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    Furniture Makeover » Bookcase Makeover | Blue Gray

    Bookcase Makeover | Blue Gray

    Published by Gail | Published May 13, 2020 | Updated May 16, 2021
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Old 90's furniture gets a new look. A little TLC and paint, the set of bookcases are hardly recognizable. An easy bookcase makeover that will surprise you. Make your own chalk paint to make this not only easy, but very frugal! Tips on dealing with moldy furniture and rusted paint cans. #MyRepurposedLife #furniture #bookcase #makeover via @repurposedlife

    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.

    *this post contains affiliate links, read more here*

    90's bookcase makeover

    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

    mold on furniture

    As you can see the bookcase had a real issue of being yucky.

    bookcase after cleaning

    After a good cleaning the bookcase is now ready for it's makeover.

    DIY Chalk Paint

    paint in milk jug

    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

    bookcase makeover diy chalky 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.

     

    drawers from bookcase makeover

    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 2x2’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

    painted doors bookcase makeover

    I distressed the edges by scraping very lightly with a putty knife. Emery Boards are also very handy for light distressing.

    Spray Paint Hardware

    hardware from 90's bookcase makeover

    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. Winking smile

    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!

     

    Bookcase Makeover
    Urine Specimen Bottle Display
    Shutter Shelf DIY
    TV Console Makeover
    Nightstand Makeover
    Florist Vase Makeover Inspired by Cloisonne
    Repurposed Kitchen Tools As Planters
    If you're a true junker like me, you might be itching to go thrifting! I have vowed to clear out my stash of stuff this year. Take care and stay safe!
    gail
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    « Chest of Drawers Makeover
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    Reader Interactions

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    1. Lauren

      May 27, 2020 at 11:36 am

      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:)

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        May 27, 2020 at 8:24 pm

        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

    2. Debbie Westbrooks

      May 15, 2020 at 2:45 pm

      You are talented my friend!! This is so awesome!!
      XO
      Debbie

      Reply
    3. Christy @ Our Southern Home

      May 13, 2020 at 7:56 pm

      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.

      Reply
    4. Kristin salazar

      May 13, 2020 at 1:21 pm

      WOW talk about an amazing makeover, I love them!

      Reply
    5. houseofhawthornes

      May 13, 2020 at 9:46 am

      I never thought to put paint in milk jugs, but that's brilliant! Love your makeover and the color is perfect!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        May 13, 2020 at 10:03 am

        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

    6. Nancy

      November 01, 2014 at 6:44 am

      Did you sand first?

      Reply
    7. Korrie Bastian

      May 24, 2012 at 4:21 am

      You did a great job! I love the color.

      Reply
    8. Stephanie

      May 24, 2012 at 1:22 am

      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!

      Reply
    9. I Play Outside The Box

      May 23, 2012 at 10:16 pm

      OMG...those are gorgeous!! If I lived close to you...those babies would be MINE! I love 'em!!

      Reply
    10. Connie

      May 23, 2012 at 8:18 pm

      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.

      Reply
    11. Full Circle Creations

      May 23, 2012 at 6:57 pm

      Love it! You did a nice job!

      Holly

      Reply
    12. Sharon

      May 23, 2012 at 6:27 pm

      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

      Reply
    13. Scarlett Ibis

      May 23, 2012 at 5:06 pm

      Beautiful.

      Reply
    14. Suzanne@Meridian Road

      May 23, 2012 at 4:57 pm

      Painting is really therapeutic, isn't it? That color is so pretty! You really brought new life to those pieces.

      Reply
    15. Toqua's Crafts

      May 23, 2012 at 4:12 pm

      Again, you do fabulous work!
      The color is great.

      Reply
    16. Pam

      May 23, 2012 at 3:26 pm

      And you have done it again...fantastic job! Keep it coming Gail...

      Reply
    17. Sandi @ The Primitive Skate

      May 23, 2012 at 3:24 pm

      Another wonderful project, Gail. Love the color! Enjoy your day!

      Reply
    18. Cynthia

      May 23, 2012 at 3:23 pm

      They look terrific now! That's a great colour you chose. You were lucky to have them given to you.

      Reply
    19. Jamie@OwlReally.com

      May 23, 2012 at 3:01 pm

      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!!

      Reply
    20. Layn @ reignalayn.blogspot.com

      May 23, 2012 at 2:56 pm

      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.

      Reply
    21. Donna OShaughnessy

      May 23, 2012 at 1:53 pm

      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!

      Reply
    22. Valerie & Its the SimpleThings

      May 23, 2012 at 1:50 pm

      I agree! These look amazing. I would definitely buy them if I was closer. Awesome job.

      Reply
    23. Proper Prim

      May 23, 2012 at 1:45 pm

      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

      Reply
    24. Midwest Cottage and Finds!

      May 23, 2012 at 1:27 pm

      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

      Reply
    25. Vanessa

      May 23, 2012 at 1:27 pm

      Hi, Gail

      These turned out great! Love the color.

      Vanessa

      Reply
    26. ✿ⒹⒺⒺ✿@ A Lapin Life

      May 23, 2012 at 1:12 pm

      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

      Reply
    27. Anne

      May 23, 2012 at 12:50 pm

      Love that colour!!! I'm a home made chalk paint convert too!

      Reply
    28. Linda@Coastal Charm

      May 23, 2012 at 12:15 pm

      Gail,
      I say they are gray. Hop over and share these free cuties at Nifty Thrifty Tuesday.

      Blessings,
      Linda

      Reply
    29. Terri

      May 23, 2012 at 12:09 pm

      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!

      Reply
    30. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper

      May 23, 2012 at 12:00 pm

      they look awesome, gail! i love that color on them! 🙂

      Reply
    31. Gail

      May 23, 2012 at 11:54 am

      They turned out very nice.

      For some reason, I have been painting things red lately...go figure.

      Reply
    32. Julie @ followyourheartwoodworking

      May 23, 2012 at 11:50 am

      I bet the neighbour wants them back!
      It's hard to believe how you completely changed them.

      Reply
    33. Samantha George-Realtor

      May 23, 2012 at 11:41 am

      They turned out gorgeous! This is my kind of project 🙂

      Reply
    34. Kat Bennett

      May 23, 2012 at 3:20 pm

      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!

      Reply
    35. Mrs BC

      May 23, 2012 at 11:09 am

      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

      Reply
    36. Oonafey

      May 23, 2012 at 11:03 am

      Lovely! The color is great.

      Reply
    37. Sue

      May 23, 2012 at 10:33 am

      What a difference you achieved! From the pictures I can't even note the damaged drawer before the close up. Good luck in selling!

      Reply

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    Hi, there! I’m Gail Wilson, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

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