Step 1:
Wipe off the entire surface of the piece with a damp rag to get off all dust - and in this case cobwebs.
Step 2:
The shelves in the bookcase were very close together. Most of what will be on the shelf is magazines. In order for them to fit, I had to knock out two of the existing shelves. I just used a hammer to make the shelves loose, then pulled out the remaining nails. Then I sanded the entire piece with level 120 sandpaper. It's kind of the medium ground between fine grain and rough grain. Make sure to scuff up the surface pretty well so the paint (or whatever finishing method you choose) sticks.
Step 3:
Wipe the piece off with a damp rag again. Make sure all the dust from sanding is completely gone so the paint goes on smoothly. I chose to paint my case in Ace Hardware's spray paint color "Eggshell." It took me about four coats to completely cover the exterior of this. I did not paint the interior back or sides, because they would be covered later on.
Step 4:
I measured out the interior and cut pieces of contact paper (I got mine at Target) to cover it. Just simply peel off the back of the contact paper and apply it to the surface. This works best if someone is helping you. It's a lot easier to make sure the paper goes on smooth with four hands rather than two. The contact paper generally stuck on mine, but hot glue had to come to the rescue in some places. Add your books and decorations - and voilà, you're done!
In all, my project cost a mere $14. Eight dollars for two cans of spray paint and six for 24 feet of cute contact paper. Which might I add, I have a TON left, so I'm sure it will be in many upcoming projects.
