I got a nice little desk from the Salvation Army for $69 (US).
But it is white. Now I need to figure what kind of paint I
need to change the color. I need something pretty tough,
because I will be using it as a desk and a part time
workbench for assembling small items. The top has some
mars, I will need to clean and seal it. On one edge it
is damaged a bit. Probably from being pushed up against
a wall.

I understand that the procedure for the painting is:
1 Clean it good with some sort of general purpose cleaner.
2 Sand it with fine grit sandpaper.
3 Clean it with a tack cloth.
4 Prime it
5 Sand
6 Tack Cloth
7 Paint 2 coats.
8 let dry thoroughly

Any suggestions?

Thanks
Bill