The Best white paint for bookshelves can give your bookshelves a whole new appearance and make them more eye-catching. However, getting the perfect paint will be stressful because the market is full of a lot of items. So, how to choose the perfect paint for bookshelves?
Paints are available in different types; however, you can go for only three options; acrylic, enamel, and chalk paint. While you are interested in white color, the finish is another most important thing, and you should go for a satin, matte, or gloss finish. Overall, the paint should be premium quality, durable, and protective as well.
It’s not easy to choose the Best white paint for bookshelves on the market. To satisfy your needs for appropriateness, quality, durability, and price, it is crucial to understand the benefits and drawbacks of the items. I’m here to help you with my recommendations and guide to choosing the best paint. Let’s explore this list of the top 5 white paint for bookshelves.
What type of paint is Best for Bookshelves?
While different types of paints are available in the market, three types are suitable for bookshelves. You can use acrylic paint, enamel paint, and chalk paint on the bookshelves. All these paints have different features and functionalities. Let’s explore the facts.
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is a popular option for painting bookshelves. This paint works well with any surface, including wood and laminate. This is due to the fact that acrylic paint is extremely adaptable and sticks to any object that isn’t greasy or waxy. Additionally, acrylic paint will not really peel, fracture, or yellow as well as it is highly durable. However, this type of paint needs priming the surfaces before applying it.
Enamel Paint
Enamel paint is another fantastic alternative for painting wooden bookcases. This paint is rather resilient, much like acrylic paint. However, unlike acrylic paint, it does have a tendency to become yellow with time. Enamel paint leaves any surface with a glossy surface. Therefore, you should definitely use an enamel-based paint if you are willing to provide your bookshelf with a faint sheen.
Chalk Paint
Chalk paint is indeed a water-based decorative that may be used on practically any surface. The degree of preparation required before applying it sets it apart from acrylic as well as enamel paint. You have to sand the surface as well as remove existing topcoats before applying this paint. Similar to previously used enamel paint, sanding the wood is necessary for the paint to precisely produce its glossy appearance.
Top 5 Best white paint for bookshelves
If you are seeking the best and perfect white paint for painting your bookshelves, then explore this list of the Top 5 Best white paint for bookshelves.
1. Krylon Gesso Aerosol Spray

Krylon is a trustable name for any type of paint. Krylon Gesso Aerosol Spray paint is one of their premium-quality white paint. This product line also includes other amazing colors that can give your bookshelves stunning appearances. It offers the very same performance qualities as brush-on solutions while drastically cutting down on required times.
This glossy paint was created to function with a variety of surfaces, may stick to, and last for a long time on laminate and wooden bookshelves. Because it works well on glass, cardboard, metal, and even plaster materials, spray paint is incredibly versatile. Every DIYer’s beginning kit should include a device with such a broad range of uses.
This acrylic spray paint is really a quick-drying composition. In fact, it only takes 10 to 15 minutes for a thin layer of this solution to feeling dry to the touch and two hours for it to cure. Notably, the liquid won’t rapidly solidify and lose its stickiness while it’s in the container. This solution is among the greatest options when you want anything with a glossy finish.
It produces a lovely and lustrous finish after fully drying, making the instrument appear brand-new. The best part is that this spray paint protects beneath the surface from moisture penetration in addition to serving an aesthetic purpose. Another benefit of this smooth, protective covering is that it makes cleaning the surface easier.
Pros
produces a strong, clean, and elegant coating
It dries quickly to save time during the application
It ensures a highly durable and long-lasting coating.
Cons
Thinner than anticipated coating is produced.
2. Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint

If you prefer regular brush paint more than spray paint, Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint is only for you. There are matte, satin, as well as gloss finishes available with this water-based solution. All of your DIY projects will benefit from the versatile, high-quality white paint. For both large and little tasks, it is the preferred crafting paint.
When this water-based paint dries, it will have a smooth matte surface. As a result, you won’t need to be concerned about the color’s finishing if you employ this paint to produce any paintwork on your bookshelves. This paint may be used on a wide variety of surfaces, including wood, canvas, as well as cardboard, in addition to bookcases.
There are no hazardous materials in this Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint. This feature makes this paint safe as well as easy to use. Thus, your children are able to use or interact with this paint. Apple Barrel works well on a variety of surfaces, including wood, cardboard, paper, metal, terra cotta, and many more.
This top-quality acrylic Paint from Apple Barrel dries swiftly and accurately adheres to the surface, much like most other acrylic paints. Additionally, this paint provides enough coverage. The expense of any painting as well as art project will be concealed within its maximum range.
Pros
This formula is a premium-quality versatile paint.
This paint offers a matte finish after drying completely
You can clean this acrylic paint easily and quickly
Cons
It takes a relatively long time to dry completely.
3. Rust-Oleum Touch 2X Cover Spray Paint

Rust-Oleum Touch 2X Cover Spray Paint is the last product on this list of Top 5 Best white paint for bookshelves. It is a trustable quality spray paint with many finishes, including gloss, high gloss, matte, ultra-matte, and much more. Ultra-matte is one of my preferred finishes that will give your bookshelves an amazing look.
This Spray Paint also comes with a set of color options to choose from. Rust-Oleum Touch 2X Cover is an oil-based formula with less odor, making it safe and easy to use. The ergonomic trigger design lets you apply this paint continuously with comfort.
It is an oil-based formula that ensures a durable and protective coating over the surface of your bookshelves. Additionally, it is weather-coated as well as UV resistant to fend against difficulties with chipping and also cracking. You can use this paint on different surfaces, including wood, ceramic, and plastic.
You can easily spray all the edge surfaces thanks to this Any-Angle-Spray function. A large designed fingertip pad is provided to let you spray persistently. Moreover, this spray paint takes less time to dry, around 20 minutes. It also ensures excellent coverage and saves you money as well as time.
Pros
Long-lasting and chips resistant coating
This paint is affordable but rich in quality
It offers a vintage and no-shine appearance
Cons
The trigger construction is not excellent.
4. THE ONE Premium-Quality White Paint

THE ONE Premium-Quality White Paint is an impressive formula for wood and laminate bookshelves. You may use this premium chalk-based paint for painting your bookshelves, and it will give them amazing outlooks. This formula ensures a durable and long-lasting coat over any surface while making your bookshelves superb.
THE ONE Premium-Quality White Paint is a 2-in-1 set means this paint comes with added primer. This implies that using this paint will need less time, money, and effort on your painting job. This premium quality all-in-on paint is an opulent recipe with an added thickness that will give the surface a fantastic finish.
This paint comes with three different finishes; gloss, matte and satin. So, you can choose any one among them, all of these finishes are excellent. This highly durable paint has dirt-resistant features and is easily washable. It also dries quickly while offering good enough coverage, excellently saving you money and time.
You don’t need to apply extra prime to the bookshelves before applying this formula because it comes with added prime. This paint is perfect for interior designers and DIY enthusiasts since it has low levels of VOCs, making it safe for indoor usage. There are several fishing options available with THE ONE Paint.
Pros
This paint has added primer in this pack
It comes with different finish options
Ensure great coverage and dries quickly
Cons
It will need multiple coats to get the max finish.
5. Rust-Oleum Chalked Spray Paint

Do you want to give your bookshelves a vintage appearance and want to make them more eye-catching? If you are, then Rust-Oleum Chalked Spray Paint is the way to go through. It is an oil-based paint that offers a matte finish and can make your bookshelves more amazing. Ease of use, quick drying time, and excellent coverage make this paint one of the Best white paints for bookshelves.
If you want to give your bookshelves a timeless yet modern appearance, this is among the best paints to use. It is the perfect solution for repainting projects thanks to its oil-based composition and great adherence. You may repaint any furniture with timeless elegance thanks to this high-quality paint.
This paint’s ability to create a distinctive aesthetic by layering it with other Spray Paints is one of its greatest qualities, in my opinion. This paint’s durability allows you to apply sand before applying your next layer. However, this paint provides an excellently protective coat after drying completely.
The chalky matte finish of this paint lends itself to giving the surface a stunning appearance. The only thing to keep in mind is the 20-minute drying period before applying the second layer. Rust-Oleum Chalked Spray Paint can cover around 12 sq ft which is really good enough as spray paint.
Pros
It can create an antique and vintage look
It is super easy to apply with minimal prep
It offers a durable and protective coating
Cons
The coverage of this paint is disappointing.
Best white paint for bookshelves: Buying Guide
Painting a piece of furniture like bookshelves is crucial since it may make your room appear brighter and more modern. Your bookshelves might benefit greatly from upkeep by receiving fresh paint. If you are the hands-on kind, you are aware of the need to understand some fundamental methods for selecting paint. We will go over a few fundamental criteria in this buying guide to assist you in selecting the finest paint for your requirements.
Quality and Durability
When it comes to painting selection for any paintwork, quality should be the first priority to select. Generally, high-quality paint ensures more durability, a protective coating as well as an excellent finish. So, you should go for a reputed and trustable brand to ensure getting high-quality paints.
Durability is another notable feature that you should consider to choose the best white paint for Bookshelves. To avoid concerns with scratching off or peeling off, try to use durable spray paints. Some paint comes with advanced features like water-resistant, chip resistance, and also peeling resistance. To ensure endurance, the paint must contain all the latest characteristics.
Type of finishing
Considerations for spray paint’s appearance are much more crucial. The greatest option would be to use spray paint that provides a perfect finish. On the other side, if the paint is ugly, it can let you down. So, you will never be interested in getting such paint! Right?
Consequently, a finish is crucial to consider since the overall appearance depends on it muchly. Additionally, some spray paints have a variety of finishes, including textured, gloss, matte, and numerous others. Try to select one based on your personal preferences and needs.
Paint Adhesion
Adherence is another notable thing you should consider for purchasing paint. Because the surface of the bookshelf will frequently come into contact with Books, painting requires paint with a strong adhesion formula in order to adhere to it. Otherwise, the paint can be damaged or peeled.
Therefore, it is imperative that you evaluate the adhesion quality before purchasing paint for your bookcases. You might need to apply a primer occasionally. But it’s okay. Some companies additionally promise flawless adherence to any surface without requiring any prior preparation.
Drying Time
Although some paint may require several hours to fully cure, others just need a few minutes. The amount of time it takes you to do the work is directly proportionate to how long the paint needs to dry. Paints that take a longer time to dry will consume a lot of time.
Numerous substances and components are used to make paint. They have complete control over how long the paint needs to cure. Because utilizing quick-drying paint makes the job go more quickly, I advise doing so. It also lessens the possibility of dirt or dust damaging the paint.
Application Process
Some paints require undercoating as well as a surface prep before application; they should not be directly applied on any surfaces. Some, however, permit direct application to the rusted surface. The surfaces that are immediately relevant should be utilized for simplicity of application. However, you might think about taking a long way if you desire a long-lasting solution.
Pricing
Each and every painting project entails a price. The best effects may not necessarily emerge from the most expensive paints. If comfort and confidence, and compatibility are not compromised, even cost-effective and inexpensive paints can complete a task. Check reviews and usage directions in addition to the pricing, as well.
The FAQs
Wrap Up
Whether you are going to paint for the first time or repaint your bookshelves, painting them will give them whole new appearances. Although there are a lot of color options, white paint is the most unique and aesthetic option for bookshelves. So, if you are interested in white paint and looking for the best white paint for bookshelves, then this article may help you a lot. Check my recommended product again or consider the guide above and get the best paint for painting your bookshelves.
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