How to Re-Finish a Bookcase

A bookcase that is looking old and worn need not be tossed out in favor of an expensive new piece of furniture. With a little effort, your old bookcase can be transformed. Follow these simple steps to create a refinished bookcase you can be proud of.

Things You'll Need

• Power sander (not rotary)
• Sandpaper
• Sanding Block
• Paint or stain
• Paint Brush
• Rags
• Top Coat
• Optional:
• Linen Material (measured and cut to the length of the bookcase opening, and six inches wider than the width of the bookcase.)
• Sewing machine
• 1 inch dowel rod
• Nail Gun

Instructions

Refinishing a Bookcase

1. Remove the shelves from the interior of the bookcase, if possible. Use the power sander loaded with a fine grain sandpaper to remove any old paint or stain from both the bookcase and the shelves. Use a "back and forth" motion sander as opposed to a rotary style to prevent any damage to the natural grain of the wood. Use the handheld sanding block to remove paint or stain from hard-to-reach areas such as corners or edges. Wipe any excess sanding dust away using the rags. Repeat the sanding steps with an ultra fine sandpaper grain to create an extremely smooth surface.

2. Apply stain to the bookcase with a soft paint brush. For a more modern look, you may choose to use a painted finish as opposed to a stain. After the first coat of paint or stain is dry, apply a second coat, paying careful attention to corners and edges which may need to be touched up with a detail brush. Apply a high gloss, semi gloss, or matte top coat to the bookcase to seal the finish and protect the wood.

3. Steps one and two provide you with a newly finished bookcase. However, for an extra addition of decorative flair, you can create curtains to conceal the contents of your bookcase. To do this, take the fabric (cut as described in the items list) and cut it once again, lengthwise down the middle. Then sew a basic hem into all four sides of the two rectangular linen pieces you have. To create a space for the dowel rod, fold the top hem of the fabric down, meeting the underside of the fabric, creating a 1-inch diameter fold. Sew a basic stitch to secure. Repeat on second lined piece. Place the two curtains on the dowel rod and attach the rod to the top front edge of the bookcase using a nail gun at a slight upward angle, on the far edges of the rod. The result is a stylish curtained bookcase effect which will conceal any clutter.