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Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer

Simple DIY tutorials and thrifty furniture and decor makeovers

Vintage Bookcase Makeover

Hello, dear friends and welcome to another edition of Trashy Treasures Tuesday! My trashy treasure for today is a vintage bookcase makeover that started out like this:

Not too trashy, right? I found it while yard saling in our neighborhood for only $20, and I just couldn’t pass it up!

But then, when I got it home and looked closer, I saw this…

Hmm…what is that?

The previous owner said that it had been stored in the attic for several years.

And that is all the paint in the back corners cracking and peeling…

Oh no! I really need to do a better job at inspecting these pieces  before bringing them home!

And you can see also in the photo above that the bottom there was not a nice, smooth surface. It looked as though this piece had been painted a few times and it hadn’t been properly cleaned in between paint jobs.

Also, the paint at the back was cracking and crackled. (Note: I did test for lead paint first!)

In order to give this vintage (probably antique) bookcase a proper makeover, all that paint would need to be removed.

I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.

And so it began

My next decision started a many-hour long mess that I very soon regretted.

I decided to pull out this paint stripper I bought a while back that I had seen people rave about. I normally DO NOT like strippers (even Citristrip). It is messy work and I would rather use my sander any day instead!

But this piece had a lot of surface area and some grooves that I thought may work better with a stripper. (Do you keep imagining a girl dancing on a pole? ????)

I applied it to the entire bookcase with a chip brush…

The instructions said to allow it to do its thing for 2-4 hours, so I waited for two hours and came to check on it.

It was already drying, but I was able to start removing the paint with a putty knife with a little effort…

Mind you, that was coming off in gunky gooey blobs and I needed to have a clean towel at all times to wipe my blade off on.

But, I thought it wasn’t too bad at this point.

I also enlisted the help of this scraper tool which worked pretty well too:

Except

Except we were in the middle of a heat wave this weekend and the stripper was drying too quickly. I would need ot reapply it.

And after several more hours of scraping, I got to this point:

What a mess!

I had to constantly change out my gloves as they kept getting holes in them and they were covered in that goopy mess.

I’ll admit, I had to walk away from it a few times.

I worked over several days to remove the paint, but I had to keep at it to make my Trashy Treasures deadline!

The water you see is from cleaning with a cleaner that came with the paint stripper I used. It did do a pretty good job at removing some of the residual paint l had left:

But guess what I still needed to do?

Sand!

I got it to this point:

But it was still nowhere near paint ready!

So, I busted out my best friend that day, my Ryobi orbital sander and 220 grit sandpaper to get this prepwork done!

I should have started with that!

I will say that this stripper product would work great on the top of a buffet or dresser if you just have one surface to do and you prefer not to sand.

Ah now we’re ready!

Prime for Bleed through

I thought for sure after seeing that reddish brown water that this would be a bleeder, so I primed with a coat of Bonding BOSS in white:

Yes I did take this project inside! I had had enough of sweating in the garage lol!

I left that to dry for 24 hours so it could thoroughly dry. As with the original BOSS, proper dry time is KEY!

Paint

I honestly loved the simple white, but what kind of makeover would this be if I kept it white?

So, I still kept it simple but went for one of my favorite blues: Vintage Duck Egg Blue mixed 50/50 with Cotton:

I love Vintage Duck Egg Blue lightened up a bit!

Sand

I only gave it one coat of paint over the white Bonding BOSS and then sanded liberally all over with 220 grit sandpaper wrapped around an old sanding sponge.

If I didn’t want any distressing, I would opt for these fine grit sanding sponges instead to smooth out the finish.

I vacuumed up all the sanding dust with my shop vac and I was ready to seal.

Seal

I almost always choose Satin Clear Coat to seal my furniture pieces, but when I need extra protection for hard workers like this bookcase might potentially be, I opt for Gator Hide instead:

I applied that using a blue sponge applicator.

Cutting the sponge square helps to get into those inside corners more easily, or you could use a brush instead. I like that the sponge applies it in nice, thin coats. I gave everything one coat and then went back and gave the shelves an additional coat.

Vintage Bookcase Makeover Reveal

Here it is ready to begin its new life!

Vintage Bookcase Makeover in Duck Egg Blue

And I have no concerns that the paint job will not hold up now, since I completely removed the original paint and started fresh!

Why didn’t I stain it instead while I had it down to the bare wood?

I didn’t think it would be nearly as cute!

I love the details like these pieces at the top:

Vintage Bookcase Makeover in Duck Egg Blue

They give this bookcase that vintage charm…

Vintage Bookcase Makeover in Duck Egg Blue

And the pieces at the bottom as well…

Vintage Bookcase Makeover in Duck Egg Blue

 

Distressing some helped to camouflage some of the bumps and nicks this piece had.

Vintage Bookcase Makeover in Duck Egg Blue

 

Vintage Bookcase Makeover in Duck Egg Blue

Only applying one coat of the Vintage Duck Egg Blue and Cotton mix over the BOSS, allowed some of the white to peek through, giving this finish a more coastal feel:

And those shelves are super smooth now!

Vintage Bookcase Makeover in Duck Egg Blue

I am so happy to call this one done!

Vintage Bookcase Makeover in Duck Egg Blue

My friends have three more fabulous trashy makeovers for you to see today!

 

1. Salvaged Inspirations

2. Artsy Chicks Rule

3. Prodigal Pieces

And I’m one more piece closer to being done!

See what you’ve missed from this yard sale haul so far below:

Two-Toned Painted Side Table
$5 Yard Sale Suitcase Makeover
Decoupaged Table Makeover
Child’s Chair Makeover
$15 Yard Sale Bench

I’ll be back with this piece that was a lot of fun to do:

UDATE: See how it looks now HERE!

I hope your week is off to a fantastic start!

XOXO,

 

 

 

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Comments

  1. I’m generally not a fan of the vintage Duck Egg Blue but for this piece it’s so perfect! Glad it all worked out for you and that you could revive this beauty. I thought for sure you’d cut off the swirly pieces but so happy you didn’t. This will sell!!

    Reply

    • Thank you so much, Jeanne! I definitely prefer Vintage Duck Egg lightened up a bit, and it did work well for this particular piece. I think many would have cut off the top pieces and the pieces in the bottom corners as well, but I loved those charming details! XOXO

      Reply

  2. Oh my gosh! You are amazing! It turned out so beautiful! Who ever buys that piece will feel the love that went into making it beautiful! If I lived near you it would be mine, all mine!!!!

    Reply

    • Aww thank you, my friend! At least it won’t be peeling up on them lol. And I would absolutely love if it could live in your home! XOXO

      Reply

    • Right? I usually do too but there is something about yard sales that make me feel like I need to grab things before others do lol! I will definitely be more cautious next time. Thank you, my friend! XOXO

      Reply

  4. Christy, you get lots of “high fives” for perseverance on this one! I’m with you, I’d rather sand than strip any day — after a thrice-green-painted vintage high-boy dresser tested my vocabulary — I swore, figuratively, never again.
    But your tenacity paid off and this bookcase is stunning; I was surprised no transfer but the top and bottom detail are all it really needed to say, “WOW!” It won’t be in your booth long!

    Reply

    • Thank you so much, Janice! Yes, sanding is SO much easier in my opinion. I learned my lesson from this one too! I am glad it’s done though, and now it can live on and be enjoyed for many more years to come! And yes, you know I love my transfers, but the pretty details were enough. Have a lovely week! XOXO

      Reply

  5. That was certainly worth all the effort, Christy. I love the color and would snap that up in a heartbeat if I saw it in a shop. Someone is going to love that piece!

    Reply

  6. Super cute, Christy! You got your workout on that one! I don’t like using strippers either, but I’ve had good luck with my heat gun for removing paint.

    Have a great week!

    Reply

    • Thank you, Gayle! This one tested me for sure lol. I haven’t tried a heat gun…that definitely sounds less messy! Thanks for the tip! XOXO

      Reply

  7. Wow what work you put into this. I hate sanding but it’s something you have to do at times. Like you, we’re under a heat advisory and don’t blame you for taking it inside to finish it. It turned out so pretty and your ironstone looks so pretty on the shelves.

    Reply

    • Thank you, Janice! Yes, sanding isn’t the most fun either, but better. Stay cool where you are! XOXO

      Reply

  8. That looks like the perfect size. I have been looking for something to use in my breakfast nook for storage. This gives me hope that there’s something out there! I hate stripper too (haha, now I’m stuck with a pole dancer image). It’s so messy. It looks great so worth the challenge.

    Reply

    • This is a great size and can fit into so many places! I hope you have luck finding something that works for your space. And ha ha…I kept imagining actual strippers! Glad to have this one done. Thank you, Cecilia! XOXO

      Reply

  9. What a chore to accomplish in all that heat, but your results are simply lovely! You resurrected that bookcase into a beautiful gem! I admire your skill, and the individual appreciation for every piece you do. Thank you for sharing your projects. I hope it is bought by a “forever treasurer” who makes it the family heirloom for generations!

    Reply

    • Aww thank you so much, Lola! I appreciate that! This one was a lot of work, but yes, I am so happy that it can now be enjoyed for years to come! XOXO

      Reply

  10. That came out beautifully.
    The color is perfect.
    The heat has convinced me to procrastinate on a few projects. Focusing on some smaller things that can be done inside.

    Reply

  11. Oh my goodness, I can see you put in some serious overtime my friend! My fave (in progress pic) was your sweaty hand in the glove ????????… been there done that soooo many times!???? Stripping furniture to bare wood is SO time-consuming. This bookcase is ‘vintage new’ for someone to enjoy and looks absolutely fabulous. Pinned! XOXO

    Reply

    • Thank you so much, my friend! Wasn’t that so gross?? Ha ha! I know you know!???? I won’t be redoing any painted pieces anytime soon, that is for sure!! XOXO

      Reply

  12. SEE THE TROUBLE IT GAVE ME HERE
    Oh, Christy, I cringed just seeing the click button this time. What a hard job that ended up! And it was soooo hot then too and humid, lordy lordy. Well, even if it was a brat it sure is a beautiful brat now. I looove that mix color and how the white from Boss came through – it’s a perfect size shelf for just about anyone! Loved how you styled it too. SO CUTE!!!!

    Reply

    • Ha ha! Who knew it would turn out to be such a mess?? I should have known better! Yes, a brat is definitely what I would call it!???? Thank you SO much, my friend! XOXO

      Reply

  13. OMG-I hate when I get stuck in nightmares like that! You didn’t awesome job!!!! So pretty!

    Reply

    • Thank you, Laurie!! Thank goodness I have these deadlines, or it would still be out there half done ha ha! XOXO

      Reply

  14. Wow! That is gorgeous! You have way more patience than I would ever have, but the end result is worth it!

    Reply

  15. What a mess, Christy! And what happened to your promise never to bring home painted furniture? ???? But for $20 I don’t think I’d have been able to pass this one up either. Definitely sweet in blue, although I was surprised there were no stripes or transfers involved ???? I guess after all that prep, just getting it painted was a big win. Your hard work paid off, it really is a beauty now and someone’s going to scoop it up.

    Reply

    • I know!! What on earth was I thinking with this painted piece?? Yes, the price got me, and at yard sales, I always feel like I have to act quickly lol! This one was simple…I felt like the details were all it needed, but don’t think I didn’t consider a transfer! Thank you, my friend! XOXO

      Reply

  16. Wow! What a lot of hard work! But such a great piece after all that! Wish I were out your way. I would put dibs on this bookcase!

    Reply

    • Thank you, Deanna! I’m sure I will look back and say it was worth it, but I need to forget the trauma first ha ha! XOXO

      Reply

    • Thank you, Emily! The only thing that makes me feel better is at least it can be enjoyed for many more years now lol! XOXO

      Reply

  18. Goodness gracious, what a lot of work! I know EXACTLY what you mean about those chemical strippers. They are terrible! And regardless of what they say, there is no eco-friendly version. I used a stripper once on a set of chairs and NEVER again. I wanted to refinish my dark dining set this spring and I really, really debated the approach. In the end, I decided to sand down the table, table base, 6 chairs, and buffet. It took me FOREVER, but I could work for 3 hours or 10 minutes and wasn’t a slave to the stripping agent that has to sit for a long time, but not too long. In any case, it was worth the effort as I am happy with the outcome. I admire your perseverance, though. I would have probably thrown the piece in the garbage during a high point of frustration! It is beautiful! I love the colour. You should keep it to remind yourself never to use stripper again! LOL! Or at least to remind yourself not to buy a previously painted piece. Again, well done, but WOW what a lot of work! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

    • Thank you, Anita! You were smart to go the sanding route with your dining set! It does take a long time, but like you said, you can go at your own pace, and I am sure it turned out beautifully! I will be skipping painted pieces in the future for sure! XOXO

      Reply

  21. Hello! I just stumbled upon your blog while looking for guidance in pricing upcycled vintage/antique items and painted furniture for resell. My mom, my sister and I are opening a booth, for the first time, August 1st, at a vintage/antique store here in Mechanicsville, VA! Thank you for the info!! I’m enjoying perusing your blog!

    Rachel

    Reply

    • Hi Rachel! Congratulations on your new booth!! That is so exciting! I am so glad you found me! XOXO

      Reply

  24. Kudos for persevering with the paint stripping; worst job ever! The end result is fabulous, and your choice of color really suits the style of the bookcase. Love it!

    Reply

    • Thank you, Carroll! I second that…definitely the worst job ever lol…so glad it’s done! XOXO

      Reply

  25. This may have taken some work but the finished product is beautiful. I love all the projects that you undertake. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply

  26. WOW!!!! 2 thumbs up!!! Question: When you are sanding in your garage…..where is the mess going?
    This one was a LOT of work but with a happy ending!!! xoxo

    Reply

    • Thank you, Addie! I usually sand just outside my garage and vacuum up the mess from my piece and the driveway after. There is a collection bag attached to my sander, but there is still sanding dust. You can rig your sander to your shop vac to help collect the dust if need be, but I usually just get right to it. And yay for a happy ending! XOXO

      Reply

    • Thank you, Sandi! I actually loved it white too but that wouldn’t have been much of a makeover lol! XOXO

      Reply

  29. You were right – it wouldn’t be so cute if you had just stained it. Thanks for hanging in there when it would have been easy to quit. Great color, SUPER job, Christy. Kudos.

    Reply

    • It really was…I should have known better lol. At least I was able to save it! Thank you, Nancy!! XOXO

      Reply

  31. Christy girl,
    You just knocked that bookcase right out of the park! It looks absolutely fabulous with your beautiful ironstone dishes. I’d have to keep that if I were you!!!!! Nicely done, my friend!

    Reply

  32. What a job!! But what a result!!! That’s beautiful! You do such a through job on your pieces. They are beautiful inside and out, and finished to last ages!

    Reply

    • Thank you so much, Becky! Looking at it sitting in my dining room so cute over there…I almost forgot all the trouble it gave me lol! XOXO

      Reply

  34. So beautiful – as usual! I just love that you left the fancy details on top and bottom – I could cry when people rip them off. And that color – wonderful!!

    Reply

    • Thank you so much, Holly! I agree…I too want to cry when I see people cutting those details away to try and get a more modern look. Those are the parts I love! XOXO

      Reply

    • Thank you so much, Robin! It’s still sitting here in my dining room looking at me lol I wish I had a place for it! XOXO

      Reply

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