DIY: Simple IKEA Hack to Gold Etagere
**Update (2023): The VIITSJO collection is still on sale at IKEA, a true classic. Scroll down for updated styling tips for a gold etagere!
Every now and then a piece or series of IKEA furniture really blows up among the DIY community. With clean clean lines and modern styles, the VIITSJO is a great series to hack. It’s easily transformed with just some paint.
I bought the shelf unit in black and with some primer and gold spray paint transformed the piece into a gold etagere. It's really simple and just requires some time and patience. The total cost was around $60—$40 for the shelf and $25 for the supplies.
Here's what you'll need:
VIITSJO Shelf, Before
Step #1: Prime All The metal Pieces (not The glass)
Step #2: Spray Paint All Pieces
Next, spray each piece with the metallic gold spray from every angle and allow to dry. I did about 2 coats with just one can. I used a painter's mat and wore a face mask to make sure I didn't get any spray paint on the ground and didn't inhale the fumes. You can also wear protective eye wear.
Step #3 Assemble
Once dry, you will need to assemble the piece following the instructions and spray the heads of the black screws that show.
Step #4: Apply Shellac for a protective coat
Once all pieces are gold, spray all of them with the shellac finish, and let dry. This will add a protective coating to the paint so it won't chip.
After
I love the way the texture and finish looks in this after! The spray paint finish makes it look dimensional and reflective like actual brass.