What to Use to Paint a Lace-Look Design on a Shelf

A lace pattern made from paint gives a shelf a look of complexity that would be difficult to achieve if you were creating the details freehand. Creating this look requires actual lace, such as a doily or table runner, or a faux plastic lace with a pattern you like. The lace or faux lace serves as a stencil for the design. Two vastly different colors that look good together, such as black and white or orange and white, create the most visual contrast, making your handiwork visible from afar.


Cover a work surface, preferably outdoors, with newspaper. Set the shelf atop the paper, face up.


Scuff up all areas you wish to paint using fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe the dust away with a soft cloth.


Cover any areas you don't wish to paint, such as the sides or hardware, using painter's tape.


Shake the primer can as recommended by the manufacturer's directions and apply primer to the shelf using smooth, even arm motions holding the can 12 to 18 inches away from the surface. Overlap primer strokes until the entire surface is primed, and allow the primer to dry completely.


Shake the base coat spray can vigorously for a minute or as recommended by the manufacturer's directions. Paint the entire shelf surface using smooth, even strokes, overlapping each slightly. Allow paint to dry completely. Paint a second coat if the primer is still visible through the first, allowing it to dry as well.


Position the lace as desired on the shelf, such as diagonally over a corner or over the entire top surface, smoothing the lace so it lies flat. Tape the edges of the lace in areas beyond the painting area to keep the lace firmly in place; wrap it around to the underside of the shelf and tape, if necessary. Cover any additional areas of the shelf that aren't going to get the lace treatment using painter's tape.


Shake the top coat paint can vigorously, then spray over the lace, completely covering the holes in the lace pattern. Use even, continual arm motions and overlapping strokes as if painting without the lace in place. Allow paint to dry, then carefully untape and lift the lace off the shelf.