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Updated: March 14th, 2024

I also ask that you please leave your thoughts in the comment section below. I’m always trying to produce helpful content for my readers, and without knowing what you think, it’s hard to know what you find helpful/not helpful. So please leave your thoughts below!!  

Katie T’s Farmhouse Home Fun Fact #23

Fun fact time! This is a new section I’m including on my blog posts so my readers can get to know me on a personal level!

So, for my 23rd fun fact, I want to share that one of my favorite pizza toppings is pickles!

Yes, you read that right! If you’ve never tried dill pickles on pizza (both red and white sauces are equally good but for different reasons) then you should totally try it!

The Key to Saving Money on DIY Projects

Okay, so what I’m about to tell you is the big key to saving money. It might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s super important. Without knowing how to do this the right way, you won’t save nearly as much money as you could. And don’t worry, I will go into full detail and break down how to go about implementing this hack into your everyday DIY project. 

So are you ready to know what it is? It’s simple. You have to be thrifty. 

I bet being thrifty is not what you were expecting! But let me break this down because being thrifty means so much more than just going to a thrift store.

How to Save Money

At its core, saving money means not spending it. However, when doing DIY projects, you need materials. So, you have to think outside the box with ways to acquire materials without buying them at full cost.

I see a lot of other bloggers mention thrift stores as one of the ways that they save money. That’s great, but personally, I think it can be taken a step further.

The tools required to save money on DIY or even décor projects are creativity, connections, space, and time. Below, I explain and give examples of applying these four aspects to your DIY or décor routines. 

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Creativity

Okay, so this tip might be a challenge to start with. But once you get used to actively implementing it, it becomes second nature. To do this, you have to follow two simple steps. 

First, you have to diagnose the problem. To give an example, I wanted a farmhouse-styled coffee station. I didn’t have any furniture that matched what I was envisioning. That meant I either had to buy something or make it. 

The next step to being creative is to stop looking at materials for face value.

So, to continue with my example, I had a readily available bookcase, just sitting in my closet. Instead of keeping it a bookcase, I decided to turn it into a coffee station! By going beyond the face value of the bookcase, I now have a coffee station. 

Below are some more examples of this process:

I wanted a large picture frame in the master bedroom without having to go out and buy one (problem). So, I decided to make one out of wood. Instead of buying new wood, I decided to use the wood from pallets (not looking at materials for face value).

Another example is this desk that I got for free from Facebook Marketplace. It needed some updating and TLC to match the vision I wanted for the desk. 

After using it before updating it, I decided to go without the top piece and only focus on the bottom half. Pieces were missing from the bottom half, making gaps between the cabinets (problem). 

So, I took trim from the top part and attached it to the bottom portion of the desk to fill the gaps (not looking at materials for face value).

I also had this metal filing cabinet that needed a visual upgrade (problem). I decided to spray paint the base and use vinyl flooring for the face of the drawers (not looking at materials for face value).

Lastly, this jar was in my kitchen cabinet, taking up space (problem). I already have jars that I like to use because they are more my style. Instead of tossing the jar, I turned it into a decorative vase (not looking at materials for face value).

Now you know how to diagnose a problem and solve it by not looking at materials for face value!

Connections

So, this piece is also important. Without it, you won’t be able to do much. And to elaborate, you need connections. 

It can be people you know or places like thrift stores, yard sales, or Facebook Marketplace to get materials for free or reduced cost. 

Thrift stores, yard sales, and Facebook Marketplace are pretty self-explanatory. Facebook Marketplace is good for getting furniture, like in the example given earlier. 

But what about people? Now, every situation is different because you need the “connections”. However, once people know that you are looking for supplies, they like to help out and do what they can to be able to provide those supplies.

For example, my brothers are in the trades, and I’ve gotten free scrap wood that I’ve used for my coffee station barn door, farmhouse headboard, or even pallet wood for my picture frame. 

Now, these materials tie into the second aspect of creativity. So, keep the creativity concept in mind. 

But even if you don’t have family or friends in the trades, there are ways around this. 

For example, sometimes people get rid of picture frames. Picture frames are gold in my book because they can be spray-painted easily. Even if you don’t use them for pictures, you can always make a decorative sign with them. 

Or even materials that stores may get rid of. For example, a local grocery store gets their products in bulk. They have these large pickle buckets that they get rid of.

I used to work at this grocery store, so I have an in, but other customers also asked for the buckets back when I worked for them. So, by using creativity and connections, I got free planting containers for my fig tree and vine plants! 

But like I said before, once people know that you like to do DIY projects, more often than not, they offer the supplies they come across, which ties into my next point.

Space

This might be a challenge for some, depending on your living circumstances. So, this is where you’ll have to get picky with what you take and hold onto if that’s the case. Regardless, you need space to hold onto things.

For example, my husband works with masonry supplies and, from time to time, will get free or discounted tile or stone because it was either promotional or leftover. 

Whether it’s just 10 pieces of orange tile or a pallet’s worth of stone paneling, I need to make space to hold onto them. This saves me money because it’s one less cost down the road. 

Time

All other tips considered, you need time on your side. To fully take advantage of time, you have to be good at planning. 

Planning is crucial when using time wisely because it allows you to get the materials before you need them. This also saves you space because if you can plan and know what you need to get the job done, then you can acquire the necessary materials and not have to worry about keeping everything and anything. 

So, to give an example, I plan on building my home. I have a layout and design already in mind. 

Because I’m naturally a planner, this comes as second nature. But essentially, I follow the steps listed in this blog post to save money in the future. 

I am trying to make this build budget-friendly without sacrificing style. So, for example, the master bathroom vanity could cost a pretty penny (problem). So the question becomes what can I use to create a bathroom vanity at a fraction of the cost?

Well, what about a dresser? (not looking at materials for face value). 

So, this means I need the connections on getting a dresser at a fraction of the cost, if not free. To accomplish this, I’m waiting for a dresser to appear on Facebook Marketplace with the correct dimensions and structure for a reasonable price. 

Then, once I DIY the dresser, I’ll need a space to put it until I can use it for its intended purpose. All of this would not be possible if I did not have time on my side.

So, in essence, the planning part of time is key. And if it works out, I could save a thousand or more because I had the forethought and time to do it. 

How to Save Money on DIY Projects

I hope these hacks on how to save money on DIY Projects have helped give a new perspective on being thrifty! Remember, it’s creativity, connections, space, and time! Comment below if you want to see more blog posts like this, I’d be happy to put something together!

The post How to Save Money on DIY Projects and Crafts first appeared on Katie T's Home.

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Understanding Color Theory

To truly master the art of wood stain color matching, it’s essential to have a firm grasp of color theory. By understanding how different colors interact and influence one another, you can create harmonious blends that breathe life into your woodworking projects. 

So, to elaborate, I used the knowledge of color theory to match the color of my nightstands to the color of my bed frame. Keep in mind, that I used completely separate paints and stains for both of them. For the bed frame, I mixed walnut gel stain with yellow acrylic paint. And I added briarsmoke to a preexisting coat of aged wood accelerator on the nightstands.

At its core, color theory explores the relationships between colors on the color wheel. This invaluable tool categorizes colors into primary (red, blue, and yellow), secondary (created by mixing primary colors), and tertiary (mixtures of primary and secondary colors) hues. By familiarizing yourself with this basic framework, you can begin to understand how hues combine and interact to create unique shades.

One of the fundamental concepts in color theory is the idea of complementary colors. These colors sit opposite each other on the color wheel and create a striking contrast when paired together. For example, red and green or blue and orange are complementary pairs. 

Understanding how complementary colors affect wood stain color is key. This is because when complementary colors mix, they create a shade of brown. 

This is why kids who mix lots of paints or dyes for their craft projects end up with a brown color. For example, they mixed red, yellow, and blue. Yellow and blue mix together and create green, the complementary color of red. So when those two mix, they form brown. 

Another key aspect to consider is the ratio of the colors. So, building off of the example above, if the kid mixed equal parts red, yellow, and blue (the primary colors), then the outcome wouldn’t be brown but rather black. This is a lot harder to do, but when considering shades for staining, you must keep this in mind. 

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Choosing the Right Stains

So, what do complementary colors have to do with blending stains to match a preexisting color? Everything. Because odds are, unless you know the exact color used on the preexisting furniture, you’ll have to mix some stain to get it close.

The complementary colors come into play because this knowledge will help you determine what colors to mix. Take, for example, this DIY coffee station project I did earlier this year. 

I used gel stain on the top of the furniture piece and did not care for the purple undertones. Now, the complementary color of purple is yellow, so I decided to experiment and mix yellow acrylic paint with the stain. 

Did I get the desired color? Yes! The yellow offset the purple undertones because it was the complementary color. Now, I would not mix acrylic paint with regular stain. The only reason I decided to experiment with the gel stain is because of the nature of how gel stain works. You can find more information here on the benefits of gel stain over traditional stain and how to use it.

But this concept still applies. Let’s say you found a stain close to a preexisting color, but the purple undertone is slightly too strong (shown in the example above when I mixed white with the brown stain). If you mix a stain with yellow undertones, it will balance out the purple (the brown to the right of the purplish undertoned brown).

You may also need to experiment with shades and how much of each ratio, but that varies depending on your unique circumstances. So in the example of the nightstands above, this was the original color:

After I DIYed my farmhouse bed frame, I decided I wanted my nightstands to match. After having experience with the briarsmoke stain and knowing it has a gray-purplish tint, I decided to test it out and it couldn’t be more spot on!

Blending Stain Colors

Immersing ourselves in the principles of color theory opens up a vast array of possibilities in wood stain color matching. With this knowledge, we gain the confidence to select the perfect stains that not only complement each other but also bring out the best in the wood. 

Blending stain colors allows us to create unique and custom shades that perfectly suit our preferences and the project at hand. Whether we want to achieve a warm, honey-like tone or a rich, mahogany hue, blending stain colors gives us the freedom to experiment and create our desired look. 

To begin the process of blending stain colors, we can start by selecting a primary stain color as our base. This color will serve as the foundation for our blend. From there, we can add small amounts of other stain colors to the base, testing the mixture on a piece of scrap wood to determine the desired outcome. 

Just note that the type of scrap wood will influence the shade. So you can always test directly on the furniture as I did for this project and sand it off after. Or you can apply the stain in a hidden area, like the bottom of the furniture. 

I also want to point out that the types of stains will determine the stains you can mix with. You should only mix oil-based stains with other oil-based stains. The same rule applies to water-based stains as well. 

The key to successful blending is to start with small increments and gradually build up the intensity of the added colors. This gradual approach allows for greater control and precision in achieving the desired shade. Remember, it’s always easier to add more color than to remove it, so take your time and experiment until you find the perfect blend.

Applying Stains Like a Pro

Once you achieve the desired stain color, you can apply the blended stain to your project. 

1. Prepare the Wood Surface: Before applying any stain, it’s crucial to prepare the wood surface properly. Start by sanding the wood to remove any imperfections or previous finishes. This will help the stain adhere evenly and create a uniform look. Ensure that the wood is clean and free from dust or debris, as these can affect the final result.

2. Use the Right Tools: To achieve a professional-looking finish, it’s essential to use the right tools for applying the stain. Consider using a high-quality brush, foam applicator, or cloth, depending on the type of stain and desired finish.

3. Apply in the Right Conditions: The environment in which you apply the stain can significantly impact the final result. Ideally, choose a well-ventilated area with moderate temperature and low humidity. Avoid applying the stain in direct sunlight or extreme weather conditions, as these can affect how the stain dries and adheres to the wood.

4. Follow the Directions: Different stains may have specific instructions or recommended application techniques. Read the manufacturer’s guidelines carefully before starting and follow them accordingly. Some stains may require multiple coats, while others might need to be wiped off within a certain timeframe. By following the instructions, you can achieve the best outcomes with your blended stain.

Wood Stain Color Matching Made Easy: The Secret Behind Blending Colors

Mastering the art of wood stain color matching is a skill that can take your woodworking projects to the next level. Throughout this comprehensive tutorial, we delved into the world of color theory, guided you in choosing the right stains, taught you the secrets of blending colors, and demonstrated how to apply stains like a pro. By following these techniques and tips, you now have the power to confidently create flawless finishes that will leave everyone impressed.

The post Wood Stain Color Matching Made Easy: The Secret Behind Blending Colors first appeared on Katie T's Home.

But what exactly is gel stain, and how does it work? I’ll delve into that in the first section. Then, guide you through the essential steps of preparing your furniture, from sanding to cleaning and repairing. Once your piece is ready, I’ll provide simple step-by-step instructions for applying gel stain like a pro. But why stop there? We’ll also explore the creative options of mixing gel stain with paint, allowing you to unlock even more possibilities. 

And for those looking to take their furniture transformation to the next level, I’ll share additional finishes and techniques to enhance the final look. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to bring new life to your old furniture!

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Understanding Gel Stain – What It Is and How It Works

To achieve a stunning furniture transformation, you may want to try the incredible power of gel stain. But what exactly is gel stain, and how does it work? Well, let me tell you.

At its core, gel stain is a thick, pigmented solution specifically designed for nonporous surfaces to give a wood-like texture. Unlike traditional liquid stains, gel stain has a semi-solid consistency that sits on top of the surface rather than penetrating it deeply. This unique property makes gel stain an ideal choice for transforming furniture, as it can easily cover up imperfections and create a textured, professional finish.

One of the major advantages of gel stain is its versatility. You can apply it on many surfaces, including painted wood, laminate, veneer, and primed metal. Whether you’re working on a solid wood bookshelf or revamping a worn-out headboard, gel stain can do wonders.

The image below is an example of the finished outcome of my DIY headboard project. I transformed the original laminate bookcase headboard into what it is today.

The application process of gel stain is also straightforward and beginner-friendly. Because it sits on the surface rather than soaking in, you don’t need to worry about applying it perfectly in one go. The forgiving nature of gel stain allows for greater control and flexibility, making it easy to achieve a consistent and flawless finish.

When applying gel stain, it’s important to use the right tools. A fine bristled brush is the way to go. And if you want to get creative, you can even use a cloth or a sponge to create unique textures and layering.

Another key feature of gel stain is its impressive drying time. Unlike traditional stains that require lengthy drying periods, gel stains dry relatively quickly, allowing for faster and more efficient projects. This is particularly beneficial if you’re working on multiple pieces or if you’re eager to see the final result sooner rather than later.

Preparing Your Furniture – Sanding, Cleaning, and Repairing

First and foremost, sanding is a critical step in preparing your furniture for typical staining. However, one of the benefits of gel stain is you don’t necessarily need to do this step. However, with that said, I still recommend doing at least a light sanding to smooth out rough surfaces.

After lightly sanding, it’s crucial to thoroughly clean your furniture to remove any dust, dirt, or debris. A clean surface will ensure proper adhesion of the gel stain and prevent any unwanted particles from marring the final finish. 

Once your furniture is clean and dry, it’s time to assess and address any necessary repairs. Inspect the piece for cracks, dents, or other damages that may need fixing before applying the gel stain. 

Use wood filler or putty to repair any imperfections, making sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application and drying time. Sand the repaired areas lightly to blend them with the rest of the furniture surface. Taking the time to repair any damages will ensure that your finished piece looks professionally done.

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Applying Gel Stain – What You Need to Know

Next, you’re ready to transform furniture with gel stain. But, before you start there are a few things to note. 

First, one of the benefits of gel stain is that it dries faster than traditional stain. This can also be a double-edged sword if you don’t move quickly during the staining process. 

Think of it like nail polish. Imagine painting all of your nails and allowing them time to dry. You accidentally brush up against one of them and ruin the nail polish. Trying to fix it while it’s slightly dry is similar to the consistency you’ll face if you take too long to apply the gel stain. This is why working in small areas is the best approach. 

The base color and texture of the gel stain are also super important. I made this mistake the hard way on my DIY bookcase upgrade. The base color and texture were white and flat which did not allow the gel stain to have the impact I wanted it to.

When I applied the gel stain directly to the white matte paint, I did not like the outcome for a few reasons. The first was the effect the layering had on the colors. I go into more detail about color theory here for my bookshelf DIY guide and how to avoid the unwanted undertones of the stain, but long story short, I was not a fan of the color effect that the gel stain had when put directly on the white. 

The next issue was the texture. I see other sources recommending using a foam roller for the base coat, but I would not recommend this unless there is already a preexisting texture like in a fiberglass door. I say this because the whole point of gel stain is to get a wood-like texture, even if it’s not actual wood. By using a paint roller for a base coat on an already smooth surface, you’re taking away from the texture of the final product. 

Applying Gel Stain -Step-by-Step Instructions for a Professional Finish

Now you are ready to transform furniture with gel stain! As mentioned before, start in a small area and work your way throughout the piece. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment a little. 

In the example below, I used gel stain for the knots and grain of the wood. Because the consistency of the gel stain is thicker, it makes it easier to achieve this look in a believable sense. I go into more detail here on how I refurbished my headboard for those looking to implement a similar look. 

But, for a high-level overview of the steps to achieve this look, lightly dip the bristles in the gel stain (you don’t want too much on the bristles). Then slightly twist your wrist in the direction of the grain while lightly brushing the surface with the brush. 

Also, take advantage of layering and going back over the section with a cloth to smudge the stain. Then, repeat the same process above to enhance the depth of color.

Another big takeaway to make the furniture look as realistic as possible is not to make the strokes too uniform. In general, I feel like I struggle with this one, so if you are too, don’t worry you’re not alone! But don’t be afraid to make the grain bigger in one section and smaller in the next. It’s all about creating balance with unequal brush strokes. 

Mixing Gel Stain with Paint – Unlocking Creative Options

For a spin on how to transform furniture with gel stain, you can also mix gel stain with paint. This allows you to create a wide range of colors and effects, giving your furniture a unique and personalized look. Whether you want to add a subtle tint or create a bold statement piece, this technique opens up a new world of creative options.

To begin, select a paint color. In the example below, I decided to add yellow to the gel stain, and I explain the color theory behind that decision here.

To choose a color, consider the overall look you want to achieve – do you prefer a monochromatic scheme or a contrasting color combination? Experimenting with different color combinations can yield surprising and beautiful results.

Start by mixing a small amount of paint with the gel stain. The ratio of gel stain to paint will depend on the desired intensity of the color and overall thickness. The more paint, the thinner the mixture gets.

Before applying the mixture to your furniture, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure that you’re happy with the color and consistency. 

Once you’re satisfied with the mixture, apply it to your furniture using a brush, following the techniques outlined earlier. Take your time and work in small, manageable sections, ensuring a smooth and even application.

Enhancing the Look – Adding Additional Finishes and Techniques

Once you have achieved a professional finish with gel stain, you may find yourself wanting to take your furniture transformation to the next level. This is where adding additional finishes and techniques can truly enhance the look of your piece.

One popular technique is distressing, which gives furniture a worn and weathered appearance. You can create a charming vintage effect by strategically sanding or scraping away layers of paint or stain in areas that would naturally experience wear and tear over time. This technique works particularly well on pieces with ornate details or intricate carvings, as it can accentuate their beauty and bring out the depth of their design.

Another option for enhancing the look of your furniture is to experiment with different top coats. While gel stain alone provides a durable finish, applying a clear coat or wax can further protect the surface and add a subtle sheen. 

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A matte finish can give your piece a rustic and natural look, while a glossy finish can lend a more modern and sleek feel. Don’t be afraid to play around with different finishes to achieve the desired effect on your furniture.

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can also consider incorporating decorative techniques such as stenciling or decoupage into your furniture transformation. 

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Stenciling allows you to add intricate patterns or designs to your piece, while decoupage involves adhering pieces of paper or fabric to the surface. These techniques can add an extra layer of visual interest and make your furniture stand out as a unique and personalized piece.

Transform Furniture with Gel Stain – The Secret to Achieving a Professional Finish

In conclusion, gel stain is the ultimate secret weapon for transforming tired furniture into stunning masterpieces. By understanding its properties and following the step-by-step instructions provided, you can achieve professional-looking finishes that will impress anyone! Don’t be afraid to mix gel stain with paint and experiment with additional finishes and techniques to unlock even more creative possibilities.

So there you have it, a guide on how to transform furniture with gel stain and the secret to achieving a professional finish! Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter below!

The post Transform Furniture with Gel Stain: The Secret to Achieving a Professional Finish first appeared on Katie T's Home.

I’ve also included some crucial tips and tricks and things to note at the end of this post, so be sure to read the full tutorial! So, without further ado, let’s jump into how I changed the color of my books in a few simple steps!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.

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I also ask that you please leave your thoughts in the comment section below. I’m always trying to produce helpful content for my readers, and without knowing what you think, it’s hard to know what you find helpful/not helpful. So please leave your thoughts below!!

Collect Books

First, you’ll want to collect some books! My husband and I are not huge readers (although I would like to read more… Just haven’t found the right book I guess!). 

We have a large enough collection of books to use as décor. Books we’ve collected over the years that we don’t care for the covers because of the color and how it clashes with the color palette I’m using to decorate with.

Perhaps you can use those college books that you spent good money on! I know I plan on doing this project again, I guess it’s time to take out those old books from storage and finally get a use out of them!!

Get Some Spray Paint

Next, you’ll want to get some spray paint! I used smokey beige, khaki camouflage, army green camouflage, Tate green, and white. 

If you want more information on color theory, I have a must-read guide here on the elements of design and how they impact decorating. Color theory is a main category that I refer to in this post, so be sure to check it out!

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Set Up the Area 

First, you’ll want to find a well-ventilated area with room to spray paint. I chose to do this project outside and set up some cardboard.

Next, you’ll want to stand the book on its edges to be able to spray paint both sides. The image above is for reference!

Spray Paint 

Now for the fun part! Spray paint your books! 

Things to Note

Okay, this is the crucial part of the post because there are a few things to note before you start this project. 

First, I would not recommend doing this to books you anticipate reading. This is purely for decoration purposes, and I explain why below.

I note this project is only for decoration because one of the books scratched easily, which brings me to my next point. 

Only one of the seven books got scratched after spray painting them. There must have been a coating on the outside of the book, preventing the spray paint from adhering. 

Again, these books are purely decoration, so for me, it’s not a big deal as the spine of the book would be the only part showing. But, if that’s something you want to avoid but still want to give your books a new color, then try wiping the book down beforehand. I know it’s laughable, but maybe try sanding it to help the spray paint adhere. 

I plan on doing this project again because I’m super happy with the color, so I will experiment a little and see if I can find a solution. I’ll update this post once that happens, but in the meantime, plan on it being purely decoration. 

Okay, and the last big ticket tip you need to know is I would not recommend painting them with acrylic paint!! Unless you have a super high-end paintbrush or some supernatural ability to paint, you will leave brush strokes. When I do this project again, I will experiment with sponges to see if I can get a flat look, but in the meantime, spray painting is the way to go!

Unique Book Aesthetic as your Bookshelf Décor

There you go! You now have read the unique book aesthetic as your bookshelf décor tutorial! Comment below if there is anything you want me to test out when I do this again! 

My goal is to be able to cut out the book titles with my Cricut and put them on the spine of the book (you can read about a Cricut here). So, if you have anything you’d like me to test, I’d love to hear it in the comments!

The post Unique Book Aesthetic as your Bookshelf Décor first appeared on Katie T's Home.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.

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Transform Your Bookshelf with This DIY Makeover

My husband and I had this bookcase hiding in our closet for the longest time! Recently, I repurposed a metal filing cabinet (you can read about it here), enabling me to move some paperwork around.

Because the metal filing cabinet is now holding our paperwork, it freed up some space in my desk. I decided to move the books into the desk and repurpose the bookcase.

My goal for repurposing this bookshelf is to turn it into a coffee station! I am hands down, a coffee snob. With my personality type, it is fitting to have a designated coffee station.

Materials

• Spackle
• Wood Glue
• White matte paint
• Paint Roller and Paint Brush
• Sander and Sandpaper
• Circular saw
• Scrap Wood and Small Craft Wood
• Gel Stain
• Optional: Yellow Acrylic Paint
• Tape Measurer
• Screws
• Drill and Drill Bits
• Farmhouse Hardware
• Optional: Hacksaw with Metal Blade

Structural Fixes

To transform your bookcase from old to new, you need to start off by filling in any holes or dents. I had a few dents in mine so, I used spackle (also known as putty) for this.

While drying, I cut wood for the top of the bookshelf. I screwed the piece of wood to the top of the bookcase to give the hardware enough room to slide across.

Depending on your bookshelf, you might not need to do the step above. Be sure to measure the farmhouse hardware to see how much room it needs to slide. Mine needed about 3”.

Next came the door, which in my opinion, makes the bookshelf look so good! For this piece, I cut a scrap piece of cabinet-grade plywood.

I want to note here that when you cut the dimensions for your door, be sure to factor in the farmhouse hardware. When I cut my door, I didn’t have all the hardware and forgot to account for the extra space on top. In my case, I don’t mind the extra-long door, but if you want the door to be exact, make sure you factor in the height of the hardware.

Another important thing to consider is the thickness of the door. For my farmhouse hardware, I didn’t want to go any larger than 1 ¼” thick. Luckily, the plywood was 1” thick, and the scrap piece of wood on top was ¼” thick.

So, after I cut the base of the door, I measured what I needed for the pieces to go on top. Because the door is so narrow, I didn’t want the traditional farmhouse design. I feel like it would have made the door look too small.

Instead, I cut out scrap pieces of wood for the horizontals. For the verticals, I used this craft wood that I bought for a different project that never happened. It ended up being exactly what I needed.

Consider adding a drawer handle if it works on the design of your farmhouse door. There is no good place to put one on my door, so I will not be adding one.

Finally, once I had everything cut, I put the smaller pieces of wood on the plywood to be sure everything fits together. Then, I sanded everything down. I put the pieces back and glued them down using wood glue.

After I assembled the door, I lightly sanded the bookcase.

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Paint the Bookshelf

Now comes the painting part to transform your bookcase! I chose white chalk paint because I wanted something that would adhere to stain. It’s a LOT of work to completely remove stain. I did some research and discovered chalk paint was the way to go.

This paint is on the thicker side, and I had to put on three coats! I went through a good amount of the can! I also used a paint roller because I didn’t want brush strokes from a paintbrush. However, I recommend painting the top part with a paintbrush if you plan on staining the top. I’ll explain more about this in the next step.

Stain the Top of the Bookcase

Next comes the staining part. I chose to work with gel stain for a couple of reasons. One, I wanted something that could adhere to the paint. Two, I liked the concept of the gel enhancing the brushstrokes to look like wood.

Having used the gel stain for the first time, I have some feedback that I want to share with you before you do this process.

First and foremost, a gel stain is a thick stain meant to highlight texture to make it look like wood. I can’t speak for all gel stains, but the one I used is very thick.

Next, make sure you paint the top part with a paintbrush. I used a paint roller, not knowing that the base coat mattered as much as it did.

Choosing the Right Color Stain

This next piece of information has to do with the color of the stain itself. My goal for this piece was a lighter brown. After looking at reviews and photos of what other people did, I decided it was the color I wanted. After putting on the first coat, I realized I was wrong, and there are a few reasons.

So, when I did the first coat over the white paint, I noticed that the stain had purple undertones which is not what I wanted. I couldn’t get a picture to show the purple undertones, but the image below shows the first layer of stain.

The reason why it had purple undertones all boil down to color combination. Brown is a composition of opposite colors. So, for example, if you mix orange and blue together, you get brown.

It’s like black, which is an equal ratio of the primary colors, blue, red, and yellow. To get the opposite color of blue, you must mix red and yellow to make orange. So essentially, brown is the same makeup as black, but the ratio is different.

Because the stain I used was heavy on the purple undertones, that means they used a combination of purple and yellow. So instead of using a different stain, I diluted the purple undertones by adding yellow acrylic paint.

I mixed yellow acrylic paint with the stain in a separate container and got the exact color I wanted!! The only callout here is that the acrylic paint thins out the gel paint. I was okay with this because it allowed me to use the brush and get the brush strokes for the added texture.

If you add acrylic paint to your stain, don’t thoroughly mix it. I mixed it just enough, and it was perfect because it gave a slight variation in the tones on the base layer. This made it look more realistic. I have since used this technique on my headboard as well. You can read about my farmhouse bookshelf headboard here.

After that layer dried, I took a dry brush and lightly dipped the tip of the bristles in the original gel paint. I lightly brushed it on the top of the bookshelf to make it look like wood grain. After I did this a few times, drying the paintbrush off in between, I added character by going in the opposite direction and giving the grain a curvature in some areas.

Attach the Farmhouse Hardware

The final step to transform your bookcase is to add the hardware! The smallest rod for this type of hardware that I could find was 2ft. My bookshelf was just under that, so I had to find a way to extend the bookshelf or make the rod shorter.

Luckily for me, my brother has a hacksaw with a metal blade that can cut through metal. This is why I didn’t have the piece with me when I was doing the measurements for the door. My brother was nice enough to cut the piece for me back at his house.

So, after my brother cut the piece for me, I screwed it into the bookcase. Also, if you screw the centerpiece in as well, the door can’t move past it. I wanted my door to fully extend side to side, so I removed the metal covering from the screw. I decided that the aesthetic wasn’t worth the door not being able to fully shift from either side.

Transforming your Bookshelf with this DIY Makeover Idea

So, there you have it! Hope my step-by-step guide on how to transform your bookcase with this DIY bookshelf makeover idea is helpful! Please comment below or reach out with any questions I would love to hear from you!

The post Transform your Bookcase with this DIY Bookshelf Makeover Idea first appeared on Katie T's Home.