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    The Easiest Way To Paint Closet Shelves

    By Stacy 79 Comments

    Over the years I have changed up the office closet a couple of times. Each time I learn what is working and what isn't. I'm not sure if this latest makeover will be the last, but I can tell you it is a big improvement over the last! We will get into the details of why soon, but let's talk paint first. The first time I painted the closet it was peacock blue, and the second time it was black. Both I loved at the time, but I was ready for a fresh new space that better matched the office itself so I went with white. The entire closet was black. Walls, and shelves. I wasn't daunted by the task though, because I have a secret weapon. Here is the easiest way to paint closet shelves!

    This post is sponsored by HomeRight.

    closet before makeover

    After:

    We had previously had a black bookcase in the closet as well. We had to take it out when we installed our new floors recently and I know Shane wanted to say some swear words. It was so hard to maneuver it out of the tiny 3 foot by 3 foot space since it was taller than the doorway. We (and by we I mostly mean Shane) decided not to put it back in. The bookcase has found a new home in the garage. I built some new floating shelves that matched up with the existing shelves that are on the side over the stairs. They also match the prop shelves in the office.

     

    office closet all organized

     

     

    The Easiest Way To Paint Closet Shelves

    One of the other modifications I made was I cut down the existing shelves to make them 6" shallower. The attic access is in the ceiling of this closet and the shelves stuck out a bit too far and made it a challenge to get in and out of the attic. While the boards were out, I took advantage and painted the walls! Since the closet it over the basement stairs, one wall is slanted and it very deep at the top. It makes it hard to paint unless you have a sprayer. I used my Finish Max Super (affiliate link) to go from black to white FAST! This is definitely the easiest way to paint closet shelves... and the walls!

     

     

    Here's a peek at the shelves while in the process of being built. While not the prettiest thing I have built, I am proud to say that I made a dent in my scrap wood pile and only used scrap pieces for this project.

     

    I had some primed 1x3 left over from a recent project and used that to trim out the shelves. Once they were all built, it was time to paint! Here are my tips for painting in a closet.

     

    Tip #1

    Since you will be painting in a small space, it is extra important to wear a mask. While the overspray with the Finish Max Super is minimal, there is a little and it becomes dust as it dries in the air. Since the space is small with little air circulation, you will notice it more than if you were in a large room or outside. You may want to wear a hat too. I prefer a disposable shower caps.

    Tip# 2

    Because of the overspray dust, you will want to cover not only the floor of the closet, but the floor outside of the closet. It makes for easier clean up.

     

    Tip #3

    Start painting at the top of the closet and work your way down. Go back and forth in even strokes. Make sure you adjust the paint output so you don't have too much paint coming out or you will get drips. Don't get too close to the walls and shelf ot you might have the same problem. A couple thin coats are always better than one thick coat. After the first coat of paint, grab a foam brush and look for any drips and fix them before they dry.

    Tip #4

    If you are painting new wood that hasn't been painted before (like my plywood shelves) you will need to lightly sand after the first coat. When wood get wet, the grain raises. It dries that way and will feel rough. Once you lightly sand it and then paint it again, it will be smooth as can be!

    The Organization

    One of the problems I fixed with this new design had to do with spray paint and small paint jars. Before they were all mixed in on the slanted side with the gallons  and quarts of paint. They always fell behind and it was hard to find the color I needed. I built 3.5" shelves along the side that easily fit all my spray paint and sample jars. No more digging!

     

    organized closet

     

    I used to have pegboard where the shallow spray paint shelves are now and while I loved the look of them, I didn't really have a ton of things that needed to be hung up. I added a few hooks on the top and a few on the bottom and I am good to go. A much better use of space!

    There are baskets and bins for everything! And they are labeled. No excuses for my kids not to put things back where they go.

    Because the one side is slanted, the top shelf is super deep, the middle shelf is pretty deep and the bottom shelf is about as deep as the other shelves. The top shelf houses the gallons and quarts with larger miscellaneous things behind. Things we rarely use. We also hide Christmas gifts up there...shhhh!

     

    closet full of tools

     

    As a DIYer I obviously have more power tools and supplies than this, but these are the things that I deemed necessary to have in the house. Everything else is in the garage. I love having the things we use most right here where we can easily get it. And it doesn't look half bad!

    Now for the giveaway!!!

     

    organized closet

     

    GIVEAWAY

    HomeRight has offered to give one lucky ready a Finish Max Super paint sprayer!

    You must be at least 18 years old to enter. You must be a resident of the USA to enter. The giveaway will go from October 29, 2019 until November 4, 2019. A winner will be chosen by random.org and will be notified by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be chosen. The shipping of the prize is the responsibility of the company, in this case, HomeRight.

    Enter below using the Rafflecopter Widget:

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    PIN for Later:

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    Filed Under: Uncategorized 79 Comments

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. storymusicgirl

      October 29, 2019 at 11:45 am

      My new craft room space has a gazillion painting projects in it!

      Reply
    2. Christina Lunsford

      October 29, 2019 at 12:08 pm

      I have some furniture and house walls to paint once the baby is finally here in a few weeks. This sprayer would make these projects a breeze.

      Reply
    3. Jamie

      October 29, 2019 at 1:16 pm

      I really need to paint my daughters' bedroom door.

      Reply
    4. Anne Marie

      October 29, 2019 at 2:34 pm

      My closets all need painting - they are an eyesore.

      Reply
    5. Kelly D

      October 29, 2019 at 7:23 pm

      We would like to paint our living room and end tables.

      Reply
    6. Moriah C

      October 30, 2019 at 4:25 am

      Looks great! Thanks for the giveaway! Would love to use the sprayer when we remodel our master closet.

      Reply
    7. Jill Nelson

      October 30, 2019 at 4:50 am

      Ih ave 2 ugly brown metal cabinets.

      Reply
    8. Carla Erickson

      October 30, 2019 at 4:56 am

      My dining room color needs to be more grey than beige! Would love to paint it before Christmas! We’ll see!

      Reply
    9. Lilly T

      October 30, 2019 at 5:18 am

      Love how organized everything looks! and that Finish Max Super Paint sprayer seems to be the bomb!

      Reply
    10. Elizabeth Hunt

      October 30, 2019 at 5:18 am

      My laundry room/storage room is in dire need of paint. I love your closet redo. I don't think there is anything you can't build. Well done.

      Reply
    11. Amy Reed

      October 30, 2019 at 5:19 am

      We are in the process of painting my mother-in-law's entire house to prepare it for being sold.

      Reply
    12. Linda Nelson

      October 30, 2019 at 5:32 am

      My daughter just moved out, so repainting her room.

      Reply
    13. Kelly

      October 30, 2019 at 5:35 am

      I like how you tell little stories along with your DIY projects it makes the reading more enjoyable :) Have always wanted a paint sprayer and this model seems to be everyone's go to choice...

      Reply
    14. Rosa L. Garrett

      October 30, 2019 at 6:25 am

      I hope to paint the cabinets in our master bath.

      Reply
    15. Carolyn Fitzpatrick

      October 30, 2019 at 6:42 am

      I really like how the shelfs turned out they look great

      Reply
    16. Jackie Burrell

      October 30, 2019 at 6:43 am

      This would be a wonderful thing to have since I will be painting my kitchen cabinets.

      Reply
    17. Sojourner

      October 30, 2019 at 6:43 am

      I love the new look, and especially that you built from your scrap pile.
      I hope we can all get into the "work with what you have" mentality and not always run out to the big box stores.
      Lovely outcome!

      Reply
    18. Colleen

      October 30, 2019 at 6:46 am

      I have lots of painting projects! Would love to win the Finish Max Super Paint Sprayer.

      Reply
    19. Lori H

      October 30, 2019 at 6:55 am

      My living room ,, bedrooms, and bathroom.

      Reply
    20. Christa

      October 30, 2019 at 7:47 am

      I have not had the chance to repaint any of my house, except for 2 rooms, since I moved in almost 10 years ago! And then I allowed my father to purchase the paint and of course he bought the cheapest one out there that shows dirt and anything else imaginable! Even on dark paint! Desperately needed an easier way to get all the painting done. Thanks for all the amazing information!

      Reply
    21. Laura Laskey

      October 30, 2019 at 8:13 am

      I ALWAYS have something to paint! The next project on my list is actually my pantry! So, this painter would be perfect! Thanks for the giveaway!

      Reply
    22. Leslie

      October 30, 2019 at 8:14 am

      We have a wide/deep closet that is currently used for small appliances (1/2) and linens (1/2). The Finish Max sprayer is exactly what we need to get the closet updated!

      Reply
    23. Theresa M Grace

      October 30, 2019 at 8:27 am

      The closet is so fresh and well organized! What a beautiful way to organize your closet and hide gifts!

      Reply
    24. Shannon

      October 30, 2019 at 8:32 am

      I need to paint my garage door, stat.

      Reply
    25. Lori Howard

      October 30, 2019 at 8:37 am

      I have a kitchen pantry that was created by the builders with wire shelving. I'd love to put wood shelves in and paint them white. The variety of shelves and sizes would give a space for spices, foil wrapping and utensils. This makes it look easy..now just to get hubby to get on board! Oh....and then to the closets with wire shelving!

      Reply
    26. Audrey Stewart

      October 30, 2019 at 8:42 am

      I have 4 ladder back chairs that I need to paint.

      Reply
    27. Elena

      October 30, 2019 at 8:58 am

      we ae going to paint our bedroom

      Reply
    28. Michelle

      October 30, 2019 at 9:08 am

      I have just installed some new wall treatments (faux shiplap and board & batten)...I just *know* the painting would go faster if I had a paint sprayer for the job! Thanks so much for the giveaway! =)

      Reply
    29. Danita Courtney

      October 30, 2019 at 9:18 am

      This is definitely a WOW moment! The black was very artsy, but the white has such a POP factor I LOVE it! As I get older I need to be able to see what I have in my "craft/sewing" room. This looks like a space I would love to have! All your tips are very appreciated! I am not an inside painter and needed to read all your practical advice! Thanks for the awesome revel! Bedroom next??? ;-)

      Reply
    30. rana durham

      October 30, 2019 at 9:19 am

      I am planning on painting a mini wooden storage bin

      Reply
    31. Kristy Smith

      October 30, 2019 at 9:25 am

      I would LOVE to win this! We are going to be painting new bathroom and laundry room cabinet fronts we just ordered from a cabinet maker.

      Reply
    32. Laura Harrie

      October 30, 2019 at 9:53 am

      I really like how the closet remake was done. The ability to reach and grab what you need is perfect. Using a sprayer makes all things possible!

      Reply
    33. Leslie Kiley

      October 30, 2019 at 10:00 am

      I have so many! I had the house power washed and the parts that are metal, all the paint needs touching up, I also have many areas inside that need touch-ups too! as well as some chest of drawers that need a rehaul. Many other projects too

      Reply
    34. Kristin C.

      October 30, 2019 at 10:08 am

      The list of what I don't want to paint is shorter than the project list!

      Reply
    35. Vickie V

      October 30, 2019 at 11:46 am

      The entire house, inside out too.
      Big project..including decks and porches, fences...everything.

      Reply
    36. Anna

      October 30, 2019 at 12:14 pm

      All of the closets in our house need a refresh. I am currently organizing our tiny kitchen pantry. It needs new shelving and a fresh coat of paint, for sure. I actually love painting, but this sprayer just might change my life.

      Reply
    37. Karen Anderson

      October 30, 2019 at 12:54 pm

      I need to paint the garage door!

      Reply
    38. Patty

      October 30, 2019 at 1:05 pm

      Need to start a closet built-in project and this would be perfect to get it done!

      Reply
    39. Abigail

      October 30, 2019 at 1:20 pm

      We just built a tree house that needs to be painted

      Reply
    40. Kathy

      October 30, 2019 at 1:30 pm

      My pantry and closet shelves! This is awesome to know how easy this project will be.

      Reply
    41. Karen Haskins

      October 30, 2019 at 1:43 pm

      The closet looks great! I love the white... easier to see things. But I really love the 3.5" shelves you built on that left wall! Genius!

      And thank you for the great giveaway! I really need that! ?

      Reply
    42. Cheryl

      October 30, 2019 at 3:05 pm

      I would love to brighten up our garage walls and our family room home gym.

      Reply
    43. Kristy

      October 30, 2019 at 6:50 pm

      My kitchen/dining area

      Reply
    44. Rita Hernandez

      October 30, 2019 at 9:48 pm

      Would love to see how this works on a cabinet that I need to paint. Your closet shelves look great!

      Reply
    45. Annette

      October 31, 2019 at 12:52 am

      I have to pain my bricks in the front of my townhouse, along with the door and the shutters. This would surely make the task easier.

      Reply
    46. jeremy mclaughlin

      October 31, 2019 at 7:33 am

      Need to repaint our deck furniture.

      Reply
    47. Nicole

      October 31, 2019 at 8:25 am

      I love how you modified the closet to fit your needs! I am getting married and moving into a house filled with wallpaper. We plan to take all of the wallpaper down and paint alllll of the rooms and closets. Wish us luck! :)

      Reply
    48. Diane

      November 01, 2019 at 11:12 am

      I just bought a new "old" house with 100 years of wear and tear on walls and woodwork, so winning a paint sprayer would certainly make my job a lot easier! l would also love to be able to organize my closets like yours! Classic case of too much stuff and not enough storage space!

      Reply
    49. Karen

      November 01, 2019 at 12:53 pm

      I'm in the process of painting kitchen cabinets and living room built in cabinets and shelves. This would be such a great help.

      Reply
    50. Alina

      November 02, 2019 at 4:56 am

      My next paint project is most definitely my pantry! It's in dire need of some love :) .

      Reply
    51. Sean

      November 02, 2019 at 4:57 am

      I have a handful of furniture pieces I've purchased throughout the year that are on my list.

      Reply
    52. Brix

      November 02, 2019 at 4:59 am

      My front door and the hutch in the entryway are in need of some fresh paint.

      Reply
    53. Stafford

      November 02, 2019 at 5:00 am

      I have a fairly large holiday project that I need to paint.

      Reply
    54. Ali

      November 02, 2019 at 5:03 am

      I have some patio furniture and a craft project that could use this.

      Reply
    55. Kristie

      November 02, 2019 at 8:55 am

      I love the black closet!

      Reply
    56. Jacqueline M. Gydesen

      November 02, 2019 at 10:29 am

      I would love to win this paint sprayer because we wold like to paint our bathroom that has textured walls (kind of like a venetian plaster that I hate). This would come in so handy and make the job so much easier. Thank you for the opportunity to win one. I have been wanting one for a very long time.

      Reply
    57. Brittany H

      November 03, 2019 at 5:13 pm

      I have a set of old school lockers that I would love to use a sprayer on. It would be useful because I could use the room color paint instead of trying to match it with a spray paint.

      Reply
    58. Theresa J

      November 03, 2019 at 5:53 pm

      I need to paint my kitchen

      Reply
    59. Erin

      November 03, 2019 at 8:12 pm

      I have an old nightstand I'd like to refinish.

      Reply
    60. Kelsey vinson

      November 03, 2019 at 8:16 pm

      We are repainting our outside building during a remodel for a man cave

      Reply
    61. Cassandra D

      November 03, 2019 at 11:32 pm

      Painting the garage area.

      Reply
    62. Tiffany S

      November 04, 2019 at 9:34 am

      We would like to paint our living room and bedrooms.

      Reply
    63. Amy RICE

      November 04, 2019 at 11:51 am

      We will be painting our bedroom.

      Reply
    64. Celeste Herrin

      November 04, 2019 at 4:14 pm

      I need to paint several shelving units in my garage. This looks like it would make painting those a breeze!

      Reply
    65. ae minx

      November 04, 2019 at 6:28 pm

      We're repainting the downstairs

      Reply
    66. Heather G

      November 04, 2019 at 6:54 pm

      my bedroom is next. I just have to discover the perfect color.

      Reply
    67. Amanda Whitley

      November 04, 2019 at 8:00 pm

      i plan on painting a vanity for my daughter

      Reply
    68. Teresa Organ

      November 04, 2019 at 8:23 pm

      Our over the toilet space saver cabinet needs to be painted.

      Reply
    69. Jenny Ham

      November 04, 2019 at 9:27 pm

      I am hoping to refinish a dresser and do some cool painting or stencils on it.. Something I can be proud of when I get done.

      Reply
    70. Sandy A

      November 04, 2019 at 9:33 pm

      What a beautiful closet!!

      Reply
    71. Jennylyn Gross

      November 04, 2019 at 9:33 pm

      the bedrooms

      Reply
    72. Kelly Woods

      November 04, 2019 at 9:33 pm

      Were painting our childrens bedrooms or I should say repainting them. They have a lot of ding mark on them. Thank you for sharing. This would be perfect. ?❤

      Reply
    73. Nickie

      November 04, 2019 at 9:36 pm

      My closet could really use a painting

      Reply
    74. Kim Myers

      November 04, 2019 at 9:37 pm

      My whole house needs a paint job but my son's room is on the list first.

      Reply
    75. Mya Murphy

      November 04, 2019 at 9:37 pm

      The guy that owned our condo before us, painted over cabinets, left mismatched whites on walls, etc.. We need everything redone.

      Reply
    76. Tiffany Losey

      November 04, 2019 at 9:39 pm

      Paiting an old ladder and old window shutters for Christmas crafts. Thanks for the chance

      Reply
    77. Kim Naumann

      November 04, 2019 at 9:44 pm

      I have a few, my basement steps and bathrooom cabinets.

      Reply
    78. Jessica Miller

      November 04, 2019 at 9:47 pm

      Remodeling the bathroom finally.

      Reply
    79. vicky s davis

      March 06, 2020 at 8:11 am

      You nailed this one. A little play on words there. I have lots of closets in my home so I had shelves added to many; however, they are now sagging in the middle with all of my stuff. I noticed that there are boards running vertical to your shelf boards. Can you explain how you did the actual build of your shelves for all of us?

      Reply

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    stacyHey! I'm Stacy and am a DIY addict. I love to get my hands dirty, whether it's sawdust, paint, or dirt. My goal is to help YOU learn to fix up your home and yard. No matter the style or size, I think everyone should love their home. And it doesn't takes a big budget to get there. Let's DIY together!

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