EASY STEPS TO TRANSFORM OLD BOOKCASES

Gather your supplies

• 2 old timber bookcases

• 66 x 18mm x 2.7m primed pine

•20 x 5mm x 2.4m pine coverstrip

• 30 x 12mm x 2.7m pine panel moulding

• 42 x 18mm x 2.7m primed pine

• 30 x 30mm x 2.7m clear pine

You’ll also need

Sander; 120- and 180-grit sandpaper; painting gear; stain-blocking primer; cork sanding block; water-based pale green paint; plastic packers; spirit level; clamps; countersinking bit; drill; 30 and 50mm screws; pencil; tape measure; mitre saw; circular saw; nail gun and nails; square; PVA glue; 25mm angle brackets; acrylic gap filler

Here’s how

STEP 1 Use sander and 120grit paper to remove varnish and smooth any scratches on bookcases. Remove dust.

STEP 2 Apply 1 coat primer to bookcases and let dry. This will help seal timber and prevent any dark spots or tannins bleeding through.

STEP 3 Sand primer to smooth surface with 180-grit sandpaper wrapped around sanding block. Remove dust.

STEP 4 Apply a coat of paint to bookcases. Cut in corners with a brush and paint larger surfaces with a roller. Let dry and sand lightly with 180-grit paper. Apply a second coat of paint and let dry.

STEP 5 Place bookcases in their final positions. Pack underneath with plastic packers of various thicknesses to make sure they are level and plumb.

STEP 6 Clamp bookcases together so front edges are