ᐅ How can I renovate the appearance of my BILLY bookshelf?

Hello everyone, I want to refresh the look of my Billy shelf since it doesn’t look as new after several years of use, and I would like to adapt it to a more modern interior style. Specifically, I’m interested in which materials and techniques are best suited to change or enhance the surface without having to completely disassemble the shelf. Tips on preparation, such as sanding or priming, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of painting versus applying a veneer or film, would also be very helpful. I look forward to your suggestions and experiences!

In general, thorough preparation of the BILLY shelf is very important to achieve a satisfactory renovation result. This means cleaning the surface well first and, if necessary, lightly sanding it to improve the adhesion of paint or veneer. For the choice of material, I would recommend water-based acrylic paint, as it is low-odor and well suited for furniture. Alternatively, decorative veneers can be applied directly to the surface, allowing for a completely new look. It is important to carefully treat the edges, as the veneer or paint is most likely to chip there.

Good point, chenlen. Additionally, I would like to point out that when sanding, it is important to use fine sandpaper (grit 180-220) to avoid damaging the surface too much. If you are using paint or varnish, you should apply at least two thin coats, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly. A primer can also improve adhesion, especially if the shelf was previously veneered or coated with melamine.

chenlen schrieb:
In general, thorough preparation of the BILLY shelf is very important to achieve a satisfactory renovation result.

Thank you for the tip; I will definitely keep that in mind. I have another question about the decorative films: Does anyone have experience with whether the films adhere long-term to the melamine surface or if they tend to peel off easily at the edges? Also, what should be considered regarding cleaning and durability?

I covered my BILLY shelf with a special furniture foil. It is important to keep the surface very clean and free of grease, preferably cleaning it with alcohol. Decorative foil generally adheres well, but for the edges, it is recommended to use a heat gun for post-treatment to ensure better adhesion. The foil is quite resistant to scratches and moisture, although not as durable as painted surfaces. For cleaning, a damp cloth is usually sufficient, and aggressive cleaners should be avoided.

Wrapping also helps for a quick effect. Alternatively, you can replace the back panel with a colored or patterned one. This increases the style factor without much effort.