Painting book shelves

[DIYTim]

Anyone have an opinion on the best type of paint to use for painting book shelves?

The last time I did it I used latex paint and found out that this type of paint does not have a hard enough finish to support books without them sticking to the paint.

It used to be that oil-based paint could be used for this purpose but, at least here in the USA, this is no longer available due to environmental issues associated with the volatile organic compounds contained therein.

Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[Zampa]

I was going to say oil based satin/or eggshell finish..

You could try coating them with a clear acrylic protective glaze...and leave it a good few days before you put any books on

 

[spice]

Anyone have an opinion on the best type of paint to use for painting book shelves?

The last time I did it I used latex paint and found out that this type of paint does not have a hard enough finish to support books without them sticking to the paint.

It used to be that oil-based paint could be used for this purpose but, at least here in the USA, this is no longer available due to environmental issues associated with the volatile organic compounds contained therein.

Any help would be much appreciated.

I was going to say oilbased as well, or failing that, a water based satinwood or eggshell, and a coat of polyurethene varnish, but thats oilbase as well.

I dread it when we will no longer be able to buy oilbase.

If you do use a waterbased eggshell or satinwood, try leaving the shelves a good week before you put your stuff back on them, give the paint a chance to cure.

Sorry its the only suggestion I can think of.

 

[Zampa]

The paint firms keep banging on about it Spice...I wonder if is ever going to happen

 

[spice]

The paint firms keep banging on about it Spice...I wonder if is ever going to happen

I hope not Zampa, I know its better for the environment and all that, but I do think the finish is far superior when using oilbase on your wood.
I do use the waterbase the odd time, but I am not that happy with the result.

But I will definately be stocking up with oilbase if and when the stores stop selling it.

 

[Zampa]

Dulux and Johnstones do the best water based gloss finish wise...but all water based stuff needs a lot of improving i reckon..used the permaglaze one today in college...looked liked a ponced up vinyl silk!