How to Clean & Repaint Wood Bookshelf

A wood bookshelf that is painted will, at some point, need to be repainted. Over time, the removal and replacement of books and other items can cause the finish to wear and become dull. A fresh coat of paint can rejuvenate a wood bookshelf and make it look new. Ensure a quality result by following a procedure that is both straightforward and easily implemented. Complete the entire process in less than a couple of hours.

Putty knife
Medium coarse sandpaper
Mineral spirits
Old rag
Latex paint
4-inch paintbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Scrape off any items that are stuck on the surface of the shelves using a putty knife.
- 2
  Sand the entire surface of the bookshelf using a medium coarse sandpaper. You do not have to sand off all the old paint, but just ensure there is none that is loose or peeling.
- 3
  Wipe the entire bookshelf with mineral spirits applied with an old rag. The mineral spirits will clean the surface and remove any particles left behind from the sanding process.
- 4
  Paint the bookshelf using a latex paint and a 4-inch paintbrush. Start at the top of the bookshelf and work your way down so that any drips can be brushed out. Paint the shelves from back to front so that you are not reaching over already painted areas.
- 5
  Let the paint dry for 24 hours and apply a second coat if needed.

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