Finish for painted bookshelves

duke | Posted in Finishing on November 17, 2006 06:27am

I am in the planning stage of designing built-in bookcases to flank the sides of the entry to our den. I am considering using birch plywood with poplar doors and face frames. I would like to paint them to match the trim in my home. I am concerned about the durability of paint on the wooden shelves. Can I put waterbased polyurethane overtop of the paint? If so how does it look/hold up? I believe I also saw a paint formulated for kitchen cabinets that is supposed to provide the protection of a sprayed on finish but I don’t remember where I saw it or what the name of it is. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

Replies

craig | Nov 17, 2006 07:32am | #1
avoid latex based paints at all costs for this purpose.. Try to get a lacquer or polyurethane paint.
Gretchen | Nov 17, 2006 03:15pm | #2
Oil based, not latex.

Gretchen
SteveSchoene | Nov 17, 2006 05:20pm | #3
I'll also go along with using an oil based enamel. While they are better than they used to be, latex or acyrlic paints still can exhibit "blocking" where objects setting in one place for a time can stick to the surface. This can happen long after the paint has dried.
nikkiwood | Nov 17, 2006 05:44pm | #4
I concur with the recommendations for oil based paint in this application.

Others will work, but my favorite is Ben Moore's Satin Impervo.

Once the painting is done and has cured for 3-4 days (minimum), a single coat of any water based poly on the wear surfaces will inhibit scuffing of the paint surface over time. I pick a sheen level that matches the paint (satin, semi-gloss, etc.). Scuff sand (and clean) the surfaces with 220 grit (or higher).

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"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

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