Retail shelving does more than hold products. It frames how customers view a store. After years of use, gondola shelves lose their finish, chip, or show scratches. Repainting them restores appearance and extends their life. It can also refresh the entire shop floor without replacing units. Gondola shelving represents more than 48% of the global retail shelving market, highlighting how common and relevant these fixtures are for store owners worldwide.

This guide explains why painting gondola shelving is worth the effort, how to choose the right materials, and the process for doing it properly. It covers everything from preparation to long-term maintenance.

Why Paint Gondola Shelving?

Restore worn fixtures

Powder-coated shelves resist daily wear, but heavy stock and frequent restocking leave marks. Scratches and scuffs build over time. A fresh layer of paint removes the impression of neglect and presents merchandise in better condition.

In projects completed for discount stores and supermarkets, repainting shelves in brand colours consistently lifted product visibility and gave an immediate ‘new store’ feel without the cost of full refits.

Align with seasonal or brand colours

Retailers often repaint shelves to match updated branding or create themed promotions. Coordinating shelving colours with backdrops and signage produces a more cohesive look. Seasonal campaigns—such as Christmas or clearance sales—benefit from bright, contrasting tones.

Protect against corrosion

Bare metal oxidises quickly in humid environments. A primer-and-paint system seals exposed steel and prevents rust from spreading. This extends the usable life of shelving, particularly in stores near coastal areas.

Choosing the Right Paint

Metal surfaces need coatings formulated for adhesion and durability. Generic wall paint will fail quickly. The two main categories are oil-based and water-based paints.

Spray paint is best for an even finish, especially around brackets and perforations. A brush or roller works for small areas or quick touch-ups but often leaves streaks. For durability, apply multiple thin layers rather than a single heavy coat.

Finish matters too. Gloss paint reflects light and highlights products but shows fingerprints. Matte hides imperfections but is harder to clean. Semi-gloss is a balanced choice for most stores.

Primer: Why It Matters

Skipping primer is the fastest way to ruin a repaint job. Primer forms a base that binds paint to metal and smooths out surface irregularities. It also stops future flaking or peeling.

Two types are commonly used:

• Standard metal primer for shelves in good condition.
• Rust converter primer for units with oxidation spots, which neutralises rust and stabilises the surface before painting.

Drying time varies. Some primers are ready for recoating in 15 minutes; others need a full day. Check manufacturer guidelines before proceeding to the next coat.

Repainting in a Different Colour

Changing colour is straightforward but requires extra preparation. Old paint or powder coating must be stripped completely. Fresh paint will not adhere to glossy surfaces, and sanding alone is rarely enough. Use a chemical paint stripper or mechanical sanding to remove the coating down to bare metal.

Colour changes are common for second-hand units or rebrands. A neutral base like white or grey suits most retail spaces, while bold colours are used for seasonal promotions or niche products.

Preventing Peeling and Cracking

Peeling paint is usually the result of poor preparation. Dust, grease, or leftover coating interfere with adhesion. Rushing through surface cleaning or skipping primer leads to cracks after a few months.

Adopt these practices to avoid failure:

• Remove all grease and rust before painting.
• Sand or scuff the entire surface to help paint grip.
• Apply thin coats and let each coat cure fully.
• Avoid loading shelves until paint has hardened, not just dried.

Community discussions often echo the same advice. A Reddit user shared how their shelving paint scratched off easily because surface prep was skipped. Replies from experienced DIYers stressed that “a good paint job is 75% prep work” and recommended stripping and sanding back to roughen the surface before re‑coating.

Safety and Preparation Tips

Painting gondola shelves is straightforward but demands attention to safety. Paint fumes build up quickly in enclosed spaces. Use a well-ventilated area or open windows during work. Wear gloves and a mask to prevent skin and lung exposure.

Cover floors and nearby stock to protect from overspray. Detach shelves, back panels, and brackets where possible to paint each piece evenly. Separate painting small accessories—like brackets or peg hooks—from main uprights for consistency in colour and finish.

Step-by-Step Process to Paint Gondola Shelving

The repainting process works best when done methodically. Skipping stages leads to weak adhesion or uneven results. The following sequence covers preparation through to final inspection.

Step 1: Clean Thoroughly

Dirt, oil, and old wax coatings prevent paint from sticking. Start with a full clean using warm water and mild detergent. Rinse and let the shelving dry. For grease, apply a degreaser or acetone and wipe down with a lint-free cloth. Any residue left behind will compromise the next stages.

Step 2: Remove Rust and Loose Coating

Use a wire brush, coarse sandpaper, or an abrasive pad to strip away rust and flaking paint. In cases of heavy corrosion, a rust converter primer can stabilise affected areas. For shelves in relatively good condition, light sanding may be enough to create a key for the primer.

Step 3: Sand the Entire Surface

After addressing rust spots, sand the full unit. This step roughens the surface so paint bonds evenly. Manual sanding with medium-grit paper works for small projects. For multiple units or heavy-duty preparation, consider using an orbital sander or sandblasting equipment.

Step 4: Clean Again

After sanding, fine dust will cover every surface. Remove it completely. Compressed air works well for perforated shelves. For smooth surfaces, wipe with a tack cloth or a rag dampened with denatured alcohol. Surfaces must be dry before moving forward.

Step 5: Apply Primer

Coat every exposed area with a primer suitable for metal. Apply thin layers rather than a single thick coat. Pay special attention to corners, brackets, and edges where flaking often begins. Drying time varies by brand, so follow product guidance. A second primer coat may be worthwhile for high-traffic fixtures.

Step 6: Apply Paint in Multiple Coats

Spray painting produces the smoothest finish, particularly around perforations and brackets. Hold the can 20–30 cm away from the surface and sweep side to side in even passes. Two to three thin coats work better than one heavy coat. Allow each coat to dry fully before adding the next.

A brush or roller can also be used. Start with horizontal strokes and follow with vertical passes to reduce visible lines. Choose a high-quality brush to minimise bristle shedding.

Step 7: Cure Before Reassembly

Dry paint can still be soft. Leave shelves undisturbed until fully cured—often 24 to 48 hours. Avoid stacking merchandise on freshly painted surfaces during this period. Rushing reassembly increases the risk of marks and scratches.

Step 8: Inspect and Touch Up

Once the paint hardens, inspect the entire structure. Look for missed edges, thin spots, or small chips. Touch up with a small brush. Confirm that brackets and back panels fit correctly without scraping the new finish.

Cost and Time Considerations

Painting gondola shelving can be done in-house or by professional contractors. Cost depends on paint type, preparation required, and total units involved.

• Paint and primer costs: Quality metal paint starts at $15–20 per litre. Primer ranges from $10–15 per litre.
• Equipment costs: Sandpaper, wire brushes, drop sheets, and protective gear can add $30–50 for a small project. Spray paint requires multiple cans, increasing cost for larger fixtures.
• Labour: A single gondola unit typically takes 3–4 hours including preparation and drying between coats. Multiply that for multiple bays or complex configurations.

Professional services cost more upfront but reduce labour time and may deliver a more uniform finish. For high-volume retail stores, outsourcing the job minimises downtime.

Maintaining Painted Gondola Shelves

A proper maintenance schedule extends the life of painted shelving and prevents frequent repaints.

Cleaning tips:

• Use soft cloths or microfibre rags with mild detergent.
• Avoid harsh solvents that strip protective coatings.
• Wipe spills quickly to prevent staining or rust development.

Routine inspections:

• Check edges, corners, and high-contact areas for chips.
• Address minor damage early with spot touch-ups to prevent peeling from spreading.
• Plan a full repaint only when scratches or wear become widespread.

Final Thoughts

Repainting gondola shelving is a practical alternative to replacing entire fixtures. It refreshes store presentation, protects metal from damage, and aligns shelves with current branding or promotions. Proper preparation, quality materials, and careful application are key to achieving a finish that lasts.Retailers aiming to improve overall display quality can pair freshly painted shelves with accessories such as dividers, hooks, and LED shelf lighting. The result is a clean, functional presentation that enhances product visibility and contributes to a better shopping experience.