New life with fresh paint
Give a cherry-finish bookshelf a modern makeover with black linseed oil paint
A cherry-toned modular display cabinet, familiar from the 1990s, needed a new look. The style of this inherited cabinet was completely transformed thanks to a dark linseed oil paint shade. Finnish blogger Katja Rinkinen shows how it’s done.
Bookshelf makeover—supplies:
a wooden or veneered shelving unit, cabinet, or display case
Ottossons linseed oil paint, black shade
synthetic art brushes, about 40 mm (1.6 inches) and 12 mm (0.5 inches) wide
rags
protective cardboard
linseed oil soap
window scraper
Black paint brings the shelving unit into this decade.
Painting a bookshelf—instructions:
- If possible, disassemble the shelving unit before painting. Remove the handles and wipe down the surfaces.
- Paint all parts of the shelving unit with linseed oil paint using a synthetic art brush. First, paint the shaped sections or the glass edges with a smaller brush. Start with a thin coat of linseed oil paint. A coat that’s too thick may wrinkle or pull away.
- Then switch to a wider brush to paint smooth, flat surfaces. It’s best to begin painting the cabinet pieces from the inside walls.
- Between painting sessions, store your brushes in a container of water so that only the bristles are submerged. Dry the brush with a rag before continuing to paint.
- You don’t need to tape off any display cabinet glass beforehand. Once the paint has dried, use a window scraper to clean away any paint on the glass edges.
- Always soak all paint rags thoroughly, seal them in a plastic bag, and place them in an outdoor trash bin due to the risk of spontaneous combustion from linseed oil. Finally, wash the brush with an eco-friendly linseed oil soap. A synthetic art brush spreads linseed oil paint in a thin yet opaque layer. The shelving unit was painted just once, carefully. If you prefer a very smooth finish, apply one to two more coats of paint.
Tips!
- Bright working lights help you see any unpainted areas.
- Try a classic shade of gray or a dramatic dark green for the shelving unit’s color.
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