Staining and Painting Unfinished Bookcases

Materials:

unfinished bookcases (82" wall unit SKU 37367; lower door kits SKU 222472) - Lowe's
water-based stain (American Walnut) - Minwax
paint (Antique White SW6119) - Sherwin-Williams and Opalescence (Benjamin Moore)
foam brush
paintbrushes
tack cloth
rags
small pail of water
craft paint and stencil (optional)
water-based polyurethane

Steps:

1. Sand the pieces as necessary and remove the dust with a tack cloth or damp rags. Apply the stain with a foam brush, and wipe off excess after a few minutes. Let dry.
2. Add highlights to the bookcases with two different paint colors. Dip a paintbrush into one color, and then into a pail of water to dilute it a bit. Apply the thinned paint over the stained surface so it's heavier in some areas than others.
3. Apply the second color with the same brush before the surface dries and repeat the application process, creating a look that resembles many layers of paint that have worn away over time exposing the stained pine underneath. Let dry.
4. Use craft paint and a stencil or hand-paint a design on the cabinet doors for a final touch. Let dry.
5. Seal the bookcases with several coats of water-based polyurethane, allowing it to dry between layers. Attach the doors as per the manufacturer's instructions.