I want to paint this...or something.
+22
I have this very inexpensive (cheap) fiber board shelf that is in my husband's office. (I sorta kinda took over his original office. Sorry Honey.) He is a volunteer firefighter and a Marine and I'd like to incorporate those interests into this makeover. Any suggestions?
21 answers
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I would add molding to top, sides and shelves to make it look more custom..
Esther
on Mar 28, 2014
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That's a great idea, Esther! I hadn't thought of that. Thanks!
Michele Eures
on Mar 28, 2014
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I would start with taking off the back and painting the piece a solid color so it does not looks so "manufactured". Taking off the back makes painting so much simpler. I have painted a few of these shelves in my time. since it is for your hubby you want a more masculine paint job- I like Rustoleums Expresso in the quart size which is a great color for this (I have used this color for vanities and shelf units). You need a good primer (i like Zinsser) or any good bonding primer. Or make your own chalk paint and forgo priming. Depending upon what he will use it for or display-I would even think about a deep navy color (think patriotic with the backing done in flags for each shelf. Use his Marine and fire fighting emblems and such for decorating the back would be another cool thing. Good luck
The Garden Frog with C Renee
on Mar 28, 2014
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i have one of these too...do you sand and then prime?
Lynne
on Mar 28, 2014
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or use some masculine wallpaper on the back piece. I also would take it off. I know there are a lot of folks out there that can tell you how to paint the "wood" part.
Doneva Fellows
on Mar 28, 2014
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Thanks everyone! Great ideas and I really like the idea about the flags. He's a very patriotic guy. Lynne I think if I sanded it, it would just shred up. lol It's more like particle board and not solid wood.
Michele Eures
on Mar 28, 2014
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I would add a strip of bathroom tile on the bottom and then paint it duck egg blue satin finish. Did this to several pieces of my old furniture and very happy with the results.
Marguerite B
on Mar 28, 2014
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Do you have pictures of that, Marguerite? I've never seen tile added to a shelf. Thanks for the idea.
Michele Eures
on Mar 28, 2014
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I'd definitely take the back off and replace it with something sturdier to make the whole piece look less 'cheap'. Maybe a piece of wood beadboard that you can paint in stripes, or the same color as the bookcase. Chalk paint covers just about everything without priming. You can put a wax on top to elevate it even more. Another option is mirrors in the back, if he needs a display case for something. You can put molding on the edge of the shelves and put little press-on lights.
Diane Woods
on Mar 28, 2014
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Ester took my idea but here's a post I did to show you how. http://www.hometalk.com/diy/-3094145 And here's a link to the blog article to show you more info on how I did it. http://blog.homespothq.com/2014/02/the-remaking-of-a-simple-plywood-bookcase/ For your bookcase, I'm with others that mentioned changing the back. You can get pre-primed MDF bead board that could be painted to match the rest or lighter to highlight what you put on the shelves. As for painting a good primer will prep it well. A very light sanding might be needed which wouldn't damage the vinyl like "wood grain" finish. I did that to this piece. http://www.hometalk.com/diy/-3007335 Please thank you hubby for his service, both as a Marine and firefighter. God bless him!
Z
on Mar 28, 2014
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You could wallpaper paste some marine fabric on the back and paint the rest a color that matches the fabric.
Suzceee
on Mar 28, 2014
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thanks so much for the tip...looking at mine it really would..i am going to follow some tips i found on hometalk and use a good oil base primer first
Lynne
on Mar 28, 2014
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Chalk paint would go on this just fine without all the primer, sanding, etc. Like the idea of putting some trim for detail. Hubby will love whatever you do!
DeMarie I
on Mar 29, 2014
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Molding, chalk paint (hubby's choice of color or anything would be a vast improvement) and I'd do the back in mod podge aged sheet music or aged news print.
Grettel Kuhns
on Mar 29, 2014
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I actually just painted 2 laminate bookshleves without sanding. I love how it turned out and it wasnt hard, just took a little time. :) ( http://blissfullychicdiy.blogspot.com/2014/03/painting-laminate-bookshelves-dark-to.html )
Heather
on Mar 29, 2014
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I have painted two in the past. First one I just cleaned surface and painted. I discovered after awhile it did peel off in some places, just the slightest rub from something. The next one I did a very fine sanding first to give the surface some 'tooth' for the paint to adhere to. Much better results. Have had no problems with peeling. You can also find wood trim that can be attached to the edges to give it a boost. Just paint them the same and it will really brighten up the piece. Have fun!
Julie B
on Mar 30, 2014
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Annie Sloan Chalk Paint...no prep just paint and a little wax. I recently found a piece made out of the same cheap stuff on the curb and just painted it and turned out great. Can purchase paint from www.royaldesigns.com if no distributor in your area. It's just the best paint and it seems everyone wants painted furniture these days.
Sandy
on Mar 30, 2014
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Bead board cut and painted would be the bomb. I think you can get a wall paper of sort that can be painted that looks like bead board that would be easier.
Judy Parkey
on Mar 30, 2014
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Remove the card board back purchase Luann stain it a soft gray then apply after the following is accomplished. Primer or klitz the shelves and side boards then after thoroughly drying repaint with a chocolate or ebony black. Then add a 1x2 painted boards to each side of the front of the cabinet so you may attach doors/create doors with bead board paneling add back gate hinges and gate slide bolt for closing the doors. Purchase ball feet/bun feet at Lowe's or home Depot 4 each paint and apply. No longer do you have a cheap looking cabinet. Found one in the dumpster did the above works beautifully in my grand babies room for clutter items also did one similar for my office previously. You can add crown molding to the top to add flavor and a little class. Hope this helps if not with this maybe a future project! :)
Jo Dee Bradley
on Mar 30, 2014
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If you like a country look.... white paint and cream paint.....crackling Used (to give it aged look) use pallet wood with chicken wire front....handles COULD be small potting tools..
Cathy Glasenapp Grandstaff
on Mar 31, 2014
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Sorry www.royaldesignstudio.com then click on paint, then chalk paint.
Sandy
on Apr 01, 2014
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