Make Over a Metal Shelf
Datetime:2014-03-31 Hits:
Giving a tired, old metal shelf a makeover is a great way to change the look of a room, and requires an extremely small investment of time, money and creativity. Using basic household tools and materials, it is possible to transform any rusting, old utility shelf into an attractive and functional accompaniment piece for your living or dining room. Though metal shelving comes in all different styles and sizes, the basic steps for refinishing and restyling a metal shelf can be applied to a wide range of shelving, including plastic shelves and wooden shelves as well.
Instructions
1
Remove the shelf from the wall, using the drill if necessary, and disassemble the various parts of the shelf into easily manipulated pieces.
2
Wash all surfaces with all-purpose cleaner, and allow the pieces to air dry.
3
Remove any rust spots by scraping the piece with sandpaper or steel wool until the rust is completely gone. Prevent the reappearance of rust spots by ensuring that even small sections of rust are removed, and that all paint is sanded away if necessary.
4
Treat rusted areas with CLR by either dabbing it on or soaking the shelf in a CLR solution if necessary for complete and thorough treatment. Rinse off the CLR following the treatment, and allow the shelf plenty of time to dry.
5
Sand the entire surface of the shelf with high-grit sandpaper, moving with even strokes in the same direction, to remove any previous paint. Sand until all paint chips are removed, the surface is smooth and even, and the entire outside of the shelf has been scored with the sandpaper; this will ensure that the surface will accept paint more readily.
6
Paint the shelf with smooth, even strokes, applying multiple thin coats of paint with a half hour of drying time in between them. Allow four hours of drying time after the final coat, and then apply three coats of sealant in the same manner, allowing a half hour of drying time between coats.
7
Experiment with various types of unique decoration to fully makeover your shelf, such as intricate stenciling, mosaic tiling or chalkboard paint applied to the bottom and edges of your shelf so you can easily label the contents of the shelf with chalk.
8
Reassemble the various pieces of the shelf and reinstall the shelf to its original location, or place it in a new location for a different look.
