How to Stain Bookshelves
Whether you want to showcase a collection of rare poetry or create a space to store your paperback novels, you have a wide selection of colors from which to choose when staining a bookshelf. Water-based stains are simpler to apply, but they are only recommended for wood that hasn't been previously treated. Pigmented oil stains are a bit more difficult to mix and apply, but they offer a much wider range of color choices. Determine which method best suits your bookshelf needs and expectations. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Sponges
- Sandpaper
- Rubber gloves
- Water-based stain
- 2 parts gum turpentine
- 2 parts boiled linseed oil
- 1/2 part Japan drier
- Artist's oil colors
- Small bucket
- Stir stick
- Tack cloths
- Nylon cloths
Instructions
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Water-based Stain
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1
Wet the wooden bookshelf lightly with a sponge dipped in water. Allow it to dry completely, then sand it.
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2
Don rubber gloves to protect your hands from stain.
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3
Dip a dry sponge into the water-based sealer, then apply it to the wood in long, even strokes. Do not overlap onto previously stained portions of wood. Get into all corners of the shelving.
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4
Wipe any darker areas immediately with a wet sponge to remove excess stain. Allow the stain to dry.
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5
Sand dark areas lightly with sandpaper to even out the stain. Wipe away dust with a dry sponge.
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6
Apply additional coats of stain until you reach the desired color for your bookshelf. Allow the final coat of stain to dry at least 24 hours before sealing.
Pigmented Oil Stain
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7
Mix 2 parts gum turpentine, 2 parts linseed oil and 1/2 part Japan drier in a small bucket with a stir stick. Add the desired amount of artist's oil color (see Resources) to reach your intended stain coloration. Mix thoroughly.
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8
Test your stain by applying some of it with a rag to the underside of a shelf. Adjust the color by adding more oil coloring until you reach the desired shade.
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9
Clean the wooden bookshelf by wiping it with a tack cloth.
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10
Dip a nylon cloth into the stain. Wipe it on the wood in a thick layer. Leave it until it has reached the desired depth of color. The longer it remains, the darker the stain will be.
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Wipe off remaining stain with a clean nylon cloth, before it dries completely. Allow the stain to dry.
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12
Wipe with a clean tack cloth.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Seal and/or finish your bookshelf before placing books and other possessions on it.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Heidi Coppock-Beard/Photodisc/Getty Images
