How to finish my painted bookcases?

[maddybails96]

Hi,

I painted some bookcases to turn into custom built-ins. I used the Zinsser B.I.N primer first and then 2 coats of just regular wall paint which I think is where I went wrong. 
The painting went well and the finish came out ok but it scratches easily and is sticky if anything heavy is put on the shelf.

Short of stripping it all back and starting again is there a clear top coat/ varnish that I can put on top to help? I’m looking for a low sheen/satin like finish. Ive looked a Cabot’s Cabothane Water based, would this work?

[EricL]

Hello @maddybails96 

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

When you have a sticky paint surface it's often an indication that the first coat has not totally cured and by covering the first coat it traps the moisture in that first coat which interferes with the total drying time. Another cause of a sticky surface is that the paint has been applied very thickly, and this causes the same issue as the trapped moisture.

If you are planning on repainting the bookcase, I suggest sanding it back down and applying the paint in thin even coats. I recommend leaving the bookcase in the sun for full strength cure. Once the primer is totally cured you can then apply your topcoat in the same manner of thin even coats and leaving it in the sun for a guaranteed cure. I suggest using low sheen so that the surface will not be easily scratched. My best advice is to make sure each coat is totally dry inside and out before you apply the next coat.

I don't recommend using a third-party paint to go over your current paint cover as they are not compatible and will not remedy the sticky surface of the paint. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric