How to Embellish Particle Board Bookcases

Measure the width of each shelf and write down this measurement. Cut a piece of wood trim to this size with a hand saw for each shelf.

Lay out several sheets of newspaper over your work surface and place your cut pieces of trim there. Coat each piece of trim with a thin layer of oil-based primer using a 1-inch nylon brush. Allow the primer to dry for 2 to 4 hours.

Dip a 3-inch-wide nylon brush in your primer and cover the entire bookcase with a light coat of primer. Allow it to dry for 4 hours.

Dip your 3-inch brush in an oil-based paint and cover the bookcase with a light coat of color. Allow it to dry for 24 hours and then add another coat, allowing this final coat to dry for 24 hours.

Spray paint your pieces of trim a color that contrasts with the color you painted the rest of the bookcase. Allow the trim to dry overnight.

Nail each piece of trim to the outer edge of each shelf, using a hammer and 1-inch nails. Hammer in a nail at the left, right and middle part of the trim.

Attach stencils to the outer sides of the bookcase with painter's tape. The stencils can be anything you like, but should generally give the bookcase an elegant appearance, such as garlands, ivy or understated geometric designs.

Spray the stencils onto the bookcase with spray paint. Remove the stencils and allow the paint to dry overnight.