DIY Projects & Crafts DIY Furniture Projects Painted Wood Barrister Bookcase Unlock a worn wooden bookcase's star-is-born potential with a fresh coat of paint. A second color on the interior adds eye-catching contrast. By Martha Stewart Editors Martha Stewart Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter Website An article attributed to "Martha Stewart Editors" indicates when several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The Martha Stewart team aims to teach and inspire readers daily with tested-until-perfected recipes, creative DIY projects, and elevated home and entertaining ideas. They are experts in their fields who research, create, and test the best ways to help readers design the life they want. The joy is in the doing. Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 24, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: ADDIE JUEL What You'll Need Materials Rosin paper or a drop cloth Screwdriver Painter’s tape 150-grit and 220-grit sandpaper Tack cloth Gray paint Paint trays Mini paint roller handle and covers Angled sash paintbrush Primer (optional) Instructions Line the floor you're working on with rosin paper and tape it down, or spread out a drop cloth. Cover surrounding items and walls with rosin paper or drop cloths, if needed, to catch overspray. Set the bookcases on top of protected surface, unstacking them if necessary. Remove bookcase drawers and hardware. Cover edges of glass fronts with painter's tape. Sand wood with 150-grit sandpaper to lift flakes and dust. Wipe clean with tack cloth. If your gray paint contains primer, apply a thin first coat to bookcase's exterior and drawer fronts, using the roller for flat surfaces and the brush for narrower ones (such as the wooden frame of the glass fronts). If your gray paint does not contain primer, apply primer first and let dry completely, then apply a coat of gray paint. Let dry completely. Sand with 220-grit sandpaper. Wipe clean with tack cloth. Apply one or two more coats of paint, allowing paint to dry completely and sanding and wiping again after each coat. Let dry paint completely. Reassemble bookcases and reattach hardware.