How to build wall mounted bookshelves for less than $100

Step 7 Preparation for painting

The glue is now dried and the bookshelf is now ready to be painted or stained. Before you do any staining, use the sander to sand any rough edges etc., especially at the joint areas. I had actually cracked one of the end pieces, so sanding was an absolute must. I alseo decided to put small oak molding at the bottom and side pieces. Unfortunately I forgot to take pictures of this step. The process is real simple. You cut the molding strip into proer size. For the jonts, you make a 45 degrees cut and glue the pieces to the surface. To secure it until the glue dries, I used a few finishing nails. The molding is totally optional an does not add to any structural integrity of the bookshelf as such. I sanded the unit for the last time, ready to be stained.

I usually go for natural look with coats of polyurethane. This time I decided to give it one of those modern dark fancy color. I chose a Java color paint. The manuacturer recommended to use the primer to hide the wood grain. I used the primer on one unit and the other one without it. I did not like the idea of paint at all. In future I will just stick to Poly.