How do I fix this gap in the corners of my bookshelf?

[nsavi]

 

Guys how do I fix these gaps and the paint stain on my bookshelf.

I am novice, have no tools.

[EricL]

Hello @nsavi

Thank you for sharing your question about how to fix the gap in the corner of your bookshelf.

Fixing the gap in your bookshelf does not require specialist tools. I suggest having a really good look at why the gap has occurred. Is the top timber surround loose? Did it bend out of shape? Is there anything behind the timber that is holding it together? By providing us with this information our members can give you a comprehensive recommendation on how to fix it.

However, if the timber is just bent out of shape you can try this repair method. I recommend using Selleys Ezi Press 130g Liquid Nails, place some of it in between the gap. Push the gap together, wipe off the excess glue that comes out. To keep the timber together I suggest using a Grunt 25mm x 4m Pull Tie Down Strap. Make sure to place some cardboard on the corners of the bookshelf to prevent the glue from sticking to the strap. Leave the strap on overnight. When the glue has cured you may remove the strap.

I suggest using the Rocket 100g Grade 3 Coarse Steel Wool Trade Pack to remove the paint stain. Slowly rub the steel wool only on the paint that has spilled on the bookshelf. By removing only the white paint we will not have to carry extensive repairs to your bookshelf. This may take a while so please be patient. If the paint is too hard and has embedded itself onto the shelf, your only option is to sand it off and repaint the top of your bookshelf. 

Here is a link to a step by step guide: How to restore wooden furniture

Let me tag our experienced member @JoeAzza for his recommendation.

If you need more advice or information, please let us know.

Eric

[JoeAzza]

 Hi @nsavi

.@Ericl  advice to fix the gap in the corner of the shelf is a good idea, as for the paint stain, if it's water based paint, I found that methylated spirits will remove it without damaging the varnish, just place some spirit on a cloth and rub it on the paint stain.

[nsavi]

Thank you.

Here's another picture from the top.

I think the two wood parts have come apart - might be the glue which was holding it before gave in. 

[Jason]

Hi @nsavi,

It seems your last picture wasn't uploaded. If you are having trouble, feel free to email it to workshop@bunnings.com.au and we can post it for you.

Thanks,

Jason

[nsavi]

@EricL,

 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @nsavi,

Many thanks for the additional image. It looks like both the glue and a nail have pulled apart there. Whilst following @EricL's excellent advice, you might like to screw in a Carinya 57 x 17 x 2mm Zinc Mending Plate on the top. Or, if that moulding is forming a right angle, a Zenith 25mm Zinc Plated Angle Bracket could serve the same purpose but on the interior of the corner.

Let us know how you go.

Mitchell

[nsavi]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions.

After I took the last picture I gently pushed the bookshelf towards the wall and tried to push the top two peices together. This morning when I took a look the shelf it seemed to have self healed itself :D.

Thanks all for your great advice.

Sam