Refinishing Wood Bookcase Shelves

Overview: Refinishing wood bookcase shelves is an easy wood working DIY project. Wood products of all kind are expensive. Refinishing the bookcase shelves rather than buying a new bookcase will save you money.   

Most bookcases are made of wood with wood shelves that are adjustable so various book sizes or other memorabilia such as photographs and keepsakes will fit between the shelves. Book cases may be wall bookcases that are mounted to the wall or built into the wall or they may be just a free standing shelf bookcase. From time to time the shelves need to be refinished due to wear and tarnishing from exposure to air and moisture. The finish may be paint or stain with a top coat of varnish depending upon your personal choice and the decor of the room. Wood paint and natural wood stain comes in numerous colors, shades and types. The finish you put on your shelves is a matter coordinating the style that is best for the room. The structure of some bookcases is painted while the shelves may be stained. This is a great combination and adds a stylish finish to the room. If you have hardwood such as a cherry bookcase or a mahogany bookcase you probably will want to keep them stained. Whatever your preference, refinishing wood bookcase shelves is a great DIY home improvement project that is well within the capability of most homeowners.  The instructions below are offered for refinishing wooden bookcase shelves.

Tools and Materials:

How to do it:

1.    Remove the shelving from the bookcase and place them on a bench in the workshop.

2.    Inspect for blemishes that may need to be repaired with wood filler.

3.    Wipe the shelves with a paint solvent to remove any dirt or surface dust.

4.    Sanding, a two step process:

•  Sand the shelves with a 120 grit sand paper.

• Fill any hole or blemishes with wood filler and let dry.

• Finish sanding using a 220 grit sand paper.

• Wipe all the dust from the shelves with a clean, lint-free rag. You may want to

• do this step at least two times to insure all the dust is removed.  

5.    Staining:

There are, however, some general application guidelines. You should always go with the grain when applying stain, whether by brush, sponge or rag. Wipe away any runs immediately. Hold a clean rag in one hand. As you apply stain with a brush or sponge, use the rag to rub it into the wood. Penetrate the wood grain thoroughly. Depending on the type of stain, brand and how dark you want the shelf, you may have to apply more than one coat.

6.    Painting:

• Apply a primmer to seal the wood before applying the paint. Let the primer thoroughly dry.

• Apply the finish paint using a fine 3 – 4 inch fine bristle brush. Paint with the direction of the wood grain being careful to prevent runs along the edge. Wipe any runs immediately.      

7.    Finishing:

• Apply a clear varnish finish on top of the stain or wood. This will seal and protect the wood with a hard finished surface.  Apply the clear coat with a clean brush or sponge in even strokes. Take care to prevent any runs.

• Let the varnish dry thoroughly and light sand with 0000 grit steel wool. Apply another coat of varnish, let dry and sand with 0000 grit steel wool. Apply a good quality paste wax to the finish and buff.

And that is all there is to it.

Arranging and Decorating Bookcases