Easy Way To Paint Wooden & Laminate Bookshelves
The Bookshelves can be both wooden as well as Laminate type and if you are looking to paint both the types of bookshelves, then here the user can find out the easy way for painting both types of bookshelves:
Wooden Bookshelf
- Remove: The first step is to remove the shelves as well as shelf brackets, if applicable for the bookshelf's design.
- Sanding: After the above step is done then the next step is to start the sanding process for the entire bookcase, as well as the shelves, lightly sand using fine-grit sandpaper. The user should remove all the shiny finish from previous paint and slightly roughen the area of laminate finishes using the sandpaper. The wood bookshelves should still feel smooth to touch after sanding is done.
- Vacuum: After the sanding is done then there will be sawdust residue on the area. So, it's important to vacuum the dust from all the crevices or simply use a little dampened rag to clean the dust.
- Primer: In this step its time to apply a thin coat of primer over the bookcase as well as shelves, if the user is painting the bookcase a solid color then a primer is very important. To apply the primer use a bristle paintbrush and apply it in the direction of the wood grains. It's simple to apply the oil-based primer in the case of oil-based paints and a latex primer for latex paints. Leave the primer to dry out for almost three hours depending on the conditions.
- Paint: After the primer is dry apply a thin coat of paint on top of it, again paint in the direction of the wood grain. It's advisable to clean all the excess paint from inside the bracket installation holes if the shelves are removed. To scrape the paint from the holes simply use a nail or wood pick.
- Allow Paint To Dry: At last, allow the paint to dry completely between coats, apply 2 or 3 coats for achieving the desired color. In case of the latex paint sand lightly between each of the coats. However, oil-based paints will not require sanding. Allow the area to dry completely for an overnight before attaching the shelves.
Laminate Bookshelves
- Safety Wear: The user should wear rubber gloves, safety goggles as well as a respirator that is designed to protect against any organic vapor and acid gasses.
- Solution and Filler: Make a solution of 3 cups of ammonia with almost 1 gallon of water in a bucket. With the help of an old rag wipe down all the laminate bookshelves and then allow the bookshelves to dry completely. With the help of wood, filler fills out any indentions and then cover any screw or nail holes.
- Sanding: Now in this step sand the surface of the laminate bookshelves with the help of 120-grit sandpaper, enough to roughen the surface. After that wipe down the area with a tack cloth.
- Primer: Its time to apply a shellac-based primer over the entire surface. The user can either spray primer or can apply using a synthetic-blend paintbrush. Make sure to apply the primer only in one direction for even coverage. Allow the primer to dry then apply another coat.
- Sand The Bookshelves: After the primer is dry then lightly sand with 220-grit sandpaper and again wipe off the dust with a tack cloth.
- Stir: Now in this step the user needs to stir the latex paint with the help of the wooden paint stick for at least two minutes so that the contents will blend together.
- Paint: Using the 2-inch-wide synthetic-blend paintbrush apply the paint to bookshelves. Apply in long and even strokes to ensure the even color and coverage all over the shelves. Let the paint dry for two hours.