Asked on Apr 11, 2015

Bookshelf

Jennifer
by Jennifer
I have a couple of cheap laminate black bookshelves. Is there anyway I can paint these or change them up at all? They are just dark and boring and I'm ready for a change.
  12 answers
  • I would try the spray paint that paints plastic, maybe a light sanding and then prime them first and spray paint with the paint that will cover plastic, you can find it at Lowe's and probable Home Depot.
  • Rhonda Rhonda on Apr 12, 2015
    Zinsser primer first and be sure to let it cure for 7 days.
  • Darla Darla on Apr 12, 2015
    You could also cover them with some kind of paper, contact paper or fabric.
  • Esther Anne Tremblay Esther Anne Tremblay on Apr 12, 2015
    maybe take the back off and wallpaper in different designs where the back of shelves are would look pretty cool or paint each section a different shade of same color.
  • Toni Stratos Toni Stratos on Apr 12, 2015
    I would use chalk paint. Try lightly sanding first.
  • G B G B on Apr 12, 2015
    Prime first and let dry thoroughly. Then apply 3 coats of an acrylic latex enamel, letting each coat dry completely. Did my dresser and night stand. You wouldn't know that they were originally a brown laminate.
    • Nancy Anderson Nancy Anderson on Apr 12, 2015
      @G B I will try your idea because mine are "wood look" that do not even remotely look like wood. thanks for the nudge!!!
  • Jennifer Thompson Jennifer Thompson on Apr 12, 2015
    I decoupaged ours with pretty fabric. You could also use scrapbook papers or high quality wrapping paper.
  • Jean Thompson Jean Thompson on Apr 12, 2015
    Love @Jennifer Thompson Idea about the Decoupage idea.. this would really add interest... you could do Just the outside + the back of each shelf area - old maps, Flower pictures, scenic photos/old postcards, extra Family photos... ( you know the ones still in the envie from getting them developed.. 10 yrs ago...! ! ) :D
  • Linda kelley Linda kelley on Apr 12, 2015
    I was wrestling with a similar design dilemma. Then I discovered Chalk Paint. It covers almost everything! No Sanding required. Goes on beautiful! Many colors to chose from. On the back of the bookcase you can either apply wallpaper or even contact paper..
  • Duv310660 Duv310660 on Apr 12, 2015
    You can do lots of things, just make sure you use something to seal in any bare MDF (most likely the cut ends of the shelves, etc. Glue, wood filler, whatever you've got and then prime those ends well so water can't get in and cause the board to swell or crumble.
  • Tanya L M Tanya L M on Apr 13, 2015
    I would try Krylon Coarse Textured spray paint - on the outside and the edge - I used black granite and the inside I painted plain black. But they make all sorts of textures, paint etc - very easy. Coarse Stone Textured Finish Coarse Stone Textured Finish
  • Kim Kim on Apr 13, 2015
    I would paint them with Chalk paint. I've been told you can paint any surface with chalk paint. I am doing a coarse on it in a couple weeks so I'm looking forward to what I can do.