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How to upcycle a bookcase

An upcycled yellow and white bookcase with accessories on it.

Furniture makeover

Sometimes old furniture just needs a little TLC to look brand new. In this easy D.I.Y. project, we upcycled a worn pine bookcase by choosing a fun, bright shade for the inside to frame books and knick-knacks, finishing the exterior in a colour that complements the rest of the room.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, ear protection and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1Prepare the area for working

Working in a well-ventilated area, set out a drop sheet and place the bookcase in the centre, checking that it’s steady and that there is plenty of room to work around it. Take out the shelves and pins if they’re removable.

A man takes the shelves out of an old book case in preparation for sanding.​​

2Sand the surface

Wearing safety equipment, use a palm sander with 120-grit abrasive discs to lightly sand all over, removing any bumps and scratches. Wipe all over with a damp cloth to remove any dust.

A man wearing safety equipment starts sanding a bookcase with 120-grit sander.

3Apply primer

Apply primer, cutting in along the panel grooves and into the corners with an angled brush, finishing larger areas with a mini roller. Leave to dry.

Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: If the original varnish or timber is dark and still visible, apply a second coat. For the best finish, use a three-in-one primer that primes, undercoats and blocks stains.
A man applies primer to a timber bookcase.

4Add some colour

Apply two coats of your chosen main colour, cutting in with a clean brush and finishing larger areas with a clean mini roller, leaving to dry thoroughly after each coat. (We used Taubmans Ultimate Enamel Semi Gloss in ‘Curry Sauce’.)

Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: Use a water-based enamel for durability.
A man paints a bright yellow paint colour onto a bookcase.

5Finish with the second colour

Apply two coats of the second colour, cutting in with a brush and finishing larger areas with a mini roller, leaving to dry thoroughly after each coat. (We used Taubmans Ultimate Enamel Semi Gloss in ‘White’.)

Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: Use a new roller cover with a clean, disposable mini tray to avoid mixing paints.
Using a roller, a man paints white onto a bookcase.

6Place into position and add the finishing touches

Enlist a second pair of hands to help move the bookcase into position and reinstall the shelves.

An upcycled yellow and white bookcase with accessories on it.

7For more furniture and upcycling ideas

Find more inspiration with these great furniture ideas and projects.

 

Photo credit: Michelle Holden

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.