A DIY furniture upgrade for under $25
While browsing at Goodwill with a friend over the summer, I came across a skinny bookcase in need of a little TLC. At the time, I was looking for something more sizeable to hold my ever-evolving collection of books and magazines, but I couldn’t pass up the possibility for a DIY project with just a $7 price tag.
The dark mahogany wood finish didn’t match my other furniture, so I decided a paint job was in order. This project can be a little time consuming, but only because of the paint-drying process. Other than that, you’ll have a completely redesigned bookcase in no time.
What you’ll need:
- An old bookcase
- Paint in the color of your choice—I recommend a can of gripper primer as well, especially if your bookcase is made of fake or plastic-coated wood
- Paintbrushes
- Mod Podge
- Scrapbook paper
Start by painting your old bookcase with a few coats of gripper primer. I recommend asking someone in the paint department of Menards or Home Depot what he or she recommends, depending on the type of wood your bookcase is made of. But this will help ensure the paint doesn’t peel or chip away. Once the gripper is completely dry, add a few coats of paint. When I did this project, I bought the paint and gripper at the same time so that they would work well together. This was easily the most expensive part of the project.
Once your paint is fully dried, you can add the scrapbook paper to the bookcase’s flat backing. I recommend using a pattern that will blend together easily and not require you to do too much matching or lining up. After your paper is in place, coat with at least two coats of Mod Podge. Be sure not to use too much, otherwise your scrapbook paper will get wrinkly and not lay flat against the bookcase.
