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pete Asked About 'DIY Projects on Tipnut'

I have painted several bookshelves with semi gloss ...

I have painted several bookshelves with semi gloss latex in the past. Each time the books have had some minor adhesion to the books even after letting paint set for some time. Should I be using different paint for the top of the shelves? Thanks Pete

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4 Answers

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sjmrain Answered:

You may need to let the paint dry for a couple weeks before it is completely dry. I know it says less on the cans but those directions are usually for using it on walls. It also depends on your climate but a good rule of thumb is to let it dry for a couple weeks before putting books back. You could also opt for putting some type of clear sealer coat on top of the latex such as the clear bar top sealer which gives a good durable but invisible layer between the paint & your books and can even be cleaned with soap & water. This is what they use on bar tops in taverns & bars and it is very durable. Also note, that on a surface such as bookshelves, it is probably better not to use latex paint as it really isn't meant for pieces that get a lot of use. Enamel would probably have been a better choice but since it has already been painted I would go ahead and add a sealer coat on top of the latex.

Posted 3 years ago

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Nita Answered:

Pete:

I've read the previous response.

Try using polyurethane; it can be applied over painted surfaces. My husband used Minwax Wipe-On Poly for a wall bookcase several years ago, and we've had no problems with sticking. [It replaced a 'latexed' bookcase the previous owner had made. There were sticking problems ten years later.] Good luck!

-Nita