Best Paint for Bookshelves In 2024

Paint is an excellent option for bookshelves for a variety of reasons. Firstly, it can give an old or worn-out bookshelf a fresh new look, transforming it into a stylish and updated piece of furniture.

Secondly, paint can also protect the wood from damage caused by wear and tear, such as scratches and stains. Additionally, it allows for customization in terms of color, allowing the bookshelf to match or complement the existing decor of a room.

Ultimately, painting bookshelves is a cost-effective and easy way to refresh and revitalize a space.

That’s why we’re here to introduce you to the best paint for bookshelves. With its exceptional quality and versatility,our researched paint lists has become a go-to choice for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.

So, let’s dive into why this paint is the perfect choice for your bookshelf makeover.

• Retique It Chalk Furniture Acrylic Paint
• DecoArt Satin Enamels Acrylic Paint
• FolkArt Home Decor Chalk Furniture & Craft Acrylic Paint
• Rust-Oleum Paint’er’s Touch Brush Interior Paint
• Chalk Style Paint – for Furniture

The 7 Best Paint for Bookshelves In 2024

1. Retique It Chalk Furniture Acrylic Paint

Our Top pick Retique It Chalk Furniture Acrylic Paint is the perfect solution for anyone looking to transform their furniture, cabinets, and home decor. This paint is formulated specifically for these surfaces, making it the go-to choice for your next DIY project.

One of the key features of this paint is its superior coverage. With just one to two coats, you can achieve great results with amazing adhesion to a wide variety of surfaces. Plus, there’s little-to-no prep work required. Simply clean the surface before applying the paint.

Not only is this paint perfect for interior projects, it’s also an excellent choice for exterior projects. Just add a marine finish topcoat like Polytique It before applying the clear wax, and you’re good to go.

When applied, the Chalk Furniture Acrylic Paint dries within 30 minutes to a silky, chalky smooth finish that’s easy to distress if desired, yet exceptionally durable. The paint is also eco-friendly and safe to use, with low odor, ultra-low VOC, and virtually no smell. Plus, it cleans up easily with soap and water.

2. DecoArt Satin Enamels Acrylic Paint

This DecoArt Satin Enamels Acrylic Paint premium paint is designed to give you the smoothest brushability possible, making it a breeze to apply and ensuring that your finished project looks absolutely stunning.

One of the standout features of this acrylic paint is its ability to minimize grain raising on wood. This means that you can use it to paint even the most delicate wooden surfaces without worrying about any unsightly bumps or texture.

This makes it an ideal choice for anyone who loves working with wood and wants to achieve a silky-smooth finish.

Another great feature of this Acrylic Paint is that it is non-toxic, making it a safe and eco-friendly choice for artists of all ages. This water-based paint is easy to clean up and won’t cause any harmful fumes or odors, making it perfect for use in any environment.

Finally, the Satin Enamels Acrylic Paint is proudly made in the USA, so you can feel good about supporting American-made products when you use it. Whether you’re a professional artist or just starting out, this top-quality acrylic paint is sure to become a go-to in your toolkit.

if you’re looking for a versatile, high-quality acrylic paint that offers a range of features and benefits, the Acrylic Paint is the perfect choice.

With its smooth brush ability, minimal grain raising, non-toxic formula, and American-made quality, it’s the perfect choice for any project, big or small.

3. FolkArt Home Decor Craft Acrylic Paint

FolkArt Home Decor Craft Acrylic Paint, the perfect solution for all your home decor projects. This versatile chalk white paint comes in a convenient 32 oz size and has a rich, highly pigmented formula that allows for easy application on a variety of surfaces.

With its ultra-matte finish, this acrylic paint offers a unique look that is sure to stand out in any room.FolkArt Home Decor Craft Acrylic Paint is not only versatile but also easy to use.

It requires minimal surface prep, making it an ideal choice for busy DIY enthusiasts. Plus, it’s easy to distress and can be layered and sanded to achieve the perfect aged look and feel.

This unique home decor paint dries quickly on a variety of surfaces including wood, glass, metal, terra cotta, and much more. It’s perfect for revamping old furniture, creating custom wall art, or adding a pop of color to your home decor.

Cleanup is a breeze with the Craft Acrylic Paint. Simply clean up while wet with soap and water, making it an ideal choice for busy crafters and artists on the go.

Proudly made in the USA, this Craft Acrylic Paint is a preferred brand among crafters, painters, and artists alike. It’s a staple in any collection of art supplies and is sure to become your go-to paint for all your home decor projects.

With its rich, highly pigmented formula and convenient 32 oz size, this paint is sure to become your new favorite for all your home decor projects. 

4. Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Brush Interior Paint

Transform your indoor and outdoor surfaces with Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Brush Interior Paint. This versatile paint can be used on a variety of project surfaces including wood, metal, plaster, masonry, or unglazed ceramic.

The water-based acrylic formula is low odor, resists chips, and provides long-lasting protection for your surfaces. With the Interior Paint, you can achieve a beautiful metallic finish that provides a fresh new look for your surfaces.

The paint goes on smoothly and provides excellent hide, covering up to 30 sq ft. Plus, it dries to touch in just 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy solution for your painting needs.

To ensure the best results, it is recommended that you sand your surfaces with 180/200 grit sandpaper prior to application. After sanding, wash the surfaces with a degreaser and allow them to dry completely before applying the paint. This will ensure a smooth and even application, and help the paint adhere better to the surfaces.

With its low odor, long-lasting protection, and metallic finish, you can transform your surfaces quickly and easily. So why wait? Try this Paint today and see the difference it can make for your surfaces! 

5. Chalk Style Paint – for Furniture

Chalk Style Paint – the ultimate all-in-one paint solution for your furniture and home decor needs! With built-in primer and top coat, this DIY paint can be used on almost any surface, including wood, laminate, glass, metal, and even kids toys.

Say goodbye to the hassle of waxing and sealing, as they are now optional with this amazing product.As a respected manufacturer with over 80 years of experience, you can trust the quality of this paint.

The amazing adhesion and great coverage require less paint coats, making it a cost-effective solution for your painting needs. It’s also long-lasting and durable, so you won’t have to worry about constant touch-ups. And the best part? Little to no prep work is required, so you can get straight to painting!

This paint is not just limited to furniture – it’s formulated for home decor, kitchen cabinets, upholstery, and even craft projects. The possibilities are endless with this versatile product.

The chalky matte finish of this paint is another standout feature. It dries within 30 minutes and is easy to distress if desired. The self-leveling formula ensures a flawlessly smooth finish, and blending colors is a breeze.

But that’s not all – this paint is also eco-friendly and safe. It contains no harsh chemicals such as phthalates, formaldehyde, heavy metals, or solvents. The ultra-low VOC including pigments and low odor make it a certified safe product as per European Toy Safe.

6. Apple Barrel White Acrylic Paint 

Introducing Apple Barrel White Acrylic Paint – the perfect addition to your art supplies! This versatile paint comes in a convenient 32 oz size, making it great for basecoating, stenciling, and so much more.

Whether you’re a professional artist or just starting out, this paint is perfect for all your DIY projects.One of the most notable features of this acrylic paint is its fun finish.

When dry, it creates a beautiful matte finish that adds a unique touch to your artwork. And with its bright white color, your projects are sure to stand out from the rest.

But the versatility of this White Acrylic Paint doesn’t stop there. This paint can be used on multiple surfaces such as wood, paper, canvas, Styrofoam, paper mache, and so much more. So whether you’re painting a wooden sign or adding some color to a canvas, this paint is sure to get the job done.

Another great feature of this acrylic paint is its easy clean up. Simply clean up any spills or messes while the paint is still wet with soap and water. No need to worry about harsh chemicals or complicated clean-up methods.

Things to Consider Before Buying Paint for Bookshelves

Bookshelves are a great addition to any home or office space. They provide a place to store books, decorative items, and other essentials.

However, if your bookshelves are looking a little dated or worn, it may be time to give them a fresh coat of paint. But before you rush out to buy the first can of paint you see, there are a few things you should consider first.

1. Type of Paint

The first thing to consider when buying paint for bookshelves is the type of paint you want to use. There are several types of paint available, including oil-based, water-based, and latex. Each type of paint has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Oil-based paints are durable and provide a smooth finish, but they take longer to dry and have a strong odor. Water-based paints dry faster and have less odor, but they may not be as durable as oil-based paints. Latex paints are a popular choice for bookshelves because they are easy to clean, have low odor, and dry quickly.

2. Color

The color of the paint is also an important consideration. You want to choose a color that complements the decor of your room and looks good with the items you will be placing on the shelves. If you are unsure about the color, you can always get a sample of the paint and test it on a small area of the bookshelf.

3. Finish

The finish of the paint is another important consideration. The finish refers to the sheen or glossiness of the paint. There are several types of finishes available, including matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss. Matte finishes are flat and do not reflect light, while high gloss finishes are shiny and reflect a lot of light.

Satin and semi-gloss finishes are popular choices for bookshelves because they provide a durable finish that is easy to clean. They also have a slight sheen that adds a touch of elegance to the shelves.

4. Brand

Choosing a reputable brand of paint is important to ensure that you get a quality product that will last for years. Look for brands that are known for their durability and quality. Some popular brands of paint include Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Behr.

5. Preparation

Before you can paint your bookshelves, you need to prepare them properly. This includes cleaning them thoroughly, removing any old paint or finish, and sanding them down to create a smooth surface. Failure to prepare the bookshelves properly can result in a poor finish that does not adhere properly.

6. Application

Finally, the application of the paint is important to ensure a smooth and even finish. Use a high-quality brush or roller to apply the paint, and make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times and recoating.

How to Paint a Bookshelf Flawlessly?

If you’re looking for an easy and quick way to update the look of your bookshelf, painting it is a great option. Not only does painting freshen up the look of your bookshelf, but it can also give it a new lease on life.

However, painting a bookshelf can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with the process. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps on how to paint a bookshelf flawlessly.

1. Gather Your Supplies

Before you start painting, you’ll need to gather all the necessary supplies. Here are some of the things you’ll need:

• Sandpaper
• Primer
• Paint
• Brushes and rollers
• Painters tape
• Drop cloth or old sheet

2. Prepare Your Bookshelf

Before you can start painting, you’ll need to prepare your bookshelf. This means removing everything from the bookshelf and wiping it down with a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris. Once your bookshelf is clean, you can sand it down with sandpaper to rough up the surface. This will help the primer and paint adhere better.

3. Apply Primer

Primer is an important step in the painting process. It helps the paint adhere better to the surface and also helps hide any imperfections or blemishes. Apply the primer to your bookshelf using a brush or roller. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the bookshelf.

4. Let the Primer Dry

Once you’ve applied the primer, you’ll need to let it dry completely before you start painting. This can take anywhere from a few hours to overnight. Follow the instructions on the primer you’re using for drying time.

5. Apply Paint

Now it’s time to apply the paint. Choose a paint that is suitable for your bookshelf material, whether it’s wood, metal, or plastic. Apply the paint using a brush or roller, making sure to cover the entire surface. If you’re using a lighter color paint, you may need to apply a second coat.

6. Let the Paint Dry

Once you’ve applied the paint, you’ll need to let it dry completely before you handle the bookshelf. This can take anywhere from a few hours to overnight. Follow the instructions on the paint you’re using for drying time.

7. Reassemble Your Bookshelf

Once the paint is completely dry, you can reassemble your bookshelf. Put all your books and other items back on the bookshelf and enjoy your newly painted bookshelf.

Painting a bookshelf is a great way to update its look and give it a new lease on life. By following these steps, you can paint your bookshelf flawlessly and enjoy the results for years to come. Remember to gather all the necessary supplies, prepare your bookshelf, apply primer and paint, and let it dry completely before reassembling your bookshelf. Happy painting!

What Type of Paint is Best for Bookshelves?

When it comes to giving your bookshelves a fresh coat of paint, it’s important to choose the right type of paint. The wrong type of paint can lead to chipping, peeling, and an overall unappealing look.

So, what type of paint is best for bookshelves? Let’s take a closer look. First and foremost, you want to choose a paint that is durable and can withstand wear and tear. Bookshelves are frequently used, so you want paint that can hold up over time.

One of the best types of paint for bookshelves is latex paint. Latex paint is durable, easy to clean, and comes in a variety of finishes, including matte, satin, and gloss.

If you want a more traditional look, you can also use oil-based paint. However, oil-based paints take longer to dry and require more ventilation. Additionally, oil-based paints can yellow over time, which can alter the color of your bookshelves.

Another important factor to consider when choosing paint is the sheen. The sheen of the paint refers to how shiny or matte the finish is. For bookshelves, a satin or matte finish is best. These finishes are less reflective, which means they won’t distract from the books on your shelves.

In terms of color, white is a popular choice for bookshelves because it creates a clean, crisp look. However, you can choose any color you like. Just be sure to choose a color that complements the room and doesn’t clash with the rest of your decor.

When it comes to actually painting your bookshelves, there are a few tips you should keep in mind. First, be sure to sand your bookshelves before painting to ensure the paint adheres properly. Additionally, use a primer before painting to help the paint stick and prevent any stains or knots from seeping through.

choosing the right type of paint for your bookshelves is important to ensure they look great and hold up over time.

Latex paint is a great choice for durability and easy cleaning, while a satin or matte finish will complement the books on your shelves. With the right paint and technique, you can transform your bookshelves into stunning focal points in your room. 

FAQs on Paint for Bookshelves

1. How long does it take for the paint to dry on bookshelves?

The drying time for paint on bookshelves depends on the type of paint and the environment. Latex paint typically takes around 4 hours to dry, while oil-based paint can take up to 24 hours. It is recommended to wait at least 24 hours before placing anything on the painted surface.

2. Can I use oil-based paint for bookshelves?

Yes, you can use oil-based paint for bookshelves, but it is not recommended as it takes longer to dry and emits more fumes. It is also more difficult to clean up than latex paint.

3. Should I use a primer before painting my bookshelves?

Yes, it is recommended to use a primer before painting your bookshelves. A primer will help the paint adhere better to the surface and provide a more even finish. It also helps to cover any stains or marks on the surface.

4. What finish should I choose for my bookshelf paint?

The finish you choose for your bookshelf paint depends on your preference and the look you are going for. A matte finish is great for a more natural look, while a glossy finish provides a more modern and sleeker look. A satin finish is a good compromise between the two.

5. How many coats of paint should I apply on my bookshelves?

It is recommended to apply at least two coats of paint on bookshelves to achieve a smooth and even finish. However, if the surface is uneven or has stains or marks, you may need to apply more coats.

6. Can I use a roller to paint my bookshelves?

Yes, you can use a roller to paint your bookshelves, but it is recommended to use a brush for the edges and corners. A roller will provide a smoother, even finish, while a brush can help you get into the nooks and crannies. 

Conclusion

Our listed best paint for bookshelves is important to ensure that bookshelves look great and last for a long time. There are many factors to consider when selecting the right paint, such as texture, durability, and color.

From the options available, it is recommended to use semi-gloss or high-gloss paints as they are easy to clean and offer a smooth finish. With the right type of paint and proper application techniques, you can transform your bookshelves into a stylish and functional addition to your home.