Re-vamping Wooden Shelves...(or anything else you can think of)

     Hey lovelies! Sorry I haven't been updating as recently as I would like, I have been a busy, busy, busy girl hunting for work. Speaking of which, if you are or know anyone in the architecture field, please be sure to check out my professional portfolio, the link is on the tab at the top of the page! Shameless plug I know, but hey a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

     Anyways, a few months back I completed a project I had been planning to do forever - re paint these out-dated bookshelves (from Pottery Barn purchased ages ago). I've had them since high school and the design is great, but the paint was getting a bit...worn. With a little help from my "local" hardware store (I had a gift card to HomeDepot that needed using) this project was pretty easy.

     This is a simple way to makeover a space without breaking the bank! Especially if you are making a more - er - gender neutral apartment!

More after the break!

Happily Painting

Before and after!

What You'll Need:

Nice wood paint preferably one with a paint and primer- I used Behr Premium Plus Ultra Semi-gloss Enamel in Creek Bend (Grey) and Beluga (Black). You should get the smallest amount. I bought a quart and I have a TON of leftovers

Whatever you plan to paint. You can paint anything, I painted these display boxes and shelves. If you are doing a larger project, ask the people at the store how much paint you should use. These shelves are wood, so ask which paints would be best for metal or plastic. It's helpful to bring in a sample of what you are painting if possible.

A good quality paint brush. This is important because you don't want the hairs of the brush getting all over the place. I like the Wooster Shortcut (mine is the 2in or 50mm one). The shorter handle allowed me to paint the shelves without having to be too awkward or get paint all over me. This brush is also super easy to clean with warm water.

A trash bag or newspaper

a flat head screwdriver or paint key. If you are using just a paint key, then you may need a hammer to close up the paint cans when you are finished

A few paper towel sheets for cleanup. Or if you are messy like me and got paint in your hair...

High Grit Sandpaper. (optional). This is if you have any imperfections you might want to sand down. I used a sanding pad - Norton Premium Dual Angle 120 grit. NOTE: If you are not using a paint with a primer you will HAVE to purchase this!

The little ceramic thing and my chair were helping me keep the trashcan down, as it was a bit windy that day. Also, to get a sense of how much I can paint with 2 quarts, I painted double what is shown here, with PLENTY of paint to spare!

What to Do:

1. I would suggest working outside as this can be messy. I was fortunate to have nice weather so I worked on my balcony, however if the weather isn't nice try using your garage or a flat, level space indoors. Just be careful not get paint everywhere! Also, this should go without saying, but wear crappy clothes you don't care about and if possible put your hair back! The latter I learned the hard way!

2. Line your workspace with your trash bag or paper then set out what you would want to paint.

3. If you have an imperfection (like the one below...don't light candles on shelves...duh) or you are using a paint where you have to apply a primer follow the steps below:

This is a result of me not thinking...

3A. If the imperfection is something like above, you can gently sand it out with your sand paper or pad, otherwise skip to Step 4.  In order to ensure that you don't ruin the wood grain (the pretty part of the wood that makes the lines/rings) sand in the direction of the wood grain. Here you can't see the wood grain, but still be sure to sand in the same direction to avoid getting weird grooves everywhere. Apply using as even pressure as possible. If you find your pressure isn't doing much, slowly increase pressure until you get the desired results. Remember: sand paper wears down, so for larger jobs buy extra paper or pads. If you are unsure of what grit to use, just ask someone in the store where you buy your paint, they usually sell sandpaper as well. Pushing too hard or unevenly will result in an uneven surface. If, like me, sanding can be a challenge, then I suggest using a sanding block or adhering your sand paper to a level surface, like a scrap of wood, or a level work surface (this worked wonders for me in architecture school).

While sanding, be sure to apply even amount of pressure around the area

3B. Wipe away all the dust so it doesn't grit up your paint.

4. You are going to start off by vigorously shaking the paint cans for about 3 - 5mins. Be sure to tip them upside down and shake as well. This ensures the paint pigments are all mixed up.

5. Now, using your screwdriver or paint key pry open the paint can. Your paint should be well mixed, maybe even a bit bubbly like the picture below. Don't freak out if the paint isn't the exact color you thought you purchased, this black looks a bit purple in the can, but it dried black. This is common.

6. It's finally time to paint! Don't forget to wipe your brush on the sides of the can, this ensures you don't get giant globs of paint on your surface. When painting it's important to go in the same direction in order to keep a consistent texture. I usually paint with the wood grain back and forth. When you switch surfaces, paint can tend to clump up on the edges of previously painted surfaces. Just gently go over these spots until you have an even cover. NOTE: don't try to paint it all at once, this will lead to a large mess and your object sticking to your paper/bags. Instead paint over the course of a few days painting all the visible surfaces, waiting for them to completely dry, then flipping the object over and painting the other surfaces. NOTE: If there are pieces that are used to hang or connect to other things, be careful when painting them as paint adds volume and you don't want to not be able to re-hang or re-assemble your object!

7. The paint I used took two coats. I did the base coat, let it dry for about an hour or so, then came in with the next coat. I let that dry overnight. The next day I flipped the object so I could paint the side that was previously sitting on the ground. It took me 3 days to paint all 6 shelves. 

8. When you finish painting, even if you are going to go back in an hour, put the lid back on the can. To do this use the butt (end of the handle) of the screwdriver to pound the lid back on the can. If you have a paint key that has a rounded end, you can try using that end. However, I found a few gentle taps with a hammer is easier. 

9. Even if you are waiting for an hour, clean your brush! This is very important because if you let paint dry on your brush, it is ruined. I ran mine through hot water in the kitchen sink, occasionally running my hands through the brush in order to get all the in between spaces. Fold up some paper towel and set it out to dry. When you go back to paint again it's ok to have a slightly damp brush, so don't worry about having it be bone dry.

10. Repeat steps 5 through 9 for each round of paint!

NOTES: If you find that your paint is dripping and spilling onto your working surface and drying in a clump at the bottom (thus sticking the bag/paper to your object) have no fear! I try to move my objects after they have been drying for about 15 mins. If that doesn't work, then gently pull or sand off the paper and excess paint. 

All finished and re-hung!

Enjoy your newly re-finished shelves! Happy DIYing!

-M

     Hey lovelies! Sorry I haven't been updating as recently as I would like, I have been a busy, busy, busy girl hunting for work. Speaking of which, if you are or know anyone in the architecture field, please be sure to check out my professional portfolio, the link is on the tab at the top of the page! Shameless plug I know, but hey a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

     Anyways, a few months back I completed a project I had been planning to do forever - re paint these out-dated bookshelves (from Pottery Barn purchased ages ago). I've had them since high school and the design is great, but the paint was getting a bit...worn. With a little help from my "local" hardware store (I had a gift card to HomeDepot that needed using) this project was pretty easy.

     This is a simple way to makeover a space without breaking the bank! Especially if you are making a more - er - gender neutral apartment!

More after the break!

Happily Painting

Before and after!

What You'll Need:

Nice wood paint preferably one with a paint and primer- I used Behr Premium Plus Ultra Semi-gloss Enamel in Creek Bend (Grey) and Beluga (Black). You should get the smallest amount. I bought a quart and I have a TON of leftovers

Whatever you plan to paint. You can paint anything, I painted these display boxes and shelves. If you are doing a larger project, ask the people at the store how much paint you should use. These shelves are wood, so ask which paints would be best for metal or plastic. It's helpful to bring in a sample of what you are painting if possible.

A good quality paint brush. This is important because you don't want the hairs of the brush getting all over the place. I like the Wooster Shortcut (mine is the 2in or 50mm one). The shorter handle allowed me to paint the shelves without having to be too awkward or get paint all over me. This brush is also super easy to clean with warm water.

A trash bag or newspaper

a flat head screwdriver or paint key. If you are using just a paint key, then you may need a hammer to close up the paint cans when you are finished

A few paper towel sheets for cleanup. Or if you are messy like me and got paint in your hair...

High Grit Sandpaper. (optional). This is if you have any imperfections you might want to sand down. I used a sanding pad - Norton Premium Dual Angle 120 grit. NOTE: If you are not using a paint with a primer you will HAVE to purchase this!

The little ceramic thing and my chair were helping me keep the trashcan down, as it was a bit windy that day. Also, to get a sense of how much I can paint with 2 quarts, I painted double what is shown here, with PLENTY of paint to spare!

What to Do:

1. I would suggest working outside as this can be messy. I was fortunate to have nice weather so I worked on my balcony, however if the weather isn't nice try using your garage or a flat, level space indoors. Just be careful not get paint everywhere! Also, this should go without saying, but wear crappy clothes you don't care about and if possible put your hair back! The latter I learned the hard way!

2. Line your workspace with your trash bag or paper then set out what you would want to paint.

3. If you have an imperfection (like the one below...don't light candles on shelves...duh) or you are using a paint where you have to apply a primer follow the steps below:

This is a result of me not thinking...

3A. If the imperfection is something like above, you can gently sand it out with your sand paper or pad, otherwise skip to Step 4.  In order to ensure that you don't ruin the wood grain (the pretty part of the wood that makes the lines/rings) sand in the direction of the wood grain. Here you can't see the wood grain, but still be sure to sand in the same direction to avoid getting weird grooves everywhere. Apply using as even pressure as possible. If you find your pressure isn't doing much, slowly increase pressure until you get the desired results. Remember: sand paper wears down, so for larger jobs buy extra paper or pads. If you are unsure of what grit to use, just ask someone in the store where you buy your paint, they usually sell sandpaper as well. Pushing too hard or unevenly will result in an uneven surface. If, like me, sanding can be a challenge, then I suggest using a sanding block or adhering your sand paper to a level surface, like a scrap of wood, or a level work surface (this worked wonders for me in architecture school).

While sanding, be sure to apply even amount of pressure around the area

3B. Wipe away all the dust so it doesn't grit up your paint.

4. You are going to start off by vigorously shaking the paint cans for about 3 - 5mins. Be sure to tip them upside down and shake as well. This ensures the paint pigments are all mixed up.

5. Now, using your screwdriver or paint key pry open the paint can. Your paint should be well mixed, maybe even a bit bubbly like the picture below. Don't freak out if the paint isn't the exact color you thought you purchased, this black looks a bit purple in the can, but it dried black. This is common.

6. It's finally time to paint! Don't forget to wipe your brush on the sides of the can, this ensures you don't get giant globs of paint on your surface. When painting it's important to go in the same direction in order to keep a consistent texture. I usually paint with the wood grain back and forth. When you switch surfaces, paint can tend to clump up on the edges of previously painted surfaces. Just gently go over these spots until you have an even cover. NOTE: don't try to paint it all at once, this will lead to a large mess and your object sticking to your paper/bags. Instead paint over the course of a few days painting all the visible surfaces, waiting for them to completely dry, then flipping the object over and painting the other surfaces. NOTE: If there are pieces that are used to hang or connect to other things, be careful when painting them as paint adds volume and you don't want to not be able to re-hang or re-assemble your object!

7. The paint I used took two coats. I did the base coat, let it dry for about an hour or so, then came in with the next coat. I let that dry overnight. The next day I flipped the object so I could paint the side that was previously sitting on the ground. It took me 3 days to paint all 6 shelves. 

8. When you finish painting, even if you are going to go back in an hour, put the lid back on the can. To do this use the butt (end of the handle) of the screwdriver to pound the lid back on the can. If you have a paint key that has a rounded end, you can try using that end. However, I found a few gentle taps with a hammer is easier. 

9. Even if you are waiting for an hour, clean your brush! This is very important because if you let paint dry on your brush, it is ruined. I ran mine through hot water in the kitchen sink, occasionally running my hands through the brush in order to get all the in between spaces. Fold up some paper towel and set it out to dry. When you go back to paint again it's ok to have a slightly damp brush, so don't worry about having it be bone dry.

10. Repeat steps 5 through 9 for each round of paint!

NOTES: If you find that your paint is dripping and spilling onto your working surface and drying in a clump at the bottom (thus sticking the bag/paper to your object) have no fear! I try to move my objects after they have been drying for about 15 mins. If that doesn't work, then gently pull or sand off the paper and excess paint. 

All finished and re-hung!

Enjoy your newly re-finished shelves! Happy DIYing!

-M

     Hey lovelies! Sorry I haven't been updating as recently as I would like, I have been a busy, busy, busy girl hunting for work. Speaking of which, if you are or know anyone in the architecture field, please be sure to check out my professional portfolio, the link is on the tab at the top of the page! Shameless plug I know, but hey a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

     Anyways, a few months back I completed a project I had been planning to do forever - re paint these out-dated bookshelves (from Pottery Barn purchased ages ago). I've had them since high school and the design is great, but the paint was getting a bit...worn. With a little help from my "local" hardware store (I had a gift card to HomeDepot that needed using) this project was pretty easy.

     This is a simple way to makeover a space without breaking the bank! Especially if you are making a more - er - gender neutral apartment!

More after the break!

Happily Painting

Before and after!

What You'll Need:

Nice wood paint preferably one with a paint and primer- I used Behr Premium Plus Ultra Semi-gloss Enamel in Creek Bend (Grey) and Beluga (Black). You should get the smallest amount. I bought a quart and I have a TON of leftovers

Whatever you plan to paint. You can paint anything, I painted these display boxes and shelves. If you are doing a larger project, ask the people at the store how much paint you should use. These shelves are wood, so ask which paints would be best for metal or plastic. It's helpful to bring in a sample of what you are painting if possible.

A good quality paint brush. This is important because you don't want the hairs of the brush getting all over the place. I like the Wooster Shortcut (mine is the 2in or 50mm one). The shorter handle allowed me to paint the shelves without having to be too awkward or get paint all over me. This brush is also super easy to clean with warm water.

A trash bag or newspaper

a flat head screwdriver or paint key. If you are using just a paint key, then you may need a hammer to close up the paint cans when you are finished

A few paper towel sheets for cleanup. Or if you are messy like me and got paint in your hair...

High Grit Sandpaper. (optional). This is if you have any imperfections you might want to sand down. I used a sanding pad - Norton Premium Dual Angle 120 grit. NOTE: If you are not using a paint with a primer you will HAVE to purchase this!

The little ceramic thing and my chair were helping me keep the trashcan down, as it was a bit windy that day. Also, to get a sense of how much I can paint with 2 quarts, I painted double what is shown here, with PLENTY of paint to spare!

What to Do:

1. I would suggest working outside as this can be messy. I was fortunate to have nice weather so I worked on my balcony, however if the weather isn't nice try using your garage or a flat, level space indoors. Just be careful not get paint everywhere! Also, this should go without saying, but wear crappy clothes you don't care about and if possible put your hair back! The latter I learned the hard way!

2. Line your workspace with your trash bag or paper then set out what you would want to paint.

3. If you have an imperfection (like the one below...don't light candles on shelves...duh) or you are using a paint where you have to apply a primer follow the steps below:

This is a result of me not thinking...

3A. If the imperfection is something like above, you can gently sand it out with your sand paper or pad, otherwise skip to Step 4.  In order to ensure that you don't ruin the wood grain (the pretty part of the wood that makes the lines/rings) sand in the direction of the wood grain. Here you can't see the wood grain, but still be sure to sand in the same direction to avoid getting weird grooves everywhere. Apply using as even pressure as possible. If you find your pressure isn't doing much, slowly increase pressure until you get the desired results. Remember: sand paper wears down, so for larger jobs buy extra paper or pads. If you are unsure of what grit to use, just ask someone in the store where you buy your paint, they usually sell sandpaper as well. Pushing too hard or unevenly will result in an uneven surface. If, like me, sanding can be a challenge, then I suggest using a sanding block or adhering your sand paper to a level surface, like a scrap of wood, or a level work surface (this worked wonders for me in architecture school).

While sanding, be sure to apply even amount of pressure around the area

3B. Wipe away all the dust so it doesn't grit up your paint.

4. You are going to start off by vigorously shaking the paint cans for about 3 - 5mins. Be sure to tip them upside down and shake as well. This ensures the paint pigments are all mixed up.

5. Now, using your screwdriver or paint key pry open the paint can. Your paint should be well mixed, maybe even a bit bubbly like the picture below. Don't freak out if the paint isn't the exact color you thought you purchased, this black looks a bit purple in the can, but it dried black. This is common.

6. It's finally time to paint! Don't forget to wipe your brush on the sides of the can, this ensures you don't get giant globs of paint on your surface. When painting it's important to go in the same direction in order to keep a consistent texture. I usually paint with the wood grain back and forth. When you switch surfaces, paint can tend to clump up on the edges of previously painted surfaces. Just gently go over these spots until you have an even cover. NOTE: don't try to paint it all at once, this will lead to a large mess and your object sticking to your paper/bags. Instead paint over the course of a few days painting all the visible surfaces, waiting for them to completely dry, then flipping the object over and painting the other surfaces. NOTE: If there are pieces that are used to hang or connect to other things, be careful when painting them as paint adds volume and you don't want to not be able to re-hang or re-assemble your object!

7. The paint I used took two coats. I did the base coat, let it dry for about an hour or so, then came in with the next coat. I let that dry overnight. The next day I flipped the object so I could paint the side that was previously sitting on the ground. It took me 3 days to paint all 6 shelves. 

8. When you finish painting, even if you are going to go back in an hour, put the lid back on the can. To do this use the butt (end of the handle) of the screwdriver to pound the lid back on the can. If you have a paint key that has a rounded end, you can try using that end. However, I found a few gentle taps with a hammer is easier. 

9. Even if you are waiting for an hour, clean your brush! This is very important because if you let paint dry on your brush, it is ruined. I ran mine through hot water in the kitchen sink, occasionally running my hands through the brush in order to get all the in between spaces. Fold up some paper towel and set it out to dry. When you go back to paint again it's ok to have a slightly damp brush, so don't worry about having it be bone dry.

10. Repeat steps 5 through 9 for each round of paint!

NOTES: If you find that your paint is dripping and spilling onto your working surface and drying in a clump at the bottom (thus sticking the bag/paper to your object) have no fear! I try to move my objects after they have been drying for about 15 mins. If that doesn't work, then gently pull or sand off the paper and excess paint. 

All finished and re-hung!

Enjoy your newly re-finished shelves! Happy DIYing!

-M

     Hey lovelies! Sorry I haven't been updating as recently as I would like, I have been a busy, busy, busy girl hunting for work. Speaking of which, if you are or know anyone in the architecture field, please be sure to check out my professional portfolio, the link is on the tab at the top of the page! Shameless plug I know, but hey a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

     Anyways, a few months back I completed a project I had been planning to do forever - re paint these out-dated bookshelves (from Pottery Barn purchased ages ago). I've had them since high school and the design is great, but the paint was getting a bit...worn. With a little help from my "local" hardware store (I had a gift card to HomeDepot that needed using) this project was pretty easy.

     This is a simple way to makeover a space without breaking the bank! Especially if you are making a more - er - gender neutral apartment!

More after the break!

Happily Painting

Before and after!

What You'll Need:

Nice wood paint preferably one with a paint and primer- I used Behr Premium Plus Ultra Semi-gloss Enamel in Creek Bend (Grey) and Beluga (Black). You should get the smallest amount. I bought a quart and I have a TON of leftovers

Whatever you plan to paint. You can paint anything, I painted these display boxes and shelves. If you are doing a larger project, ask the people at the store how much paint you should use. These shelves are wood, so ask which paints would be best for metal or plastic. It's helpful to bring in a sample of what you are painting if possible.

A good quality paint brush. This is important because you don't want the hairs of the brush getting all over the place. I like the Wooster Shortcut (mine is the 2in or 50mm one). The shorter handle allowed me to paint the shelves without having to be too awkward or get paint all over me. This brush is also super easy to clean with warm water.

A trash bag or newspaper

a flat head screwdriver or paint key. If you are using just a paint key, then you may need a hammer to close up the paint cans when you are finished

A few paper towel sheets for cleanup. Or if you are messy like me and got paint in your hair...

High Grit Sandpaper. (optional). This is if you have any imperfections you might want to sand down. I used a sanding pad - Norton Premium Dual Angle 120 grit. NOTE: If you are not using a paint with a primer you will HAVE to purchase this!

The little ceramic thing and my chair were helping me keep the trashcan down, as it was a bit windy that day. Also, to get a sense of how much I can paint with 2 quarts, I painted double what is shown here, with PLENTY of paint to spare!

What to Do:

1. I would suggest working outside as this can be messy. I was fortunate to have nice weather so I worked on my balcony, however if the weather isn't nice try using your garage or a flat, level space indoors. Just be careful not get paint everywhere! Also, this should go without saying, but wear crappy clothes you don't care about and if possible put your hair back! The latter I learned the hard way!

2. Line your workspace with your trash bag or paper then set out what you would want to paint.

3. If you have an imperfection (like the one below...don't light candles on shelves...duh) or you are using a paint where you have to apply a primer follow the steps below:

This is a result of me not thinking...

3A. If the imperfection is something like above, you can gently sand it out with your sand paper or pad, otherwise skip to Step 4.  In order to ensure that you don't ruin the wood grain (the pretty part of the wood that makes the lines/rings) sand in the direction of the wood grain. Here you can't see the wood grain, but still be sure to sand in the same direction to avoid getting weird grooves everywhere. Apply using as even pressure as possible. If you find your pressure isn't doing much, slowly increase pressure until you get the desired results. Remember: sand paper wears down, so for larger jobs buy extra paper or pads. If you are unsure of what grit to use, just ask someone in the store where you buy your paint, they usually sell sandpaper as well. Pushing too hard or unevenly will result in an uneven surface. If, like me, sanding can be a challenge, then I suggest using a sanding block or adhering your sand paper to a level surface, like a scrap of wood, or a level work surface (this worked wonders for me in architecture school).

While sanding, be sure to apply even amount of pressure around the area

3B. Wipe away all the dust so it doesn't grit up your paint.

4. You are going to start off by vigorously shaking the paint cans for about 3 - 5mins. Be sure to tip them upside down and shake as well. This ensures the paint pigments are all mixed up.

5. Now, using your screwdriver or paint key pry open the paint can. Your paint should be well mixed, maybe even a bit bubbly like the picture below. Don't freak out if the paint isn't the exact color you thought you purchased, this black looks a bit purple in the can, but it dried black. This is common.

6. It's finally time to paint! Don't forget to wipe your brush on the sides of the can, this ensures you don't get giant globs of paint on your surface. When painting it's important to go in the same direction in order to keep a consistent texture. I usually paint with the wood grain back and forth. When you switch surfaces, paint can tend to clump up on the edges of previously painted surfaces. Just gently go over these spots until you have an even cover. NOTE: don't try to paint it all at once, this will lead to a large mess and your object sticking to your paper/bags. Instead paint over the course of a few days painting all the visible surfaces, waiting for them to completely dry, then flipping the object over and painting the other surfaces. NOTE: If there are pieces that are used to hang or connect to other things, be careful when painting them as paint adds volume and you don't want to not be able to re-hang or re-assemble your object!

7. The paint I used took two coats. I did the base coat, let it dry for about an hour or so, then came in with the next coat. I let that dry overnight. The next day I flipped the object so I could paint the side that was previously sitting on the ground. It took me 3 days to paint all 6 shelves. 

8. When you finish painting, even if you are going to go back in an hour, put the lid back on the can. To do this use the butt (end of the handle) of the screwdriver to pound the lid back on the can. If you have a paint key that has a rounded end, you can try using that end. However, I found a few gentle taps with a hammer is easier. 

9. Even if you are waiting for an hour, clean your brush! This is very important because if you let paint dry on your brush, it is ruined. I ran mine through hot water in the kitchen sink, occasionally running my hands through the brush in order to get all the in between spaces. Fold up some paper towel and set it out to dry. When you go back to paint again it's ok to have a slightly damp brush, so don't worry about having it be bone dry.

10. Repeat steps 5 through 9 for each round of paint!

NOTES: If you find that your paint is dripping and spilling onto your working surface and drying in a clump at the bottom (thus sticking the bag/paper to your object) have no fear! I try to move my objects after they have been drying for about 15 mins. If that doesn't work, then gently pull or sand off the paper and excess paint. 

All finished and re-hung!

Enjoy your newly re-finished shelves! Happy DIYing!

-M