- 1). Repair any gouges or holes in the wood bookshelf with wood filler. Let the filler dry and harden according to the manufacturer's directions.
- 2). Sand the wood bookshelf with light grade sandpaper. If the wood is rough, sand it first with medium grade sandpaper, followed by light grade sandpaper. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain.
- 3). Remove the sanding debris with a damp cloth. Even the smallest amount of debris may show through the painted surface, so make sure to clean the sanded bookshelf thoroughly.
- 4). Apply a coat of primer to the bottom and edges of the bookshelf. Let the primer dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. Flip the bookshelf over and apply a coat of primer to the top and the edges again. Let the primer dry. If you're painting the wood bookshelf a dark color, consider having your primer tinted to match the paint. This will help reduce the number of coats of paint you will need to apply for complete coverage.
- 5). Apply a coat of paint to the bottom and edges of the bookshelf. Let the paint dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. Flip the bookshelf over and apply a coat of paint to the top and the edges again. Let the paint dry.
- 6). Repeat Step 5 as many times as necessary to cover the bookshelf completely with paint. You may only need one more coat of paint, unless you are using a deep color such as red or black over white primer.
- 7). Apply a coat of polyurethane over the dried paint. The polyurethane will protect the painted surface from scuff marks as you place books on the shelf and remove them. Allow the polyurethane to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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