Categories: Crafts & Hobbies

Shabby Chic Bookcases

Creating Shabby Chic Bookcases is an easy project that can be accomplished in one weekend. To start this Shabby Chic Bookcase Paint Technique project you will need to spend at least one weekend, but maybe a little more time.

Any real wood or cheap plain fake wood Bookcases are perfect for this Shabby Chic Paint Technique.

Here is a list of supplies you will need to start making these Shabby Chic Bookcases:

· Primer
· Paint (2 colors: white and either sand or tan)
·. Once you have the surface lightly sanded, you should wipe off the dust with a clean dry clothe. An old white t-shirt will work perfectly here.

Now, you are ready to put a coat of primer. If you are using a cheap fake wood Bookcases this is a very important step. Your Shabby Chic Paint Technique will not stick to your surface if you don’t sand and then prime your Bookcase surface.

If you want a rough more rustic Shabby Chic Bookcases try putting the primer on with one of the 4″ brushes. This will give texture and create the look of real wood. If you prefer the smoother look you can roll the paint on with any type of paint roller. A foam roller will create the smoothest surface.

Allow your primer to dry completely.

Put on a coat of your base paint. This is either a sand color or tan color. You could do a yellowish tan. This paint should not be the actual color you want your desk to end up, but the color you want to show through when you finish the Shabby Chic Bookcases.

Now you are ready to paint your surface with the real color you wish it to be. I always recommend painting a white or antique white color for true Shabby Chic Bookcases.

Don’t be scared to choose a bright white because the Shabby Chic Bookcase Paint Technique process will tone down the appearance of the stark white considerably if you want.

Once your white shabby chic Bookcase color has dried you are ready to start roughing it up. Start by using the sand paper to rough up edges and other areas that would typically be used over time.

Once you have finished sanding the Bookcases surface wipe the surface down with a clean dry cloth. That old white t-shirt will work well here again. You can stop at this point, but if you want to go the extra mile you can use a mixture of ½ wood stain and ½ glaze to darken your piece. This darkening will mimic years of dirt and the aging process. If you use a antique white you do not have to do this.

Start by mixing you paint and glaze in a plastic container. Use a white rag or another old t-shirt to rub the stain onto the Bookcases.

You can do this process until you achieve the Shabby Chic Bookcases look you want for your vintage family room, retro home office, or little girl’s room.