Ooh…do I have some fun for you today! You know I love a good furniture makeover, but when I get to share the fun with you, it’s even better. Check out this cutie below that spoke to my heart the minute I saw it. eep! Looks like it’s time for an updated bookcase makeover, right?
When I spied this bookcase at the thrift store, I took note of how cute the lines were and knew that it had potential. It’s made of inexpensive pine and not an antique, so this bookcase is fair game for a makeover in my book. Sounds like fun!
READY, SET, GO
To get started, I pop off the back plywood panel and give it a good sanding. Since I had planned to put the panel back on, I needed a flat surface to work with. So, I flipped it over and gave it a good sanding with my sander. Then, I also sand the top of the bookcase down to get rid of all the wear, and lightly sand the rest to give it tooth (something for the paint to stick to).
*post sponsored by HomeRight (see full disclosure)
Once everything is sanded, I wipe everything down to remove any dirt and debris. Next, I set up my spray shelter and propped up my bookcase on some scrap wood. 
PAINT TIME
Since I was after a totally fun aged look with a Boho vibe for my updated bookcase, I chose to use two colors for my finish. One was a soft aqua, and the other a coral color. I’ve used the seconds color aqua before on this dresser, and the Aloe Blossom on these projects. It seems I’m in the mood for these colors as I now have many clothes with this scheme and even crocheted my daughter’s afghan in the same colors. hahaha…Fun!
Not only do I break out my large spray shelter, but my paint sprayer.
To give you a visual of how cool it really is, check out one of my videos demonstrating how I used it for stain.
DIY TIME
First, I begin by attaching the blue tip and black cap to my paint sprayer and filling the reservoir with the aqua paint for my undercoat. However, I did need to thin the latex paint I was using per manufacturer instructions. Just be sure to read your labels before filling up.
Only one coat is needed – let cure for about 2 hours. As soon as I am done spraying, I clean the sprayer to get it ready for the next coat of the coral color. So super simple and easy to do as my first coat was done in minutes. The blue is looking good, isn’t it?
Before I began to apply my second color of paint, I wanted to take a step to make some aging happen. One of my favorite methods to do that is using petroleum jelly.
I wouldn’t put this stuff on my body, but I have a container of it for creating an aged effect. Simply get a tiny amount on a rag and wipe it on corners, edges, and any place that would normally receive time-worn wear. This will cause my second coat of paint to resist adhesion anywhere I apply the jelly and make it have a fun chippy effect when done. You can see other projects I’ve done with it on my blog HERE.
BRING ON THE PAINT
Time for the second coat! Yay! I load up with my coral color to add a fun contrast to the blue. Stay with me here, I have a purpose! tee hee.
Once the second coat cured, I used a 120-grit sandpaper to softly remove the paint where I had applied the petroleum jelly. This gives it the aged appeal I was after. However, the fun doesn’t stop there. For added depth, I also did a brushed wash of the coral paint that I lightened up with a bit of white. I applied it using my paint brush by brushing on and then wiping off leaving a bit behind.
After that, I also added a dark wax as a topcoat to seal the paint and create even more dimension. My toddler even commented, “It looks old.” I responded, “Thank you!” haha.
FINAL TOUCHES
For the finishing touch, before the backing was replaced I wanted to apply a sheet of this peel-n-stick repositionable wallpaper. Isn’t this a pretty paper? I’ve used wallpaper in so many fashions over the years, including on walls, and I still love the versatility this stuff offers.
It just happened to be the backing of my bookcase was the exact width of the wallpaper. How cool is that? I love it when projects are made easy. So, I simply laid the backing on the wallpaper to mark and cut. Then, I make sure my surface was clean and dry, and peeled back the top edge to line up the paper. The key is to only pull back the wallpaper backing in small increments as you go smoothing out bubbles and working your way down.
Instant success. And if you happen to get off center, just peel it off and try again. So for all of you looking down on wallpaper for the frustration of hanging and removing. No more worries!
FUN TOOLS
To attach the backing back on to the bookcase, I whip out my stapler and tack it on. I love my tools. #toolsoverjewels, baby!
REVEAL TIME
So, are you ready to see this updated bookcase all together? I am. {{happy dance}}
I love how the color is soft, yet fun, and how the wallpaper adds a bit of drama. Also, there’s even a party on this inside.
So there you have it…an updated bookcase with paint and paper. Likewise, it’s fun to recreate these pieces that needed a little umpf and pizzazz. If you’re loving this piece, you can find it in my online store along with all my other creations. Sign up for my newsletter below for an instant discount.
In addition, pin and share this updated bookcase makeover to inspire others to get out there and get their DIY game on. Woot!
Up next, these cast-off will get a new life and purpose. Any guesses what they were? Come on over to see! (<– CLICK)
To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!
Also, more projects like my updated bookcase:
Gorgeous and what a fantastic giveaway
Thank you, Felicia.
I have a set of shelves that have a lot of detail on them. The sprayer and shelter would be perfect for all those little crevices!
Sounds good! Hope you like my project too. 🙂
Oh, how I could really use a sprayer and paint shelter.
Hubby is building me some plant stands so would be perfect to have a sprayer along with a spray shelter to do them with.
Thank you for this Wonderful giveaway opportunity
My pleasure!
This is such a fun piece! I love that wallpaper backing and the colors you painted are perfect for it. 🙂
Fun to hear! Thank you, Claudine.
You did it again…. what a great makeover.. love it. That book case is adorable.!!! I just love your make overs.
This was such a blast to work on. Thanks so much!
Always super fun to follow and I’m loving those colors!
I’m delighted to have you hear, Wendy!
Loved your project! I’m planning to paint my son’s room this summer and also update his dressers with some paint. A paint sprayer would definitely make this project easier! Thanks for the chance to win this giveaway!!!
Thank you. My pleasure!
I love the colors! You have such great vision.
Kinda like it’s having it’s own party. woot!
I have a set of chairs that I would like to paint and use these to help me!
Sounds good. I hope you like what I did today too.
Love your project! The wallpaper is a fun touch. Thank you for the giveaway.
Thanks! Had to add some spice to this fun piece.
May I come and just be your lackey for awhile? Maybe some of your visions an inspirations will rub off on me. Nice job…as always!
Come on over, Kim! We are used to a large family. tee hee!
Love this bookshelf. I really like how the aqua comes through after distressing. Cute matching drawer pull too.
If I were selected to win the HomeRight paint sprayer and paint tent, I would be able to paint all my wicker furniture at one time instead of investing in 3 cases of spray paint and painting for 6 days non stop. I would actually have time to sit and enjoy the fruits of my labor.?
Makes for fun surprises all over. Thank you, Annie! Yes, painting wicker is THE WORST!
Love the fun colors and the wallpaper back! And such a great and generous give away. I have wicker patio furniture to paint and the sprayer and shelter would make it easier.
You are my kinda gal, Barb! Thank you!
I love how easy this looks. Great job!!
It truly couldn’t be easier. Even my kids use it! 😀
Cute little bookshelf! I have been scrimping & saving for a couple of years for a HomeRight sprayer & paint tent. I would like to try and earn a little extra money by refurbishing & selling some furniture, too. I think paint is so transformative, and there’s so much good furniture that just needs a little love & refresh! Thanks so much for the giveaway!
Thanks! I hear ya, tools are always on my want list. My pleasure and hope you win!
Great imagination, color-combo, and end result!
Yahoo! Thank you so much, Shelly. 😀
Nice little makeover – it’s completely different. Love it!
I’m happy that the warm weather and longer days are here. Can’t wait to see the creative things you do this summer.
I’m happy to hear it. I had such fun giving it a new look. Viva la color!
I have the spray painter you feature but have never used it! Your post inspires me to get it out and get busy!!
You gotta get on it, girl! It really is easier than you think. Practice on scrap wood or cardboard if that would help.
Beautiful work as always! I have a book case I’m planning out and that wallpaper would be perfect!
Bookcase lovers unite! tee hee. Sounds like fun!
Your project looks beautiful as always. You are blessed! I would love to win this giveaway. My office desk still needs to be painted and I’d love to have both of these things to do the job. would be so much easier. Thanks for the great giveaway.
I totally enjoy sharing and doing, especially with wonderful people like you, Maureen. Thank you for the smile!
Perfect look for summer!
I’m feeling the beachy, Boho vibes. tee hee!
How cute s this, I Love it! The wallpaper adds the perfect fun touch! What a wonderful giveaway! I have a sofa table and a few chairs I would paint, if I won.
I love the addition of the wallpaper to the back of the bookcase. And, the contrast paint on the drawer when it is opened. Drawer liner too! It’s those extra touches that you do that keep me inspired! Thanks!
What a fun color combo!
CUTE! That sprayer would make life a lot easier. I hope I get picked!
I wasn’t sure about that coral color, but it turned out beautiful! Just the right amount of aging and aqua showing through. I also love that wallpaper! Thanks for a beautiful project!
It can make you gasp…haha. Thanks so much, Rebecca!
What a great find! Super cute makeover! I have a couple of bookshelves that need some lovin’ so a Home Right tent and sprayer would be welcome here. One shelf has some very outdated wallpaper (pink and blue hearts and stripes) on the back. It’s so filled with books, I forget about it, but the outer part sure needs a good painting. Thanks for another fun giveaway!
Thanks! You will love it – I’m so serious. 😀
Love your color choices! And my husband would definitely appreciate it if I had a spray shelter! He just doesn’t seem to appreciate the color on the concrete……
Glad to hear it! I had so much fun and my husband didn’t even pay attention to the bookcase sitting in our kitchen for 2 days, so I get it. 😉
I love it when your posts pop up in my in-box. Your ideas are so inspiring and makes me see things I come across in a different light. I have started picking up a few pieces that really need makeovers, and am ready to get started. The paint sprayer and tent like yours are definitely on my wish list. Thank You for sharing your finds and your sweet family.
How awesome is that?! I love it. Thank you for the smile. 😀
My daughter’s favorite colors are aqua and coral. Thanks for the FUNtastic giveaway.?
My pleasure!
Sooo cute! I would love to have this sprayer. Thanks for all your inspiring make overs and tips. Blessings❤
You are most welcome, Pamela. 😀
Another great makeover! Your baby is right … it does look old, which I love. Would love to have a paint sprayer and shelter as I don’t have any tools. Great giveaway and thanks for the opportunity! Wishing you God’s blessings as He opens new doors for you!
Sweet! Such fun to recreate pieces with a fresh new look.
I love that cute little shelf! It is the perfect colors for my granddaughter, Rowan, room. The one she is using now is a left over from her first room makeover from when she was a baby and really doesn’t fit her room anymore! I might have to direct my daughter to your website!! I would use the paint sprayer and the shelter for all kinds of projects. The first one would be painting my wicker furniture in my sunroom. It needs a pick me up and a new paint job would be just the ticket. The second job would be to tackle my kitchen cupboards. I would paint the cupboard doors with the sprayer. It would make a much more even finish than using a paint brush. Thanks for this opportunity Larissa!!!
Sounds like she’s a gal after my own heart. You will love this tool for your cupboards…I hate painting them! 😀
Very cute – I love bookcases! Those colors were my kitchen colors back in the 1980’s and I still like them! Updated with the new wallpaper makes them as fresh as every! Thanks for the giveway too!
They are so addictive because they go most anywhere. Fun!
I never thought of using wallpaper in this manner. You teach me more things! Love it! Thank you for the blog and the give-away, too.
You’ve just made my day, Jane. Thank you!
I couldn’t imagine how you were going to use both colors on the bookcase, I should have known you would make it work and so cute! I love the wallpaper you used too, perfect with the paint colors and girly look.
Kinda scary, wasn’t it? haha! It is a process that I have fun with. Thanks!
You rocked it!!
High five, girlfriend!
I wish I could do pink in my house full of boys! So cute though. I have a china cabinet that needs a good coat of paint but with the wind in North Dakota it’s hard to spray and not have it all over everything. The sprayer and tent are on my wish list so thank you for the opportunity to win one in a giveaway!
Aww…maybe you need a girly corner. tee hee. I hear ya on the wind. Ohio has the same where we’re at. Crazy!
The paint tent is great! Spray painting with cans has so much waste. The paint sprayer would be awesome. Love them.
Yes, they sure are.
super cute and just my style! And boy, would I love that sprayer and spray shelter! Great job on this updated bookcase!
Awesome! You will love it. 😀
Great colors on the shelving unit you painted. When I saw the paint sticks with pink and blue, I thought Oh No. baby colors but you know how to get colors to work well together. Good job. I sure could use the prizes you have in the contest today!
tee hee! You know it can be done…right? 😉 Thanks for the giggle!
I love how your bookcase turned out, the peel and stick was the perfect extra touch. I have a couple tables and my bedroom set that need to be painted. I think I would work on my dresser first.
I just love wallpaper. So fun to use!
Great Job, love how you do a lot of your projects, and how you take the time to explain 🙂
Oops, Where to start with what I would Love to use them on… I have so many projects to tackle, and my favorite saying to my daughter is “We can do that”, and her response is Yes Mom, but When 🙂
Thank you for the chance to win, and hopefully help me along a bit faster with some of my projects 🙂
I hear that. ahem. 😉 I hope you win!
It’s all for you and all who are out there wanting to try DIY. Fun!
Love, love, love!!! You inspire me with every project. I have a smallish dresser that was my grandmother’s and it is stained very dark. i want it white but now I see I can put a color under the white. I love the wallpaper too so might use that on the drawers. The sprayer would help me as I don’t have a lot of strength in my hands and it would make painting our metal lawn/patio furniture much easier.
I’m so stoked to hear it, Carol. Thank you! Sounds like this is right up your alley. I wish I had one for everyone.
Love the colors, Larissa and the pretty knobs and paper add the wow factor to this bookcase. Another gorgeous makeover and furniture save! As for the giveaway, Mama needs a new finish max pro because I wore my old model out. Not having a garage, Mama needs a spray tent too. Fingers and toes crossed my name is chosen 🙂
Here’s hoping! I seriously would send one to everyone if I could. Hugs!!
I’d tackle a small bookshelf I have been waiting to paint. Thank you for the inspiration.
Sounds good!
LOVE this piece! I might have made a door for it. I have so many projects to paint, but lots of tables, so that would probably be the first! Would be so thankful for a chance at this generous giveaway.
Thanks! The door would make it less fun. haha. 🙂
I love how this project turned out! I would be thrilled to win this prize!!!
Thank you so much, Meleah.
I would paint a vintage Costco stool I picked up for a steal at the world’s longest yard sale last year.
Sounds good!
I was surprised by your method of painting one color over the other. Your method of using the Vaseline to protect the first layer while adding the second is really interesting. However, I had a serious problem trying to read your info today because a black box of advertising would swoop down from the upper right corner and cover up most of your instructions. There was no way to get rid of it and it was for chemical cleaning, which I’ve never clicked on before. very annoying!!
Thanks! I will let my ad team know.
Love the bookcase and the wallpaper touch. You inspire me!! I have a coffe table that needs a refresh, and a dresser and an end table. Oh and a table and chairs. I guess you could say I have a list.
It sure was a sweet piece to work on. Thanks!
I have a kitchen hutch that really needs some paint and love. I would love to win this giveaway. Thank you.
My pleasure.
Love the colors. Would like to spray paint some upholstery and update our patio furniture.
That would be perfect!
Very pretty….love the colors. I have a dresser that I need to paint.
Thank you.
Such a cute makeover!
I’d love to try the sprayer and spray shelter on a dresser set I’ll be refinishing!
Thank you, Nancy.
Absolutely beautiful choice of wallpaper !!! It made a very pretty bookcase.
I’m delighted to hear your kind words, Charlene. Thank you!
I love what you did with that bookshelf. I have a couple sitting around I’d like to do the same with.
Thanks! It’s fun to update and redo.
Your projects are always beautiful and inspiring! I would paint my dining room chairs which are in need of some serious love.
Hi Larissa, your little bookcase turned out SO cute. I am buying a home, and I can’t wait to incorporate DIYs in my new garage/basement. (I presently live in an apartment). Thanks for the inspiration.
Those words mean much. Thank you!
This inspires me – would love to win!
Awesome! Hope you do. 🙂
Larissa, This is such a fun and sweet piece! I love the color combination, the cute knob, and the peel off wall paper on the back. She is the perfect bookcase! I have had the HomeRight spray shelter on my wish list for awhile. I have a couple of little chairs that I use for plants stands during the summer that could definitely use a refresh, LOL! Thank you for the opportunity to enter.
What a cute piece of furniture! Love your color choice and that peel-n-stick. I seriously have to try some! So cool that you have a big spray shelter. My parents’ shed had a rectangle white outline on it forever due to my dad leaning something up against it and painting. Love your work always and this bookcase came out so pretty!
I may have to try something similar on a backless bookcase I have. I think even I can manage to add a back to it. Thanks for the inspiration!
❤❤❤❤
Gorgeous! Love the colors! Going to try out my cheapo sprayer on 2 rockers soon. You inspire me!
That’s awesome to hear! Thank you.
I love this piece!! Love the color, love the background…just love it all! If I had a sprayer I sure would love it for my latest buffet for my living room. I’m not looking forward to working that by hand. It would also be nice to have the spray shelter. I miss a lot of paint days because of the wind around here. I think that shelter is really cool and would make an excellent place for painting.
Fantabulous! Thank you so much for making me smile. 😀 You will love it Shirley. It’s so easy to use!
OH my goodness that turned out so cute!! Love it! I would LOVE a paint sprayer!! I’m starting a TON of DIY home improvement projects and this would be so handy!! Especially on the six, yes, I said 6! dressers that are in the garage waiting to be painted!!
Happy dance over here! Thank you, Tori! You will rock the DIY…I know it. 😉
I wasn’t wanting to reply to the person above me, I was wanting to say how much I enjoyed the blog article. Thanks.
Thank you, Margaret. 🙂
I would use this to repaint my daughter’s dressers.
Fun!
Super cool! I would use it to refinish a headboard
Sounds good!
What a cute little bookshelf! I like how the wallpaper ties the colors together. I need to paint some chairs… sounds like a job for a sprayer!
Thanks! It would be perfect.
I love your projects plus they provide me with a lot of inspiration! Winning a sprayer would be awesome as I have a garage full of furniture to paint this summer or I have to donate them back. I’d really like to paint and sell. The weather in the PNW makes it hard since the rainy season is so long. Can’t wait to see what’s your next project!
Sounds like you’re a gal after my own heart, Sheila. Thank you!
I would paint the 3 dressers that I just got for free 🙂
Perfect.