have already learned how to paint the tanker desk. You have to follow the exact guidelines to repaint the tanker desk. You can choose any color you want, and using a paintbrush, you can apply layers of paint and color any type of desk you want. Just make sure you are choosing an appointment paint for your steel tanker desk.
What Type Of Paint Is Suitable For The Tanker Desk?
Can you use all types of paint to repaint your tanker desk? The answer is no! Then the question is what type of paints are suitable for your tanker desk? No worries, let me help you to have the solution. Keep reading and get the solution.
Oil-Based Enamel Paint
Oil-based enamel paint can help you get a durable and long-lasting finish. It offers you a smooth and glossy surface that increases the beauty of the desk. It can also protect the desk from getting scratched.
Acrylic Paint With Primer
Acrylic paint is actually water-based paint. These paints dry quite quickly. Try to choose an acrylic paint with primer as it can set on the metal desks perfectly. These are available in different finishes like matte, gloss, etc. You can choose your preferred one.
Spray Paint
If you want to get a smooth finish and paint the steel desk without giving that much effort, you can choose spray paints that are designed for metal desks.
It is better to choose to paint any of them. Applying the right and suitable paint is necessary for the best outcome.
The Cost And Duration Of The Process And Skills You Need To Restore A Tanker Desk
If you are wondering about the cost and duration of the restoration process and the skills you need to restore the desk, this might be helpful for you.
The Estimated Cost Of The Process
| DIY | Professional Service |
| $50-$150 (Depending on the tools and materials you need to purchase and the difficulties of the damage.) | $250-$500 ( Depending on the difficulties of the damaged type of desk.) |
The Estimated Duration Of Process
| DIY | Professional |
| A few hours to a week (Depending on the difficulties). | A few hours to a few days (Depending on the difficulties). |
Skills You Need To Restore A Tanker Desk
To complete the restoration process of your office desk or tanker desk you may need some skills. Such as sanding, removing rust, applying paint, and finishing. You need the skill of sanding to refinish an oak desk as well. You need to be patient, focused, and careful to complete the process perfectly and get the best result, like professionals as well.
Some Tips To Maintain The Tanker Desk After Restoration
After restoring the tanker desk, it is necessary to maintain the desk to avoid frequent restoration. Here are some tips to help you maintain your restored tanker desk;
You can follow these tips to maintain your precious vintage tanker desk after restoring it and avoid facing these issues frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I Strip The Old Paint Or Finish?
It is better to strip the old paint or finish to get a smooth surface.
Should You Refinish If The Tanker Desk Is In Good Condition?
If the desk is in good condition, you may not need to refinish it, but it is better to refinish the desk to avoid frequent restoration.
What Is The Top Of A Tanker Desk Made Of?
The top of the tanker desk is made of metal, steel, or iron.
How Heavy Is A Tanker Desk?
The weight of the tanker desk is different, but on average their weight can be 150-300 pounds.
Conclusion
So, the summary of how to restore a tanker desk? Restoring a tanker is not that tough, but undoubtedly, it is a lengthy and time-consuming process. You need to be careful throughout the entire restoration process so that you don’t cause any damage to the desk, and follow the guidelines step-by-step to get the best result like the professionals. But don’t forget to use the appropriate paint for your desk. If you are somehow unable to restore the desk, you can hire professionals.
If you are interested to learn more about restoring a table, stay with- Desk Restore.
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