Fixing scratches/stains on a wooden board question

[Magic Night]

Hello

I have a old computer desk that has lots of scratches and paint stains on it. The wooden boards on my desk is made out of compress pulp with a wooden pattern paper covering the surface.

I was wondering if I want to get rid of all those scratches and stains, should I sand off the the layer of scratched/stained wooden pattern paper, then stick a new set of wood pattern paper on the surface of the board?

I'm not sure is this the correct way to do it but if anyone has experience from this please let me know. Thank you very much in advance.

[Auld Bassoon]

G'day Magic!

If it was me, I'd see if I could remove the top altogether; if I could, I'd replace it with a veneered board of ply (preferably) or even particle board.

Apply edge banding as required after cutting to size, and re-affix using the original construction method or perhaps some proper buttons.

Sanding through 1/32 or 1/64" surface laminate will be easy, but the stuff underneath wouldn't be any better than damp doggy doo :eek: - so don't bother...

Cheers!

[Magic Night]

Thank you

[Magic Night]

I've been considering about those hard surface boards, I don't have the equiptment or the skills to create it on my desk(my first time doing wood work). If I use just those thin layer of wood pattern paper(I'm not too sure what is the technical term to call it) to stick it on to the desk surface in order to cover all the scratches/stains, would it work? Thank you very much in advance.

[Greg Q]

Hi Magic...

Yes, that would work. Simply scuff the surface of the old paper that you want to cover with a scotchbrite pad or steel wool. (Assuming that the old paper is still bonded pretty well to the desk top. If its peeling then you have to remove all of it first).

If you have an IKEA near you you might want to check out their desktops. The other time-honoured fix is to go to a lumber yard and see if they have any wood hollow-core doors in the bargain bin. (I think I paid $5.00 for a good-on-one side only door last time)

Good luck

Greg

[Magic Night]

Would you happen to know any stores or online sites that sell those wood pattern paper? I've checked home depot, homehardware, and ikea but they don't have it avaliable. Thank you very much in advance.

[Greg Q]

Hello again...

Is Mac Tac still sold there? It may be of a lesser quality than you are after, but it is sold at Kmart or bigger craft shops (I think). My wife has just informed me that I am stuck in a 1970's time warp though-wood grain may be tough to find, in that case.

Greg

[Magic Night]

I've never thought about those stores, time for me to do some shopping check. :)