How to paint a shabby chic bookcase?
How to Paint a Shabby Chic Bookcase with Furniture Stencils & Chalk Paint Supplies: Step 1: Paint the entire bookcase with Old White Chalk Paint®. Step 2: Remove the shelving and the back of the bookcase, if you can. Step 3: Find the center of the bookcase back and place the stencil accordingly with the help of a level.
What wood to use for a painted bookcase?
- Cherry—strong, lightweight, and easy to handle and cut
- Birch—widely used for cabinets and furniture; an excellent choice if you plan to paint your bookshelves
- Maple—lends itself to a variety of stains, so you can easily match it to existing wood in the room or customize the wood color
How to paint a bookshelf to transform your room?
Ideas for Painting Bookshelves
- | Paint It A Pretty Color. by Amy from attagirlsays.com This bookcase was definitely in the “ugly” category before it got makeover by Amy from Atta Girl Says.
- | Paint the Inside A Different Color. I like to paint the insides of my shelves a different color from the outside. ...
- | Create a Rainbow. ...
- | Add Some Stripes. ...
- | Use A Paint Treatment. ...
- | White Wash It. ...
How to professionally decorate a bookcase?
- Use a carpenter square to make sure the top is square and the edges are flush.
- Apply a bead of wood glue to the top edge of the side panel, then clamp into position.
- Drive screws through the pocket holes.
- Repeat this process for the bottom shelf. ...
What kind of paint do you use on a bookshelf?
Acrylic paint is one of the best paint for wood bookshelves since it's compatible with wood. Moreover, it adheres to not only oily surfaces but also waxy surfaces, making it super versatile. In addition, it is super durable and doesn't yellow, crack or peel.
What is the best way to paint a bookcase?
The best way to paint a bookshelf is definitely to prime before painting it! It took me about four coats of white paint to cover the dark bookshelf. Dark colors are always hard to paint over, because they just keep seeping through.
Can I paint a wooden bookcase?
Paint and Stain Paint your bookcase a new vibrant or neutral color if it is made of wood or particle board. Apply a primer first (based on the paint type and color you've selected) and let it dry. After the primer is dry, apply multiple thin coats of paint until it is the color you want.
Do I need to prime a bookshelf before painting?
You definitely need a primer for a new bookcase that's never been painted or varnished. Water-based primer works well on natural wood, but use a solvent-based primer for particleboard, because a water-based primer can cause the fibers to swell.
Can I paint a bookcase without sanding?
Chalk paint is the best way to paint practically anything without sanding. It offers a gorgeous matte finish and no need to prepare the surface.
Do I need to sand bookcase before painting?
You'll still want to sand it even if you do remove finish chemically, so you can sand out any scratches or light damage to the furniture and get it ready for a coat of paint or stain. However you plan to finish the piece, the paint or varnish needs to be applied to bare wood for best results.
How do you make an old bookcase look new?
Here are a few different ideas for painting bookshelves that will help them look more interesting.1 | Paint It A Pretty Color. by Amy from attagirlsays.com. ... 2 | Paint the Inside A Different Color. ... 3 | Create a Rainbow. ... 4 | Add Some Stripes. ... 5 | Use A Paint Treatment. ... 6 | White Wash It.
What color should I paint my bookshelves?
Black is classic, but nearly black-blue, green and gray are chic choices as well. High-gloss paint creates a glamorous look, but be aware that it will also make every flaw show up — so use high gloss only if your shelves are in great shape.
Can you paint over laminate bookcase?
Primer is important, especially when painting over laminate. Unlike wood, laminate is a smooth, non-porous material, so it really needs something to 'grab' onto—primer will do the trick! It's suggested that primer takes seven days to completely dry.
What happens if you don't prime wood before painting?
What happens if you don't prime bare wood is not pretty. Similar to new drywall, raw wood soaks up paint like a sponge. As a result, your surface will look blotchy since pores in the woodwork unevenly absorb the paint. More importantly, the painted wood will likely peel in two or three years without primer.
What happens if you dont prime before painting?
If you skip priming, you risk peeling paint, especially in humid conditions. Moreover, the lack of adhesion could make cleaning more difficult months after the paint has dried. You may find the paint wearing off as you're trying to wipe off dirt or fingerprints.
What type of paint is best for shelves?
The best paint for pantry shelves and walls is a latex water-based paint in satin or semi-gloss finish that is resistant to mold and mildew.
How do you make an old bookshelf look new?
Here are a few different ideas for painting bookshelves that will help them look more interesting.1 | Paint It A Pretty Color. by Amy from attagirlsays.com. ... 2 | Paint the Inside A Different Color. ... 3 | Create a Rainbow. ... 4 | Add Some Stripes. ... 5 | Use A Paint Treatment. ... 6 | White Wash It.
Can you paint over laminate bookcase?
Primer is important, especially when painting over laminate. Unlike wood, laminate is a smooth, non-porous material, so it really needs something to 'grab' onto—primer will do the trick! It's suggested that primer takes seven days to completely dry.
What color is best for a bookshelf?
Black is classic, but nearly black-blue, green and gray are chic choices as well. High-gloss paint creates a glamorous look, but be aware that it will also make every flaw show up — so use high gloss only if your shelves are in great shape.
How do you prepare wooden shelves for painting?
The Process:Remove all shelves and hardware, tape any areas where screws go.Sand the entire bookcase, including the shelves, lightly with a fine-grit sandpaper.Remove any sawdust residue from the bookcase. ... Paint a thin coat of primer on the bookcase and shelves if you are painting the bookcase a solid color.More items...•
How to protect a bookcase from spray paint?
Move your bookcase into the garage or lay down plastic tarps. If possible, move your bookcase into the garage so that you don't get spray paint on anything in the room. If your bookcase is built-in, or too heavy to move, then protect your room by taping plastic tarps over any floor, walls , or furniture close to the painting.
How to make a built in bookcase look bigger?
If you have a large, built-in bookcase that you want to blend in seamlessly with the room, don't paint it the color of the trim or the woodwork. Instead, paint it the same color as your walls. This will make the bookshelf not stand out as much, which is easy on the eyes for such a large piece of furniture.
How to decorate a bookcase?
Use a stencil to embellish your bookcase with designs. If you want to decorate your bookshelves even more you can use a stencil to paint on designs. Or, try painting freehand for a playful, whimsical look.
How to make a bookcase pop?
Paint the backing a different color from the rest of the bookcase. Make your bookcase pop by painting the backing a different color from the rest of the bookcase. You can choose two colors that are similar, for a harmonious, two-toned look, or choose contrasting colors for a dramatic pop.
How to clean a bookcase before painting?
Wipe down your bookcase with a tack cloth. A tack cloth is a lint-free cloth that is slightly tacky (sticky), which means it can pick up dust much better than your average cleaning rag. Getting your furniture clean before you paint it is important so that you don't accidentally make specks of dirt stick to the furniture.
How long does it take to dry a bookcase?
8. Let the bookcase dry for 20 minutes and apply the second coat. Spray the second coat thinly and evenly, shaking the can every few minutes. Let the second coat dry and see if the bookcase is the color you want. If not, keep on applying thin coats of spray paint, until your bookcase is the perfect color.
How long does it take for paint to dry on a bookshelf?
The amount of time your paint will take to dry depends on the type of paint you choose. Most paints need about 6-8 hours to dry. Chalk paint, which sticks very well to unsanded wood, only takes about 30 minutes to dry. Check your can of paint to see how long the recommended drying time is.
How to make dark shelves pop?
Styling tip: On dark shelves contrast is important. Hunt down some bright white objects that will pop against the deep color. To help dark shelves settle into the room, choose artwork with the same dark hue and hang it on a nearby wall.
How to decorate a bookcase?
When you paint the back of a bookshelf, it is especially important to leave some free space so you can see the color behind the objects. Mix things up by alternating stacks of books with objects, or try leaning a few taller items behind the books to add depth.
Why use clear wax for country chic paint?
I usually use clear wax because I like to keep the original look of the paint I’ve chosen for a piece. I love Country Chic Paint’s Vanilla Frosting, and I didn’t want to alter the color of it by using a darker wax.
How to get rid of dust on bookshelf?
A damp cloth usually does the trick. Use wood filler to fill in any random nail holes or scuffs on the bookshelf. Then sand it down with a sanding sponge. Because I used clay paint, I didn’t have to worry about sanding the bookshelf before diving into painting.
How to apply wax to bookshelf?
Apply the wax to the bookshelf using a circular motion.
Why put painter's tape over door screws?
I put pieces of painter’s tape over the holes for the screws on the front and back of each door to keep paint from dripping into the holes and drying in there , making it harder to get the screws back in.
Why are dark colors so hard to paint?
Dark colors are always hard to paint over, because they just keep seeping through.
Can you paint a bookshelf without moving it?
You can paint it by hand or, if you want to spray your bookshelf without moving it to another room/outside, tape drop cloths or pre-taped masking film all around it to protect the rest of the room like we did when we painted this room with a paint sprayer.
Can you skip priming clay paint?
If you’re painting a light piece another light color, you can skip priming since clay paint provides such good coverage.
What color are bookshelves in the library?
In the library, white bookshelves line the walls. In the library of perfumer Frédéric Malle's New York apartment, white bookcases compliment the bold turquoise wall color and red carpet. The walls and built-in bookcases in the Virginia library of jewelry designer Elizabeth Locke are painted in vibrant shades of green.
What color should I paint my apartment?
There’s no need to stick to one color. Paint the frame and interiors in different shades or in contrasting colors for an impactful look. Designer Alison Martin used two shades of green in the Virginia library of Elizabeth Locke, while in his own Kansas City, Missouri, home, David Jimenez paired chocolate-brown walls and bookcases with bright white trim. Bring your art display to the next level by using a shade that highlights nearby pieces. Burgundy paint picks up shades in a portrait attributed to Thomas Gainsborough in a Washington, D.C., home designed by Stephen Shadley, and the black bookcases in Daphne Guinness’s Daniel Romualdez—decorated apartment are the perfect complement to the David LaChapelle photograph.
What is the ceiling fixture in Paul Ferrante?
A Paul Ferrante ceiling fixture is suspended above a Cubist painting by Michel Patrix and a Biedermeier settee from Karl Kemp Antiques; the obelisks are from John Rosselli Antiques, the plaster table is by John Dickinson, and the armchairs are upholstered in a Threads by Lee Jofa fabric. Pinterest. John M. Hall. 14/14.
What color is Elizabeth Locke's bookcase?
The walls and built-in bookcases in the Virginia library of jewelry designer Elizabeth Locke are painted in vibrant shades of green.
What color is the wall of the library in Lucca?
At a Northern California home designed by Suzanne Rheinstein, a landscape painting overlooks the library, which features a 19th-century wing chair from Lucca covered in a Lee Jofa corduroy; the walls are painted in Benjamin Moore's Stratton Blue.
Who painted the Burgundy?
Burgundy paint picks up shades in a portrait attributed to Thomas Gainsborough in a Washington, D.C., home designed by Stephen Shadley, and the black bookcases in Daphne Guinness’s Daniel Romualdez—decorated apartment are the perfect complement to the David LaChapelle photograph.
Who designed the walls of the Manhattan library?
William Waldron. 12/14. Glossy paint covers the walls and bookcase in a Manhattan library designed by Jeffrey Bilhuber. A Louise Lawler photograph is mounted between the windows; the armchair and ottoman are covered in a Christopher Hyland tiger-stripe velvet.
How to clean a laminated bookcase?
Mix together 3 cups of ammonia with 1 gallon of water in a bucket. Use an old rag to wipe down the laminate bookshelves with the diluted ammonia to remove any dirt, grime and grease. Allow the bookshelves to dry.
How long does it take for primer to dry on laminate bookshelves?
Ensure you apply the primer in one direction for even coverage. Allow the primer to dry for 45 minutes before applying a second coat of primer. Let the primer cure for at least three days before applying paint to the laminate bookshelves. Sand the bookshelves’ surface lightly with 220-grit sandpaper.
How long does it take for primer to dry?
Allow the primer to dry for 45 minutes before applying a second coat of primer. Let the primer cure for at least three days before applying paint to the laminate bookshelves.
What paint finish should I use for cabinets?
Pick a latex paint finish and color. Choose from an eggshell, satin or semi-gloss paint finish in the color of your choice. Matte finishes are more susceptible to stains and harder to clean. Glossy finishes are reserved for trims and cabinets, but are often harder to find, as some manufacturers do not offer this finish.
How long to stir latex paint?
Stir the latex paint with a wooden paint stick. Continue to stir for at least two minutes to blend the contents even if a machine shook the paint where you purchased it.
What temperature should primer be applied to?
Check the ambient temperature to ensure it will not exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Confirm the humidity level will not rise above 70 percent. Applying a primer to the surface when temperatures and humidity levels exceed these limits can result in poor product adhesion to the surface.
What does finer bristles mean on paint?
The finer the bristles on your paintbrush, the less the brush lines will appear on the surface of the paint.
Why use dark green paint on a bookcase?
Instead of dressing up the natural source of wood for the bookcase or dresser as something else, why not let the source become the focal point for the aesthetic as a whole? Use a dark green paint to promote the sense of earthiness and nature. Create a stunning piece by mixing nature with modernity.
What color paint is associated with modernism?
Source: oliverandrust.com. Colors typically associated with modernism are bold dark hues or bright whites. Shades of grey are also quite common. To embrace that aesthetic of modernism but place your own unique twist on it, you may want to consider using a dark blue paint for your bookcase or drawer.
How to display items on a shelf?
You can do this by painting the bookcase as a whole a bright white color. With the attention captured, by painting the inside of the shelves a bright blue, the eye is then drawn to those items.
What is the meaning of grey paint?
Never underestimate the power behind simplicity. This paint color inspiration invokes the phrase that less is more. By remaining understated, the grey paint allows the focus to be placed on the objects on the shelves. Its color also allows it to be used in any room regardless of that room’s aesthetic.
What color is best for a bookcase?
For those who want their bookcase to look smart, then greys are always an excellent color choice to depict sophistication and modernity. The medium grey is light enough that the earthy nature of wood still shines through. This allows for a mix of earth and modernism to co-exist together.
Can you paint a bookcase?
Knowing just what to paint the dresser and bookcase, however, may not be as clear. After all, you want to transform the piece into something attractive not accidentally create an eyesore. To give you a bit of help, there are 18 paint color inspirations that can take those old and worn bookcases and dressers and make them something worth talking about. With a bit of elbow grease, you’ll have easily given the dresser or bookcase–and the entire room–an entirely new aesthetic.
Can you slap paint on it and it will look brand new?
Perhaps you’ve heard of the phrase “slap a bit of paint on it and it will look brand new.”. There’s something to that phrase. While damaged items certainly need a little bit more help, by and large, something that has become dull or boring in aesthetic can sometimes be rejuvenated with a simple dose of new paint.
Why do I need frog tape on my bookcase?
Frog tape is great because it's strong but won't pull the paint away when I remove it! There was no need to paint the sides and back of the bookcase because nothing sits on them, just the flat surfaces. I lightly sanded the surfaces smooth, removing any lumps and bumps. This also prepares the surface for new paint.
What color is faux wood?
The faux wood was an orange-y-yellow and really made the room (already light-challenged because of the large, brick, double-sided fireplace) look rather bleak!
What wiped sanding dust away?
The damp rag wiped any sanding dust away and I was ready to paint.
Can you paint cabinets with latex paint?
So learn from my mistake and don't paint your cabinets or built-ins with latex paint unless you plan to add a protective sealer! I was bummed and knew I needed to do something to fix this.
Can you paint furniture with chalky paint?
Aside - I have lots of experience painting furniture with chalky paint, and even waxing and sealing. And never have I experienced this issue with items leaving marks on the paint! Chalk paint cures to a hard finish and doesn't leave a tacky surface.
Overview
Spray-Painting Your Bookshelves
- Move your bookcase into the garage or lay down plastic tarps. If possible, move your bookcase i…
Open windows and doors to increase ventilation in your painting space. Spray-painting creates fumes that aren't good to breathe in. Consider placing a fan facing out the window to blow out air and keep it circulating in the room. - Wipe down your bookcase with a tack cloth. A tack cloth is a lint-free cloth that is slightly tacky (…
A dry cloth will get off most of the dust, but if you have more stubborn grit, just wet the cloth until it is slightly damp and rub it over the furniture.
Using a Paintbrush and Acrylic Paint
- Ventilate your room and lay down a drop cloth. Liquid paint doesn't emit as many fumes as spra…
Sand your bookcase with 150-grit sandpaper. You can sand by hand if you like, but that takes a while. It's quicker to sand with a palm sander, a little machine you can attach sandpaper to. If your bookcase has a woodgrain, sand in the direction of the grain. Only sand enough to take away an… - Wear gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself from dust while you're sanding.
Wipe off the sanding dust with a tack cloth before continuing.
Playing with Color and Design
- Paint your bookshelf a single color for a simple solution. This is easy to do and easy on the eyes…
Paint your large, built-in bookcase the same color as your walls. If you have a large, built-in bookcase that you want to blend in seamlessly with the room, don't paint it the color of the trim or the woodwork. Instead, paint it the same color as your walls. This will make the bookshelf not st… - If you have free-standing bookcases and you want them to look built-in, paint them the same col…
Paint the backing a different color from the rest of the bookcase. Make your bookcase pop by painting the backing a different color from the rest of the bookcase. You can choose two colors that are similar, for a harmonious, two-toned look, or choose contrasting colors for a dramatic p…
Using a Paintbrush and Acrylic Paint
- This article was co-authored by Crystal Chadwick. Crystal Chadwick is a Licensed General Contractor and the Owner of Yin & Yang Construction out of Salt Lake City, Utah. With over 16 years of experience in the construction industry, she specializes in remodels, repairs, and handyman services. Crystal leads her team with vision and a detail-oriented approach, allowing t…