[header] How to refinish a desk [title] Verify the desk can be refinished. [step] 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. 
[substeps] Veneer cannot be refinished. To fix a veneered desk, you'll have to remove the veneer and apply new veneer.