How to modernize a shelf with decorative adhesive?

An easy, low-budget solution for transforming your furniture.

Want to give your shelves a makeover without breaking the bank? Give your furniture a new lease of life in the blink of an eye withdecorative adhesive!

Easy to install, economical and without major work, it's the perfect solution for modernizing your interior, even on a small budget. 💸

Plus, it's a great way to avoid throwing away a piece of furniture that's still functional. ♻️ Give it a second life with a wood, marble, plain or material effect style... there's something for everyone!

In our video tutorial, we show you step-by-step how to transform a bookshelf simply, with stunning results in tow. 🙌

Like Pauline, follow these steps to renovate your shelf with adhesive coating 👇

Choose and order your adhesive coating

On our website, discover a wide range of decorative self-adhesive coverings in numerous colors and finishes.

Once you've made your choice, enter your dimensions and receive your order. All you have to do is install it! 💪

Need help taking your measurements? Follow our guide to taking correct measurements before ordering adhesive cladding. Click here for details.

Prepare your workspace and equipment

You'll need a clean, flat surface at the right height to work on without hurting your back. Gather all the materials you need so you can have them at hand.

You will need :

Decorative adhesive on order
A clean, soft cloth
Isopropyl alcohol
A felt maroufle
A cutter

You can also order an adhesive coating installation kit, available on our website. 😊

Clean the surface thoroughly

This is the most important step! If cleaning is too light, the adhesive may not hold well over time.

Dust the surface on both sides and degrease well with isopropyl alcohol.

Don't forget corners and edges!

Apply the first 10 cm of adhesive

Remove 10 cm of the protective liner and center the film. As you place it, remember to leave enough adhesive on each side to cover the edges and returns.

Once the adhesive is centered, secure it with the trowel. Tap from the center outwards to remove air bubbles.

Press down on the protective liner to flatten it. It will be less of a hindrance during installation.

Apply the remaining adhesive to the first side

Move forward a little at a time, gently removing the protective liner. Don't remove it all at once, or you'll end up with a lot of bubbles.

Insist on the edge before moving on to another side

Using the rigid side of your maroufle, press down on the edge to mark the ridge. This will evacuate air and give a cleaner finish. Next, marouflage the next side. Make sure you insist on all edges.

Turn the shelf over to face the other side

Carefully turn the shelf over to apply the other side.

Continue to apply the film, tamping it in place.

Repeat the previous steps, but don't try to go too fast: press gradually, from the inside out, to expel air and fix the adhesive.

Cut off excess with a cutter

For a beautiful finish, cut the adhesive liner flush (except on the sides, which will need to be folded over). It cuts easily with a cutter. You can use the edge of the shelf for a straight cut.

Change the blade of your cutter to ensure clean cuts.

Apply shelf edges

Cut the corners at an angle and fold the adhesive over the sides. Finally, trim the excess flush so that nothing protrudes.

In the video, we add a strip of brushed brass-effect adhesive to the thickness of the shelf for a pretty golden detail. You don't have to!

If you don't, apply the adhesive so that it covers the entire thickness of the shelf.

Check finishes and trim if necessary

It's time for the finishing touches! Take a last look at the corners and edges to check that everything is neat and tidy. If necessary, adjust the cut-outs with your cutter.

Replace your shelf and admire the result!

And voila, your shelf is as good as new! 🤩 Well done for all your hard work!

Now's the time to invite your friends and family over and show them the results. They'll probably be surprised to know they're looking at your old shelf, renovated with just decorative adhesive 😉