Acrylic is a great paint to use for a bookshelf. Latex paints, which are commonly used for walls, can sometimes remain tacky, which isn’t good for putting books on. Stir your paint to make sure it’s all a consistent color and test it on some scrap wood.
What kind of paint do you use on a bookshelf?
Semi-gloss or high-gloss paint sheens are your best bets; their non-porous, smoother finish is easier to clean, and moisture beads on these surfaces rather than being absorbed, so the paint coat doesn’t weather or fade with time.
What paint finish is best for bookshelves?
Bookshelves are a great addition to any house and can shine when painted with the right paints. Three of the best paints for bookshelves are acrylic paint, enamel-based, and chalk paint.
What kind of paint should I use on 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.
How do you paint a bookshelf on wood?
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. Let the paint completely dry overnight or for 24 hours. Stain your bookcase if it is made of wood to give it a classic look.
How do you paint a bookshelf without sanding?
Milk paint, which you can purchase as a powder or premixed, or even whip it up yourself at home, is a nontoxic and biodegradable paint option that’s great for use on wood furniture—and if you mix it with an equal part of bonding agent, you don’t need to sand the piece before beginning.
What do I need to paint my bookshelf?
What You’ll Need:
- Self-assemble bookcase of your choice. I like Ikea’s Billy Bookcases, but any pre-manufactured bookcase will do.
- Zinnser BIN Primer. …
- Paint in your chosen color. …
- Paint tray. …
- Tack cloth. …
- Paint roller. …
- Drop Cloth.
What paints to use on wood?
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, and it doesn’t have the odor of an oil-based primer.
What is different about chalk paint?
How Is Chalk Paint Different From Other Paints? Besides its matte finish, chalk paint differs from traditional paint in several other ways. One of the benefits is that it doesn’t require any prep work—it can paint right over most clean, dry surfaces (except for metal or shiny laminate), even if they’re already painted.
How do you paint interior shelves?
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.
Can I spray paint a bookshelf?
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.
How do you recolor bookshelves?
Painting your bookshelves a new color is a great way to give them a fresh look and brighten up your room. There are two ways to paint your bookshelves: you can spray-paint them or you paint them with acrylic paint with a paintbrush. Spray-painting is very speedy, so if you’re in a rush, that’s the method for you.
What colour should I paint my bookshelf?
Painting the back of your bookcase dark colors is a good idea if you want your items to stand out more than the paint itself. A dark background can really showcase your belongings. Black, dark blues, dark reds, and greys are all good choices.
Should I paint my bookshelves?
Your bookcase should be just as captivating as the items it displays. Luckily, transforming your staid storage unit is as easy as a few coats of paint. Both freestanding and built-in bookshelves can benefit. Painting built-in storage to match the wall color can give the space a cohesive and intimate feel.
How do you make a bookshelf look nice?
Stack books on their sides, some on their ends, leaving space around them to create a neat display. Leave room for accessories to be displayed alongside your books, too. Display books by the colors of the spines, and paint the back of the bookcase a darker color, too, so that your bookcase styling is highlighted.
How do you make a bookshelf look more expensive?
Add Molding to Make It Look More Expensive
Thus, you can make a cheap bookcase look more expensive by adding molding—even if it starts as an everyday laminate piece. Kate from Centsational Girl made a pair of IKEA Billy bookcases unrecognizable by installing base and crown molding.
How do I make my shelves look expensive?
5 Easy Ways to Make Your Bookshelf Styling Look Expensive
- 01 of 05. Go Hardcover. Not to diss my favorite paperback titles, but hardcover books just display better. …
- 02 of 05. Don’t Display Everything. …
- 03 of 05. Add Accessories. …
- 04 of 05. Add Paper or Paint. …
- 05 of 05. Incorporate Art.