How do you paint a painted bookcase?

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Paint a thin coat of primer on the bookcase and shelves if you are painting the bookcase a solid color. Use a bristle paintbrush to apply the primer and paint in the direction of the wood grain. Select an oil-based primer for oil-based paints, and a latex primer for latex paints.



Hereof, what kind of paint do you use on a bookshelf?

You should use Sherwin Williams ProClassic Acrylic/ Alkyd because it won't yellow like an oil base will and you can clean it up with water. The acrylic/ alkyd will be hard and durable and is meant for high contact surfaces like bookshelves. That's for the finish coat.

Likewise, how do you paint a bookshelf to look old? How to Distress a Bookshelf
  1. Wipe down the bookcase with a damp rag to remove dust and surface dirt.
  2. Sand the entire bookcase lightly with 220-grit sandpaper.
  3. Dip a 1-inch-wide angled paintbrush into a dark-colored paint.
  4. Sand the bookcase very lightly with the 220-grit sandpaper.

Also know, how do you paint a shelf white?

Paint can allow you to match your shelves to anything else in your home.

  1. Assemble the shelves before painting.
  2. Strip away old paint, if desired, using gel paint stripper.
  3. Sand the wood with a disc sander.
  4. Apply a coat of primer paint to the entire set of shelves.
  5. Paint the undersides of the shelves.

Why is my painted wood sticky?

Paint that remains tacky days after application will dash your dreams of a beautiful painted surface. A phenomenon known as blocking keeps paint from drying to a smooth finish. Blocking affects items painted with latex paint when the surrounding air is too cold, too hot or has too much humidity.

39 Related Question Answers Found

What is the best paint to use to paint furniture?

For furniture it's best to use a satin or semigloss finish in either a latex or an oil-based paint. Never leave primer unpainted. If you choose a latex paint, a latex primer is an excellent choice for most uses. It goes on easily and blocks most stains, but it doesn't have the odor of an oil-based primer.

Can you use wall paint on wood?

Wall paints are designed to work for walls. Painting on a wooden surface is not a good choice of material. You can buy wood paints or use wood primers to help the paint set well with the wood in the furniture. Wood Primer is a general purpose oil-based primer for interior and exterior wooden surfaces.

What is the best brand of paint for furniture?

THE BEST FURNITURE PAINTS YOU CAN BUY
  1. Rust-Oleum Chalky Finish Furniture Paint.
  2. Ronseal Satin Cupboard Paint.
  3. V33 Easy Satin Furniture Paint.
  4. Rust-Oleum Gloss Furniture Paint.
  5. Ronseal Chalky Furniture Paint.
  6. Johnstone's Revive Chalky Furniture Paint.
  7. Hemway Chalk Matt Finish Wall and Furniture Paint.
  8. Frenchic Furniture Paint.

What is the best paint to use on shelves?

The Best Paint For Pantry Shelves
Because of its better coverage and ability to withstand scuffs and wear, gloss paint is the best choice for high-use areas, such as pantry shelves. Gloss paint is also easier to maintain as it will stand up to repeated cleaning from the inevitable spills.

Can I paint furniture without sanding?


No, you do not. But you do need to properly prep the surface first. Wiping it down with a clean soapy rag is always advised, and you may want to use a deglosser. I choose to use an oil-based paint instead which will adhere to a varnished surface and is a great way to prep for a final coat of paint.

Can you paint over varnished wood without sanding?

Painting Over Varnish Without Sanding. It is often recommend that you sand any surface thoroughly prior to painting it. Painting over varnish without sanding is not a best practice but it can be done.

Can you paint a shelf with acrylic paint?

You may be changing the paint color of a bookshelf that's already painted. A rule of thumb is that you can paint over enamel paint with either enamel or acrylic paint, but don't bother painting over acrylic paint with anything but more acrylic-based paint; enamel won't stick.

How do you protect painted shelves?

Apply two coats of water-based polyurethane over the shelves. Water-based polyurethane can be used with both latex and alkyd painted surfaces and will not alter the color (unlike oil-based polyurethanes, which add a yellowish tint).

What is paint primer used for?

A primer (/ˈpra?m?r/) or undercoat is a preparatory coating put on materials before painting. Priming ensures better adhesion of paint to the surface, increases paint durability, and provides additional protection for the material being painted.

How long should paint dry on bookshelves?


Place a heavy object on the shelf and leave it overnight. If it can be easily removed without sticking or lifting up the paint, then the shelf is sufficiently cured. If the shelf still feels sticky where the item was resting, allow the paint to cure for another week to two weeks.

How do you paint laminate furniture?

The 2 Best Ways to Paint Laminate Furniture ~ Method #1
  1. Clean the Surface. This dresser was dusty so all that was needed to clean it was a soft cloth dampened with warm water.
  2. Lightly Sand the Entire Piece. Yes SAND!
  3. Prime. I used B.I.N shellac based primer.
  4. Paint.
  5. Protect with a Sealer/Topcoat.

How does chalk paint work?

Chalk Paint is a type of paint (actually, it's a trademarked brand of paint by Annie Sloan, but other companies have similar paints also) that can be used on furniture and other items to create a chalky appearance. It's used for creating an aged appearance, and can be distressed easily.

How do you paint laminate furniture without sanding?

Here's the fool-proof way to paint laminate furniture:
  1. Step 1: Clean.
  2. Step 2: Prime.
  3. Step 3: Paint with emulsion of choice.
  4. Step 4: Varnish.
  5. Step 5: Wait for the eggshell or varnish to cure and harden.
  6. Step 6: Admire your project.
  7. BONUS TIP: Cover your paint tray with cling film before pouring your paint on it.

Why is my semi gloss paint sticky?

Humidity and temperature play a major role in exterior paint dry times. If it is rainy or hot and humid, the semi-gloss paint will take much longer to dry and might remain sticky until the weather conditions allow the paint to dry out completely.

What kind of paint do you use on laminate furniture?


Latex paint is recommended for laminate surface painting projects because of its durability and smooth finish. Try ProClassic Interior Acrylic Latex Enamel for lighter colors, and All Surface Latex Enamel Base for deeper hues.

Can you paint a laminate shelf?

When attempting to paint laminate bookshelves, often the paint peels from the surface, or moving even a light object across the bookshelves creates unsightly scratches. Avoid the pitfalls of painting laminate by using primers and techniques that can change old laminate bookshelves into a beautiful piece of furniture.

How do you refinish bookshelves?

With patience and persistence, you can revive a worn out bookcase in just a few days by refinishing it at home.
  1. Remove old paint.
  2. Sand the surface.
  3. Pay attention to details in the woodwork.
  4. Fill any dents, scratches or divots.
  5. Sand the entire bookcase a second time.
  6. Remove all traces of dust.
  7. Apply an oil-based stain.

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