Painting over some White Pottery Barn Shelves...need advice please.

I have 2 "white" Pottery Barn shelves that I want to try and paint swiss coffee because all the trim in the room is that color. Plus, their version of white looks cream to me. My question is, can I simply take a brush and slap on some high gloss swiss coffee? They are wood, but the finish is very smooth. What would be the best way to paint these two selves if even possible? I've done my share of painting over the years, but I'd hate to ruin 2 50 dollar shelves. Any advice?

 

Welcome to the forums!

I'm not sure I know what 'pottery barn' shelves are

Generally you should be able to paint them after sanding first. If adhession is questionable - prime with pigmented shellac [BIN] first.

 

The reason the finish is smooth is likely because they were sprayed at the factory, possibly with lacquer. So you don't want to just "slap" on some paint. I would sand them with 220 grit paper to degloss them and then suggest either spraying your new color on or using a foam roller and "tipping" off the stipple with a soft brush. I don't recommend a home owner to use Bin unless it will be sprayed, brushing will leave a course lapped finish. Clean the gun after with Denatured Alcohol.

Bill

 

Just be certain the finish on these shelves is actually paint or similar.I say this because there is a large segment of this type of product that is made of particle board coated with a plastic laminate.This will feel and look like a smooth heavy enameled finish but is not.If they are made this way painting them would be much more problematic.

This could well be a waste of time but you might give a call to pottery barn's customer service and see if they can enlighten you on the construction of the shelving.For one thing if the coating is a paint and not lacquer your life just became far simpler.

Also if there is a spot somewhere that is out of view when the shelves are installed that you can cut into past the surface you can find out if the underlying material is wood or not.

(Marksr:Pottery Barn is a mail order catalog home accessories company responsible for the loss of millions of trees.Ever see the Seinfeld episode where Kramer is overwhelmed with Pottery Barn catalogs?LOL)