A couple of years ago, I build a new staircase and wall to the basement which included a built-in bookshelf in the wall. At the time, I chose to stain the wood in a walnut colour to match some other walnut on the first floor.
But after installing a new oak handrail, the walnut just didn’t look right anymore.
![](https://cheznoustoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_2242-1-768x1024.jpg)
I took out all the books and primed the bookshelf.
![](https://cheznoustoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_2244-1-768x1024.jpg)
![](https://cheznoustoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_2245-1-768x1024.jpg)
I then painted the bookshelf in my trim paint, doing 3 coats to really hide the dark walnut colour.
![](https://cheznoustoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_2248-768x1024.jpg)
I waited for the paint to cure for a couple of days, as I figured the books might scuff the paint – especially over a stain.
I think the white looks much cleaner now!
![](https://cheznoustoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_2259-768x1024.jpg)