🖼️
The project:
What started as a second-hand find turned into a stylish interior feature and a real-life colour and skills test. Wanting to test my painting skills and sample a bold hue before making a major commitment to a kitchen makeover, this solid bookshelf served as the perfect trial run.
The piece was thoroughly sanded, prepared, and transformed with a deep navy finish. Beyond proving the colour’s success in the home's lighting, the project turned an everyday thrifted piece into a crisp, polished storage showcase that perfectly complements a coastal, resort-inspired aesthetic. I absolutely love it!
Note: if you would like to see my kitchen transformation that followed the success of this one it can be found here:
- Materials:
- Tools:
2x microfibre cloths
125mm orbital sanding pads (80, 180, and 240 grit)
Ryobi 125mm Random Orbital Sander
Painter's tape
Drop sheet
Paint stirrer
Monarch 38mm Doors and Trims Paint Brush
Uni-Pro 100mm Microfibre Paint Roller
Uni-Pro 160mm Paint Tray
- Step 1:
Clean: Clean every surface thoroughly with sugar soap and microfibre cloth to ensure all dirt is removed.
- Step 2:
Sand: Strip the old varnish depending on how you want to finish each surface. For any surfaces you want to keep natural, use the orbital sander with 80 grit sanding discs to remove the varnish, then smooth the raw timber using 180 grit sanding discs, and then a 240 grit sanding disk to create a silky base for stain aborption. For any areas you are going to paint, use the orbital sander with 80 grit sanding discs to scuff-sand (remove the glossy finish but not all the paint). Once sanded, use a damp microfibre cloth to wipe away all leftover dust.
Note: In this project, I kept the top and bottom panels of the bookcase natural and painted the rest.
- Step 3:
Apply Liming White: Use the paint stirrer to mix liming white. Apply it evenly with a paint brush to one panel/area at a time and immediately wipe back with a lint-free muslin cloth to reveal the natural timber grain. Depending on the finish you want, repeat 30 minutes later for a second coat, then allow 24 hours to dry.
Tip: stir gently so you don't cause bubbles
- Step 4:
Protect surfaces before painting: Use painter's tape along any adjoining surfaces you have painted with the liming wash that you do not want paint to transfer onto. When applying the tape, use short manageable sections and pull it tight to keep your line straight, then run your finger firmly along the adjoining edge to prevent bleeding. Use a drop sheet or old sheet/towel on the floor.
Tip: when you remove the tape, do so while the paint is so damp so the new paint doesn't bond to the tape and peel right off.
- Step 5:
Apply primer: stir primer very well then apply one coat of primer, using the 38mm brush to cut into edges and joins and then roll with the paint roller for a smooth finish. Wash stirrer, tray, and brushes in water and allow the bed and bedsides to dry overnight. Gently hand-sand with 240 grit sandpaper (I used the sanding disc from the preparation stage).
Tips: the primer is purely to give an adhesive surface for your paint, it doesn't need to be a complete colour block of your old finish. I used an oil based primer for this project to stop tannins bleeding into the paint overtime to try and prevent yellowing.
- Step 6:
Apply paint: Stir Porter's paint very well and then apply two coats of paint. For each coat, use the 38mm brush to cut into edges and joins and then roll with the paint roller for a smooth and streak-free coat. Let the first coat dry completely (at least 4-6 hours). Gently hand-sand with 240 grit sandpaper before applying second coat. Once second coat has been applied, peel away the painter's tape at a 45 degree angle, while the second coat is still wet. Wash stirrer, tray, and brushes in water and allow the cabinets to dry and harden for ~2 days.
Tip: to save washing tools between coats of paint, store your tray of paint, stirrer, and brushes in a zip lock bag or wrapped in cling wrap.
- Step 7:
Apply the top coat:
Apply the first coat of top coat over the lime-washed timber panels using the paint brush. Allow 8 hours to dry. Gently hand-sand with a brown paper bag to remove any nibs. Apply the second coat of top coat and let it cure for 5-7 days before use.
- Step 8:
Style and enjoy!: Put your books and decor in place, and enjoy your stunning new bookshelf! I even made some custom turtle prints to feature in my display.
