Wooden bookcase

Transform an old wooden bookcase into an elegant piece of furniture with a little bit of help from Resene.

Fun with furniture with Mark Rayner - Project 29

Difficulty level: Moderate

You will need: a wooden bookcase, a bucket of warm soapy water, clean cloths, clean water, old paintbrush, paintbrush, paint scraper, paint stirrer, rubber gloves, sandpaper and sponge, Resene Mineral Turpentine and a Resene Paint Pot. Resene Strip-Off paint stripper and Resene Danska Teak Oil.

To get the look: Mark painted the background wall with Resene SpaceCote Flat tinted to Resene Soft Apple.

Other ideas: For a paler effect on bare or previously varnished wood use Resene Colorwood Whitewash.

Step one
Using an old paintbrush, carefully apply one generous coat of Resene Strip-Off paint stripper to the bookcase, working one area at a time. Allow the paint stripper to penetrate the old varnish.

Step two
When varnish has bubbled and softened, carefully scrape off with a paint scraper, running in the direction of the grain. Repeat if necessary until all varnish has been removed.

Step three
Wash off any residue with warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly with clean water. Allow to dry.

Step four
Sand the bare wood with a medium grade sandpaper, followed by fine grade sandpaper.

Step five
Wipe off any sanding residue with a clean cloth.

Step six
Carefully stir the Resene Danska Teak Oil.

Step seven
Apply one coat of Resene Danska Teak Oil to the bookcase brushing in the direction of the grain. Allow to penetrate the wood and then wipe off any excess with a clean dry cloth. Allow to dry for 24 hours.