I’ll share the full step-by-step YouTube tutorial this weekend. Our #siyoutubefamily is already a community of 61K, so don’t forget to subscribe if you haven’t done so already. You’re the BEST, and I appreciate your support! 🙂

SUPPLIES

Wood Bookcase  – SALVAGED
White Lightning Cleaner
Auto Sponge
Wood Glue + Oscillating Cutting Tool
Wood Filler for Repair
Sanding Sponge
Palm Sander For Sanding
Bonding Boss Stain Blocking Primer
4″ Smooth Roller to Apply Primer
2″ Short Paint Brush
Glacier SILK All-In-One Mineral Paint
Soft Wintery Floral Transfer
Satin Clear Coat

Here’s how this bookcase all came together…

PREPPING THE BOOKCASE

To start prepping this piece for its new winter floral look, I started removing the old paper that lined the back of the two bottom shelves. I thought it was going to require a heat gun to loosen the glue, but it was old wallpaper – not contact paper. It was so thin and delicate it pulled right up with a box cutter and putty knife.

Then I gave it a good cleaning with my heavy-duty furniture cleaner and a sponge.

REPAIRS AND SCUFF-SANDING

There were two holes at the back of this bookcase. Possibly someone had threaded a lamp cord, or maybe a clock radio if we’re talking the 80s… remember those?! In any case, I wanted to patch them up. To repair the holes, I used dowels and wood glue. I cut the dowel to size using an oscillating tool. I inserted the dowels with Titebond Wood Glue and let everything dry.

I smoothed out the repair with this easy-to-use wood filler. Bondo would have been another option, but I like showing you different ways to tackle repairs. Whenever possible, use what you already have on hand—you don’t always need to buy a new product for one little fix!

Once the repair had dried, I gave everything a good scuff-sanding with my orbital sander to get it ready for primer. I wasn’t trying to remove the finish, just scuff it up enough to prep it for primer.

APPLYING A STAIN-BLOCKING PRIMER

Years of working with furniture told me this stained finish was likely to bleed through. But when I first started upcycling old furniture, I didn’t know what to look for! I’d jump straight into painting, only to discover ugly splotches coming through—and have to backtrack. So if you’re ever in doubt, PRIME!

It’s a quick step, especially when you apply it with this 4” roller. I used Bonding BOSS, a water-based primer that helps block bleed-through, stains, and odors without the strong smell of shellac-based primers. The catch? You need to allow 24 hours after your final coat before painting. That extra time is well worth it, especially when using light colors. I applied two coats, then left the bookcase to dry for a full 24 hours before painting.

CREATING THE DESIGN

I checked my inventory to see what transfers I had on hand. It’s also good idea to open the transfer and to check how many sheet and how large the design is before deciding which one to use. There were a few times I picked a lovely design and then fell short. If you have more than one transfer design on hand, they can be mixed and matched quite easily but if you only have the one, its good to double-check before starting to apply them.

Once I picked this gorgeous floral transfer for the backboard feature, I went to pair it up with a paint. I really liked this creamy neutral called Glacier. Its a creamy color but not overly warm so it paired perfectly. This neutral color will keep the florals the star of the show!

 PAINTING TWO COATS OF GLACIER SILK PAINT

Using my 2” synthetic brush, I put on my headphones and some good music and painted two coats of this Glacier SILK All-In-One Mineral Paint color. The first coat never looks appealing. But the second coat is where all the magic happens, so make sure you see through the vision and don’t get discouraged. This mineral paint levels really nicely, so if you’re a beginner DIYer just starting, this is a good beginner-friendly paint.

APPLYING THE WINTERY FLORAL TRANSFER

Now it was time to give this bookcase some real character! I’m still not ready to let go of Fall and transition into winter so this is me taking a baby step, lol. I chose this gorgeous Soft Wintery Floral Transfer to apply to the back of this piece.

These furniture transfers are super easy to apply in 6 steps. 

1. Prep the surface. Clean thoroughly and let it dry. Allow your fresh paint to dry 100%.
2. Plan your design. With the backing attached, position the transfer as you see fit OR cut it into smaller sections to create your own design.
3. Peel and position. Remove the protective backing, place the transfer, and with your hand, smooth it out.
4. Rub firmly. Use the supplied tool to rub the top sheet of the design, working in sections.
5. Peel slowly. Lift the clear sheet carefully. If any design lifts with it, lay it back down and rub again.
6. Burnish and seal. Gently press down the edges with a soft cloth (not always needed unless you see the edges), then apply a compatible topcoat to protect your beautiful design.

For a full and more detailed tutorial you can see my post on How To Rub On Furniture Transfers here.

APPLYING A SATIN TOPCOAT

For the final step, I protected the paint finish and floral transfer backing using this Satin Clear Coat. It’s easy to apply whether you are using a brush, sponge or spray gun. For today’s makeover, I used this inexpensive blue applicator sponge and used a PRO TIP from my talented friend Christy.  I cut one side flat. This makes it so much easier to get into the corners and edges and apply the topcoat more evenly… thanks, Christy!!! 🤗