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How to upcycle a bookcase

By Bunnings magazine /

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

  1. 1

    Prepare 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.​​
  2. 2

    Sand 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.
  3. 3

    Apply 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.
  4. 4

    Add 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.
  5. 5

    Finish 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.
  6. 6

    Place 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.
  7. 7

    For more furniture and upcycling ideas

    Find more inspiration with these great furniture ideas and projects.

     

    Photo credit: Michelle Holden

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. 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 or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.