mac@ptsfc.UUCP (Margaret Craw) (10/19/85)
I have had trouble in the past with books sticking to painted bookshelves. I've also found that books, magazines, etc., will stick to just about ANY surface I've painted--ARRGGH. What am I doing wrong??? Or is this just something that I'll have to live with?? What I have done, usually, is put at least two coats of enamel (have used both latex and oil-based types) on bare wood--once I did try using a primer coat first on the bare wood, but to no avail. The wood was always a cabinet-grade pine (nicer woods I stain and varnish--have never had trouble with books sticking to a varnished finish). Would sealing the surface with shellac/varnish before painting help?? How about a sealer coat over the paint?? I've got an entire wall of bookcases waiting to be painted, and I'd like to do it right this time. Does anyone out there know how to take care of this problem?? Thanks in advance-- Margaret Craw Pacific Bell, San Remote, CA
saf@bonnie.UUCP (Steve Falco) (10/21/85)
> I have had trouble in the past with books sticking to painted > bookshelves > > Margaret Craw I have a similar problem with a varnished bookcase. Things stuck from day one. And still stick 10 years later - maybe a patent is in order... The solution is to rub the finish with polishing compound (the white auto body polish - not the red rubbing stuff, it's too coarse.) I don't know exactly why this works. It could be that the polish scores the slick surface on a microscopic level. It could be the slight oil/wax that polish seems to have. It could be that a sticky surface layer is being removed. Anyway - rubbing it should fix it. It will also tend to get rid of the little dust pimples, although this is best done by first sanding with 400 or 600 grit wet-or-dry sandpaper. I HAVE NEVER TRIED SANDING PAINT - TRY IT AT YOUR OWN RISK. BTW, someday if I get really bored, I might pull everything out of the bookcase and rub it down... Nah. Steve Falco
jrm@cbuxc.UUCP (John Miller) (10/21/85)
> I have had trouble in the past with books sticking to painted > bookshelves. I've also found that books, magazines, etc., will > stick to just about ANY surface I've painted--ARRGGH. What am > I doing wrong??? Or is this just something that I'll have to > live with?? > > What I have done, usually, is put at least two coats of enamel > (have used both latex and oil-based types) on bare wood--once > I did try using a primer coat first on the bare wood, but to > no avail. The wood was always a cabinet-grade pine (nicer woods > I stain and varnish--have never had trouble with books sticking > to a varnished finish). > > Would sealing the surface with shellac/varnish before painting > help?? How about a sealer coat over the paint?? I've got an > entire wall of bookcases waiting to be painted, and I'd like to > do it right this time. Does anyone out there know how to take > care of this problem?? > > Thanks in advance-- > > Margaret Craw > Pacific Bell, San Remote, CA In Consumer's Reports about a year ago there appeared an article about paints. The characteristics of paints were determined and various manufacturer's products were rated. The problem you mention above, I believe, is described by the characteristic called "blocking". Blocking refers to things like cabinet doors sticking together long after the paint has dried, windows sticking closed - etc. I recommend that you pick up a copy of the article, it lists paints that should avoid your problem. j.r. miller, att bell labs, columbus. P.S. you may have to go back 2 or 3 years, I have a bad memory for dates.
rcd@opus.UUCP (Dick Dunn) (10/24/85)
> > I have had trouble in the past with books sticking to painted > > bookshelves... > > What I have done, usually, is put at least two coats of enamel > > (have used both latex and oil-based types)... One serious caution--DON'T use latex-based paints. You're always likely to have problems with them. Latex paints never really completely harden. In particular, they take up moisture from the air and it softens them. You can demonstrate this for yourself--take a surface painted with latex paint that's been "dry" for quite a while. It can be months, even years. Put a few drops of water on the surface, let them stay for a few minutes, and wipe them off. The effect will be more noticeable with colored paint, which not only softens but generally lightens somewhat under exposure to water. -- Dick Dunn {hao,ucbvax,allegra}!nbires!rcd (303)444-5710 x3086 ...At last it's the real thing...or close enough to pretend.