How to paint a timber bookshelf?

Goldilocks

I have this timber bookshelf which doesn't match anything else so I want to paint it white.

It's solid timber and a matte finish. Would I would need a primer/ undercoat? Thinking on whether I should use a chalk paint or a matte finish paint.

Before I empty it out and move it outside I need to know what I'm doing.

It will be coming back inside as a bookshelf, not deco item, so want to be sure that the paint / finish can handle a lot of books being added and removed.

I've watched YouTube videos but not really helpful. If anyone has experience of doing the same I'd love to hear.

  

EricL

Hello @Goldilocks 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about painting your bookshelf.

The general steps are to sand the cabinet down back to timber. To make the sanding process easier, I suggest investing in a detail sander such as the Ozito 200W Detail Sander. It comes with a set of sanding pads and might be just enough to sand off the old sealer currently on it. My best advice is to make sure that the sanding pad is properly anchored to the surface of the sanding pad of the tool.

Once the entire surface has been sanded down and all the sealer has been removed clean the surface very well with a clean rag along with a shop vac with the soft brush attachment. When the bookshelf is clean and ready you can then prime the surface of the bookshelf and then finish it off with the top coat. Please make sure to provide enough time for each coat to cure before painting over it.

Here are some discussions you'll find helpful:

• Upcycled bookcase by @lieselroberts 
   
• How to paint a plywood bookcase? by @jarko
   
• How To Paint Over Varnished Timber 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric