Total DIY novice here...how do I paint an untreated pine bookshelf cream??

[AnnasBananas]

What kind of paint do I buy???

As the wood is untreated, do I need undercoat too?

I know nothing about this kind of thing!! Any help appreciated.

You need to sand it to create a key, then you put on primer to make the topcoat stick better and then undercoat (if you are having it white, you can get combined primers/undercoats). If it is a very deep colour, it is worth having an undercoat mixed then put on top coat which can be gloss or eggshell (which gives a matt finish). Don't use emulsion.

Get some knotting primer to cover the knots in the pine or any resiny bits. I know it sounds like a faf but if you don't your lovely paint job will get sort of orangey yellow blobs appearing where the knots are under the paint.

Alternatively wipe it down with a damp cloth and slap a few coats of your choice of paint on it and hope for the best

'Don't use emulsion' OK understood. What should I go for? Is emulsion only for interior walls?

I was hoping to paint it a sort-of lime green to tie in with dd's duvet set. It is not very knotty, at least not on the top shelf, the rest will be covered in books so I don't mind too much about that.

Go to B&Q and ask the paint assistant for advice!

Emulsion is water based paint for walls ie paper. Brushes clean off with water.

Gloss/eggshell paint is oil based paint for woodwork. Brushes clean off with white spirit/turps.

Gloss paint requires an undercoat which is applied first and left to dry.

Personally I would just stain untreated pine. Simple and effective. Colours the wood whilst allowing the grain to show through. This place
here sells a lime green wood stain.

Thanks ChocFridgeCake that was a very clear explanation.

I understand : either undercoat+gloss paint to get an opaque effect. Or woodstain to get a transparent effect.

Will be off to Homebase tomorrow!

If you are using gloss paint use very little on your brush and do thin coats, painting in all different directions to avoid getting lines. (ie paint horizontally then vertically without putting more paint on your brush).

Constantly check for drips - run your brush over the edges and undersides when you've done them to check there aren't any!