Rescuing My Bookshelf from Crayons and Markers

This is sponsored post created in partnership with Glidden Paint. I received compensation for my honest review and all opinions accurately reflect my experience with this product. I'm always thankful for the support of sponsors that fit the Smile and Wave DIY brand.

I love encouraging my kids' artistic abilities and hope they learn to think outside the box in all creative ventures but, as many of you moms and dads know, that can sometimes lead to tagging the wall purple stick figures or practicing their name in sharpie on your unfinished IKEA crib. In this specific instance, it was testing out crayons and washable markers on a custom made bookshelf that I've had for a few years. It has survived three moves and been used in a variety of ways storing kids' toys, a typewriter collection, baby paraphernalia, etc. It's recently been put to use in my studio holding most of my yarn stash. It was looking a little tired before the crayon attack but once it was marked up, I decided I may as well find a way to make it even more exciting than before. 

When Glidden Paint asked if I was interested in trying out their new Glidden Complete-Stain Blocking, Paint + Primer with stain covering powers, I knew this was my chance to give my bookshelf the makeover it deserved. I cleared all of the yarn off to get a good look at the crayon and washable marker art work. You can also see the original lumber prints from the lumberyard. When the bookshelf was made, it was intended to sit horizontal on the ground so the lumber yard prints wouldn't show. Covering them up was another reason I was looking forward to hitting refresh on this storage piece. 

The crayon and washable marker weren't all over the place-just in a few key places. Both Ruby and Smith had added their contributions in the last two years. Here's a before shot of one of the areas that were marked on. 

Here's the same spot after two thin coats of Glidden Complete. You couldn't see the crayon at all after the first coat and  you can just barely see the washable marker after the second coat here.

I added a third thin coat just on that shelf and it was finally completely covered. I was impressed that such a light paint color was able to cover over the washable purple marker. I also tested a thin black sharpie in an inconspicuous spot and it was covered up after only one coat. 

This is the side of the bookshelf that had the lumber yard markings on it and they are ever so faint after one thin coat. I added a second coat for more even coverage and they are no longer visible. Woohoo! 

Once the bookshelf was done, I added some inexpensive crates that I spray painted a neon coral to add a little more fun to this space. I then added a coat of polyurethane to the crates so the spray paint wouldn't rub off on the bookshelf. I'd seen a similar peach and neon coral color combination online somewhere and knew this would be a little unexpected but also really cheerful. The peach color is really warm and happy. It's hard to do it justice in photos but I love how it looks with the coral!

For someone who enjoys a good project, I also prefer the easiest routes possible. The best part about this bookshelf makeover was not having to purchase a separate primer and knowing my paint was going to easily cover over both the darker markings and artistic markings without me having to sand them down. Two coats of paint feels pretty standard on most things when you're going for even coverage and the third coat on just one shelf to cover a tiny spot felt more like a touch up than anything. I like that the paint was thick enough to not need a lot of coats but also settled out smoothly so that I didn't have ridges everywhere. 

As always, it's a great idea to test something out in an inconspicuous spot or with a smaller paint purchase to make sure it's going to work for your project before committing your time and money to it. I've used a variety of paint brands and have enjoyed all of them but I appreciate the affordability of Glidden and the fact that this specific paint does what it claims to do.

I have a cute new bookshelf to store all of my yarn and my studio is feeling a little more exciting with these summer colors. It's amazing how a little paint job can make you feel like you have a new piece of furniture!

Because I'm sure some of you have your own summer projects you're eager to take on, I'm so thrilled to share that Glidden is offering four gallons of Glidden Complete-Stain Blocking, Paint + Primer to one lucky Smile and Wave DIY reader!

To enter to win, leave a comment below sharing what you'd do with a few gallons of Glidden Complete Paint and you could be halfway to painting your master bedroom or giving your own furniture piece a makeover!

A winner will be chosen on June 13th and announced here. 

Here's to a weekend full of fun projects!

-Rachel

 

 

Comments

[Anne Dureka]

I would use the paint to paint my boys room. We are in the midst of a renovation in their room, and are so close to being able to paint the walls.

[Chanel]

I would paint my kitchen, it so needs a lift ..and or my office which is a boring beige currently. Thanks for having the giveaway!

[Ashley Carpenter]

I would paint the kitchen in the new house I'm closing on in July.

Right now, there's a birdhouse border framing the walls. Eek!

[Erin]

I'd paint a bench for my patio.

[Brooke Richard]

I'd use the paint to finally revamp my craft studio's walls and cover the drips of colored wax that is covering one area.

And since this is 4 gallons I'd probably have enough to tackle our horrid drab green kitchen walls that desperately need a new paint job.

[Sarah M]

Yes, please! I'd give it to my SIL who is completing her basement for her kids :) THey might need a bit more than a few gallons, but it'd help!
Sarah M

[Madison Kerr]

I love that color combo! I'll have to incorporate something like that in my boyfriends daughters soon to be room. I've been removing wallpaper since I closed on my first house in April. I'm finally gearing up to paint! 4 gallons would complete my kitchen, dining room and bedroom!!

[Lisa]

I have several paint projects that I need to do. I have a couple old straight chairs that need a fresh coat of paint to go with the new seat made from vintage neckties that I have planned - gotta paint before weaving the seat bottom! Also, an old dresser that needs a refresh as well as a worktable that I want to jazz up a bit. I want to paint the vanities in master and guest bathrooms too!

[Olivia]

After years as a renter, I'm moving into my first home soon (yay!!) and finally get to paint it whatever color I would like! I would use it to beautify my new digs!

[Celeste]

We have a few big dark closets that are becoming a place for my sewing table and craft storage. I'd love to brighten it up without having to paint a million coats.

[Robyn]

Beautiful! I would also paint my bookshelves- I've had the same 3 mint green bookshelves since childhood and after 27 years they are desperately in need of some love. I'm thinking a light gray, which is neutral but not boring :)

[Lisa L.]

Alouth i don't mind painting I hate having to paint a room twice, once with primer and then with paint. I am redoing the upstairs (which is a converted atic I'm using as storage now) into a master suite. 4 gallons will come in so handy.

[Deb]

My bedroom hasn't been painted in, well, we won't speculate on the passage of time. I could actually paint the closet, too, with this much paint.

[Mindy]

Moving into a new house where almost every surface needs to be painted! The projects are endless and some good paint to cover up ugly would be greatly enjoyed!

[Haley]

Looks great! We're moving this summer and would use this to freshen us some of our furniture for the new place.

[Cessie]

I love peach + coral...such a happy combo! Thanks for a chance to win Rachel! I have a few small projects (bookshelves, wooden chairs and a cabinet) that would love a fresh coat of paint...and I would be so happy to not have to use primer!

[Jennefer Raygoza]

I love paint...no joke! My husband says I paint everything I can get my hands on, I would really put the paint to good use. I have a Jenny Lind toddler bed that was my daughter's and now my son's, that just needs a paint job. . I have so many "project pieces" in the garage that just need a good coat of paint! This paint would make everything easier in skipping a step. Best of luck to everyone!!!

[Erin]

I've slowly been painting the rooms of my house since we moved in. I have 1 room left and two bathrooms! I have big ideas and need paint!

[Aja]

I love that peach/coral combo! So cheerful! We're getting ready to move, so I'd use new paint to get started on freshening up our next place. :)

[Natanya Bittman]

I would paint a fun plant stand/bookshelf I found on the side of the road. It's such a fun & sweet shape but the old dark wood color definitely needs some cheering up!

[Carly Rapp]

So great to see a review, I was just looking at this Glidden paint at Home Depot. We are in the process of refreshing our kitchen—can't afford a real remodel, but hoping that some new shelves, some organization and a fresh coat of paint will help it really shine.

This would be a huge step in that direction!
Cheers!

[Ali Celestino]

I would paint my bedroom with a few gallons of Glidden Complete Paint.

[sarah marie]

oh man! I just moved into my first house, and I would definitely give a room a much-necessary make-over...the red, yellow, and dark blue stripes in what was their young child's room are going to take so. much. primer. ;-)

[Jamie]

We are moving at the end of the summer, and are preparing a nursery for our first baby in the new house. 4 gallons of quality paint would come in very handy!

[Hillary]

I would work on my guest bath. The walls and the vanity need some love and attention! There is a cool vintage sink basin in there that I love and needs to gain the spotlight.

[Anna]

I'm sure my mom would love it for her kitchen cabinets or for repainting her bathrooms.

[David]

Our kitchen needs a refresh!

[racheldenbow]

Natanya,

Congrats, lady! You're our new winner after not being able to contact the first winner! I'll be sending your e-mail over to my contact with Glidden paint so we can get you hooked up with your new paint!

Thanks for reading!