For today’s Thrift Store Decor Team, I’m sharing a 90’s bookcase makeover. This set of bookcases was actually given to me. The set was very musty and moldy!
Be sure to see the projects shared by my friends at the end of this post.
You can see that they definitely needed some cleaning up. I used warm soapy water with a little bleach added. I wiped everything down, inside and out. You can also use TSP on a bookcase makeover like this.
Bookcase Makeover | Clean
As you can see the bookcase had a real issue of being yucky.
After a good cleaning the bookcase is now ready for it’s makeover.
DIY Chalk Paint
After talking with a friend, she suggested a gray with a little turquoise. When I keep paint too long and the can gets rusty, I store paint in laundry jugs. This paint happened to be stored in a milk jug for years! This is the same paint I used to paint the Repurposed Fire Pit Outdoor Table Made with Pallet Wood.
In order to get a flat sheen with the paint, I mixed it with Plaster of Paris to make my favorite Chalky Paint Primer.
Apply Two Light Coats of Paint
I applied two coats of the DIY Chalk Paint. The first batch I made up was enough to do everything once, and the inside of the shelves twice.
I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to get the same shade for the second coat, but actually got it perfect. the drawer on the left is the second batch, the drawer on the right is from the first batch.
Boards on Sawhorses Allow More Room for Painting
It was a challenge to lay everything out and get both sides painted. I use 2×2’s on the saw horses to get the maximum amount of room.
Tip: If your paint is a little tacky, you can use wax paper to protect the finish while on the sawhorse.
These bookcases are so very heavy. The only way I can manage to move them is on furniture dollies.
Glue Gray Bookcase Makeover
After two coats inside and out the bookcases are showing a slight hint of the blue.
Bookcase Doors with Distressing
I distressed the edges by scraping very lightly with a putty knife. Emery Boards are also very handy for light distressing.
Spray Paint Hardware
I used black spray paint on the hardware. I wasn’t about to change it all out.
Old Bookcase Makeover Complete
Are they blue? Are they gray?
I waxed the bookcases with Annie Sloan clear wax. I think that brought out the gray?
There is quite a bit of damage on this one drawer of this bookcase. Perhaps I could have made it a shelf, but my heart wasn’t in it. Since I sell my pieces, the final decision would be up to the new owner.
I love using the homemade chalk paint! I did have to sand the surfaces lightly before I waxed them. (due to them being a little gritty) But after a a quick, light sanding, they were oh so smooth! Surely someone would love to give these a new home.
Before you go, won’t you please save & share this on Pinterest?
see more Chalky Paint Projects by clicking that link
Every so often, even I need to take a break from the saw and drill. 
Thrift Store Makeovers Furniture & More
We’ve been a busy bunch, take some time to visit everyone and see all the other wonderful thrift store makeovers!
Urine Specimen Bottle Display
Shutter Shelf DIY
TV Console Makeover
Nightstand Makeover
Florist Vase Makeover Inspired by Cloisonne
Repurposed Kitchen Tools As Planters
I love this! I recently used chalk paint on my dresser and have been waiting to find the right hardware- I never thought to just paint it!! Your link goes to Krylon spray paint, but does it need to include primer? And did you use satin or gloss? Thanks! I’m new at this:)
Lauren,
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to reach out to me! I think any spray paint will work, it’s more about the prep of the hardware. Make sure it’s very clean and very dry. I typically use semi-gloss spray paint. I’m sorry–I’m not sure what I used on this. When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with oil rubbed bronze! 🙂
gail
You are talented my friend!! This is so awesome!!
XO
Debbie
Gail, You totally worked your magic on these. I love how they turned out. Great tips….love the idea of storing paint in laundry detergent containers.
WOW talk about an amazing makeover, I love them!
I never thought to put paint in milk jugs, but that’s brilliant! Love your makeover and the color is perfect!
Thanks Pam!
Putting old paint in milk jugs or laundry jugs makes it so easy to pour for large and small projects. Does it keep? Heck yeah! Did you see the expiration date on that jug? 2012
gail
Did you sand first?
You did a great job! I love the color.
Wow, I love the custom color, I am sure someone on Craig’s list HAS to want them, they would be great in any decor. Good luck on selling them, I hope they go fast!
OMG…those are gorgeous!! If I lived close to you…those babies would be MINE! I love ’em!!
You did a great job and I can tell it was lots and lots of work. I like the idea of using a putty knife to distress. I will try this technique.
Love it! You did a nice job!
Holly
WOW! I totally love these. I have been looking for something like this to put in my master bath that has no storage.
Great Job!
Sharon
Beautiful.
Painting is really therapeutic, isn’t it? That color is so pretty! You really brought new life to those pieces.
Again, you do fabulous work!
The color is great.
And you have done it again…fantastic job! Keep it coming Gail…
Another wonderful project, Gail. Love the color! Enjoy your day!
They look terrific now! That’s a great colour you chose. You were lucky to have them given to you.
they turned out so great! i would include in your craigslist ad that they would make great faux-builtins.. someone could flank those around a window or door and add moulding and they would totally built in!!
Very nice!! I love making my own chalk paint. I haven’t used the plast of paris yet. I’ve been using baking soda. These came out looking great. I’m sure you’ll sell them in no time.
Where do you get the time? I hope like me your house is never clean then I would feel better. Fantastic job by the way!
I agree! These look amazing. I would definitely buy them if I was closer. Awesome job.
Gorgeous Gail. You did an awesome job on those. Who would think paint could change something sooooo much. Love the colour too.
Did you use the sprayer to paint? I am curious how the chalkpaint does in the CM.
Hugs, Deb
wow!! they look awesome! dont you love chalk paint? The wax makes the color deeper and adds that vintage look to it….you did a great job–and great color mixture!!!
chris
Hi, Gail
These turned out great! Love the color.
Vanessa
Hi Gail,
I love the outcome! From grungy to beautiful.
Homemade caulk paint is the greatest. The skies the limit on the color you can use.
Dee
Love that colour!!! I’m a home made chalk paint convert too!
Gail,
I say they are gray. Hop over and share these free cuties at Nifty Thrifty Tuesday.
Blessings,
Linda
These look awesome…I can totally see them flanked on each side of a fireplace. I bet they sell FAST on CL! Great job…and they were free, no less. Score!
they look awesome, gail! i love that color on them! 🙂
They turned out very nice.
For some reason, I have been painting things red lately…go figure.
I bet the neighbour wants them back!
It’s hard to believe how you completely changed them.
They turned out gorgeous! This is my kind of project 🙂
What an amazing new life you’ve given these pieces! They’d look majestic on each side of a fireplace, and their color will come out, depending on the colors in the room they’re in. I like that! It makes decorating a lot simpler. Fabulous work!
These look amazing! Great idea for making your own chalk paint, I havent heard of that before. Can’t wait to give it a try!
x
Lovely! The color is great.
What a difference you achieved! From the pictures I can’t even note the damaged drawer before the close up. Good luck in selling!