Painting a bookcase is easy. But making it look spectacular can be time-consuming. Fortunately, once done right, the paint job will last a long time. You can use either latex or oil-based paint for the job. While oil-based paints tend to give a smoother finish, latex paints are much easier to work with and more environmentally friendly. Just make sure you choose the right brushes and primer for the paint.
Instructions
1. Remove any removable shelves. Although you will paint them at the same time as the bookcase, they will be easier to paint off the bookcase.
2. Strip old paint or varnish off the bookcase and shelves if it is peeling, cracking or very thick. In most cases this isn't necessary since sanding (Step 4) does the job for you.
3. Use a sponge and a wood-safe soap to remove any dirt or grease from the wood. Rinse well with clean water and allow the wood to dry. If the shelves are new or not dirty, you can skip this step.
4. Sand the bookcase in the direction of the grain with a sanding block. For painted or varnished furniture, use 80- to 100-grit sandpaper until you get down to the bare wood or remove the sheen. Then use 150-grit sandpaper to smooth things out. For unfinished wood, use either 100 or 150 grit, depending on how rough the wood feels. If it is rough, start out with 100 grit and then go to 150 grit. If it is not very rough, just use 150 grit.
5. Smooth out the surface using 220-grit sandpaper.
6. Use a clean, damp cloth or tack cloth to wipe off any dust from the bookcase.
7. Apply a thin layer of primer using a brush or roller in the direction of the wood. Use either a nylon brush or short-napped roller for latex or water-based paint. For oil-based (alkyd) paints, use a natural bristled brush or a short-napped roller made of nylon and wool blend, lambskin or mohair. Paint the thin edges of the bookcase first and then the larger, flat surfaces. That way you will smooth out any drips that may occur.
8. Wait for the primer to dry. Then rub your hand along the surface of the wood. If it feels rough, sand it with 220-grit sandpaper and wipe it off with a damp cloth to remove the dust. If the bookcase feels smooth, you can skip this step.
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 four times until you have five thin coats of primer on the bookcase.
10. Mix the paint well using a paint stick.
11. Apply your paint the same way you did using the primer in Steps 7 and 8, by using several thin coats rather than one or two thick coats. However, instead of using 220-grit sandpaper between coats, use 400-grit wet/dry sandpaper. Apply a little water to the surface of the sandpaper and sand. The water and high grit help reduce any scratches and create a smooth surface to the wood.
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