With patience and persistence, you can revive a worn out bookcase in just a few days by refinishing it at home.
- Remove old paint. …
- Sand the surface. …
- Pay attention to details in the woodwork. …
- Fill any dents, scratches or divots. …
- Sand the entire bookcase a second time. …
- Remove all traces of dust. …
- Apply an oil-based stain.
Just so, How do you refinish a built in bookshelf?
Built in Bookcase Makeover
- Step 1: Lightly sand the entire piece and apply the stain blocker.
- Step 2: Apply 2-3 coats of the paint color of choice.
- Step 3: Apply 2-3 coats of high performance top coat.
- Tips for getting the best results on your top coat.
How do you finish wood without polyurethane? Linseed Oil
Linseed oil is another commonly used natural alternative to polyurethane. People use linseed oil to treat their wood. It can help it to look better while also increasing the overall durability of the wood. This is a non-toxic product that you will be able to use without hesitation.
Similarly, Does a bookshelf need polyurethane?
If you want durability and washability, polyurethane is a good choice. Many bookshelves have been finished with other types of finishes (shellac, lacquer, drying oil, or varnish).
How do you paint a stained bookcase?
Paint over wood stain in 6 easy steps:
- Step 1: Start by sanding the wood. “Can you paint over stain without sanding?” is a common question. …
- Step 2: Wipe down the wood. …
- Step 3: Add a coat of primer. …
- Step 4: Wipe the wood with a cloth. …
- Step 5: Paint your wood. …
- Step 6: Apply the finish.
What kind of paint do you use on a bookshelf?
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.
Should I paint my built in bookcases?
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. For the living room of a Los Angeles home, design firm Commune painted the walls and bookshelves in a pale green, giving the space a serene but stylish vibe.
Do you have to use polyurethane after staining?
Do I have to apply a clear coat after staining? While staining creates a rich, deep color that highlights natural wood grain, it does not provide long-term protection. … A polyurethane top coat protects the wood from scratches, stains and water damage.
Is clear coat the same as polyurethane?
Polyurethane. Oil-based polyurethane is a fairly durable clear coat. It adds a slight color tone and will bring out the richness of wood which makes this oil-based product great for stained wood including hardwood floors.
Can I use a rag to apply polyurethane?
Polyurethane is so durable and water-resistant, it has largely replaced shellac and varnish as a wood finish. Originally, it had to be brushed on, but different formulations mean it can now be applied as a spray or by wiping it on with a rag.
Do I need to stain wood before Poly?
Wood finishing is more about preparation than application. Some manufactures recommend sealer before stain or polyurethane, but it’s an extra step you don’t need, and it lightens the color of stain by preventing it from penetrating.
Should I polyurethane shelves?
Whether you choose to stain your wood project or not, it is important that you protect the wood with a clear finish, such as polyurethane. … Clear finishes, sometimes called “topcoats” will protect your project against damage from water, household chemicals, and everyday wear.
Can I apply polyurethane without staining?
No. The purpose of stain is to alter the color of the wood. If you don’t want to change the color of the wood you should not use stain. Polyurethane by itself is a perfectly acceptable finish.
Can you paint directly over stained wood?
Yes, you can paint over stained wood. In fact, there are numerous correct ways to paint stained wood and the method you choose should depend on the type of stain used, the state of the wood, and whether or not you’re painting a piece of furniture or some other structure.
Can I stain over stain?
Staining over stain is easy and works beautifully if your applying a dark stain over a lighter stain on raw wood. 2. You can mix 2 or more stains together to make DIY custom stains.
Do you need to prime wood before staining?
As you may know, Primers are preparatory coatings that should be used before painting or staining with a solid color. … It is key to note that Primers are not a necessity for a wood stain treatment, especially when the desired finish is meant to show the actual wood grain.
How do you paint a bookshelf without sanding?
Here are 5 Ways To Paint Furniture Without Sanding:
- USE A MINERAL PAINT. Mineral paint is very similar to chalk style paints in that no prep or prime is required. …
- USE MILK PAINT + BONDING AGENT. As I already mentioned, the antique desk in this post was not prep-sanded. …
- USE A BONDING PRIMER. …
- USE A LIQUID SANDER/DEGLOSSER.
How do I update my bookshelf?
Here are 9 easy ways that you can transform the back of an existing bookcase to create a custom look.
- Paint. A little paint can go a long way in terms of changing the look of a bookcase! …
- Wallpaper. …
- Grasscloth. …
- Burlap. …
- Beadboard. …
- Fabric. …
- Stencils. …
- Chalkboard.
What paint do you 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.
How do you seal a painted bookcase?
Top-Coat With Polyurethane
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).
