Not sure what to do with your old mismatched books? Paint them! I’m going to show you how to paint book covers the easy way and mix them into your home decor.
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Painting book covers is not a new concept, but I wanted to try it with the Rescue Restore paint that I recently used on my DIY kitchen table makeover. I’m convinced that you really can use this paint on almost anything and with success I might add.
I recently became a maker with A Makers’ Studio by Amy Howard. That means I get to try out all the products, and show you how to create fun projects for your home using those same products.
Gather Supplies
- Hard Back Books
- Rescue Restore Paint (Paris Flea Market)
- Rescue Restore Paint (Southern Gentleman)
- 1.5″ Paint Brush
- Light Antiquing Wax
- Lint Free Cotton Cloth
Instructions How To Paint Book Covers
The easiest way to paint a book is to open it in the middle, then flip it over with the cover and spine facing up. I picked two lovely colors; Paris Flea Market and a Southern Gentleman but you can pick the colors that best suit your decor.
Paint the front, back and spine with two coats of the Rescue Restore paint allowing it to dry between coats.
I wanted my books to have finished edges as well, that way the original color wouldn’t show when the books are stacked in different directions.
Once the book covers were completely dry, I used a dime size amount of the light antiquing wax on a lint free cloth and went over the outside covers. I allowed the wax to dry for about 30 minutes then buffed it to a soft glow. The covers now have a soft matte finish and the books look beautiful grouped together or by themselves.
Paint Tips
On my supply list, I included the 1.5″ brush. It’s a good quality brush that’s just the right size for the 2 oz. paint jars and leaves minimal brush strokes. Another plus is how easily the brush is to clean and reuse. If you take care of your brushes they should last a long time.
I have a few more books lined up for paint but I’m trying to decide if I want to continue the same color scheme or go with blue and white. Maybe I’ll go with Blessed and Summer Nights.
The Rescue Restore Paint is a water-based paint with no VOCs. I like the idea of being able to use this paint in a baby’s room or any other room in the house.
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I have so many ideas for projects coming up and I can’t wait to share them with you. Somehow I’ll get it all done. If you have any questions about how to paint book covers, leave a comment for me. I love hearing from you!
Cheers!
©2018 How To Paint Book Covers first appeared on Thistle Key Lane™