How to Paint a Little Free Library

By Sarah Nelson

Learn how to paint a Little Free Library! Follow along step-by-step as we prime and paint a little library to make sure it’s weatherproof. We will cover all the necessary materials including what kind of paint to use on your little library. A complete materials list is included below. You can find the library featured in this video along with dozens of other library models in our online store.

Tools Needed

  • Exterior primer (We used Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 White Water-Based Interior/Exterior Primer and Sealer)
  • Exterior paint (We used Pittsburgh Paints & Stains Grand Distinction Exterior Semi-Gloss Paint & Primer in color Ghost Writer)
  • Paint brush or roller
  • One of these:
    • Drill to remove door, hardware, and roof
    • Painters tape

Painting Instructions

  1. Remove roof.
  2. Remove door and latch.
  3. Remove door hardware and official LFL medallion.
  4. Remove or tape off Plexiglass on door.
  5. Prime the library: Remove the sticker on the door before priming. Don’t forget to paint the latch and the bottom of the library.
  6. Once dry, paint the library.
  7. Once dry, replace the hardware, door, and roof.
  8. Attach charter sign and install.
  9. Once installed, download the Little Free Library Mobile App and set up an account (using the email you purchased your library with) to push your library live on the world map!

Learn more about starting a Little Free Library and find library plans and blueprints on our Build page.

Skip to content
Privacy Overview
Little Free Library

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

3rd Party Cookies

This website uses additional 3rd party cookies. Keeping this option enabled helps us to improve our website and better serve visitors.

Additional Cookies

This website uses additional cookies to enhance the user experience.