How to Paint a DIY Pressed-Wood Bookcase

When you are trying to redecorate your home, you may not have the funds to replace old furniture and room accessories with new, updated versions. One inexpensive solution is to paint some of your furniture to make it look brand-new again. For example, paint an unsightly pressed-board bookcase to make it appear much more fashionable and stylish by using a few inexpensive materials that can be found at any art and craft supply store.

Sandpaper, medium-grain
Sandpaper, fine-grain
Vacuum with brush attachment
Washcloth
Paint tray
Latex paint, colored
Paintbrush, 2-inch, flat
Latex varnish, clear

Instructions

- 1
  Sand the entire surface of a pressed-wood bookcase using medium-grain sandpaper. Use small, circular motions with the sandpaper. This will remove any peeling, chipping or splintering or large areas of roughness.
- 2
  Sand the entire surface of the bookcase using fine-grain sandpaper with the same small, circular motions as before. This will make the surface of the pressed wood smooth and even.
- 3
  Run a vacuum with a brush attachment over the bookcase to remove sawdust and debris. Focus on the corners and creases to remove all of the debris.
- 4
  Wipe the entire bookcase down using a damp cloth, then let the bookcase air dry for 30 minutes.
- 5
  Fill the bottom of a paint tray with latex paint, then apply the paint in a thin layer over the entire surface of the bookcase using a 2-inch flat paintbrush. Allow the paint to dry for 4 hours.
- 6
  Apply two more thin coats of latex paint, allowing the paint to dry for 4 hours in between each coat.
- 7
  Apply a layer of clear latex varnish; an extra coat makes the covering more durable, just allow the varnish to dry for 4 hours in between coats.

Color Combinations for Wall Trim

What Happens if I Put Latex Paint Over Wood Stain?

Paint & Wallpaper