ᐅ Refinishing a Billy Regal Shelf: A Beginner’s Guide

Hello everyone,

I want to refinish the varnish on my Billy bookshelf, but I only have basic experience in furniture restoration. Specifically, I want to remove the old surface varnish and then apply a new coat, avoiding common beginner mistakes like bubbles or uneven layers.

Can anyone provide a step-by-step guide suitable for complete beginners? Important tips would include preparation (sanding, cleaning), choosing the right varnish, and the proper application technique.

Thanks in advance to everyone who takes the time to respond!

Hello Fupiman,

First, sand well to remove the old paint. Then, dust off with a damp cloth. After that, apply a suitable wood primer, followed by the topcoat in thin layers. Allow some drying time between each layer. Good luck!

Hello Fupiman,

I think your approach to tackling this thoroughly is very good!

First, you should sand the shelf with fine sandpaper (grit 120 to 180) to evenly remove the old finish. Be careful not to sand too aggressively, as this can damage the wood. Afterwards, make sure to remove all dust residues with a damp cloth or vacuum cleaner.

For cleaning, a slightly damp cloth with mild dish soap is recommended to remove any grease residues. After preparing the surface, it’s best to apply a primer that will improve adhesion for the new paint.

Water-based paints are suitable for painting because they are easier to work with and produce less odor. Apply thin layers of paint several times, and always let each layer dry completely.

If you have any questions, just reach out—I’m happy to help!

Jansi9 schrieb:
then apply the topcoat in thin layers

I would differentiate here: There are different types of coatings, and the choice largely depends on the intended use and the type of wood. "Thin layers" are important, yes, but I would strongly recommend testing a small area before applying the finish.

Here is my thought: Some beginners underestimate the importance of preparation. Simple sanding is not always sufficient, as old paint residues or sealants can reduce adhesion. In such cases, a special paint remover or careful intermediate sanding works better.

Also: What tools are you using for application? Brush, roller, or spray equipment? This has a significant impact on the final result.

Besides the technique, I would also be interested to know how you manage environmental conditions (temperature, humidity), as these are crucial for drying the coating.

ONRONA schrieb:
Which tools do you use for application? Brush, roller, or spray equipment?

Thanks for the tip, I hadn’t really considered that before. So far, I’ve only used a brush, but I don’t have a specific recommendation.

Regarding the environmental conditions, I’m working inside my apartment; the boiler room is around 20°C (68°F) with moderate humidity.

About the paint remover: I thought that light sanding would be enough since the paint is several years old but neither thick nor damaged. Is that really not sufficient? For testing, I’m happy to try a small area using a more thorough approach.

Oh, great topic, Fupiman!!! 🙂

I recently painted my Billy shelf myself, and it was a real success! Just go for it, it’s a lot of fun!

A little tip from me: after sanding, make sure to thoroughly remove all dust, then use a good, preferably fine brush. I applied my coats patiently and took relaxed breaks in between. This way, the layers turned out smooth and without bubbles.

Fupiman schrieb:
I have only used brushes so far, but no special recommendation.

I would recommend a flat natural hair brush – it gives a great result!

And finish with a clear sealant, so the paint will last for years! You can do it, fingers crossed! 🙂