Gondola shelves are built for everyday use, but constant wear takes its toll. Scratches, chipped paint, and fading finishes can leave them looking tired, even if the structure remains solid. Many store owners face the decision: replace old units or restore them. Refurbishment offers a practical path forward. It reduces costs, extends the life of existing shelving, and brings a fresher look to shop displays.

Paintwork makes the biggest difference. Repainting can transform shelves from dull to sharp, giving a store a cleaner and more inviting appearance. For those considering repainting, we’ve already outlined some guidance on painting gondola shelving in a separate article. Here, we’ll go further, explaining how to assess, prepare, and restore shelves so they continue to serve your store effectively.

Assessing the Condition of Your Gondola Shelves

Before committing to refurbishment, a clear assessment is needed. Not all shelving units are worth repainting. Some are too damaged to justify the effort.

Start with a visual check:

• Paintwork: Look for peeling, deep scratches, or discolouration.
• Metal structure: Identify dents, rust patches, or weak points along the uprights and bases.
• Joints and connectors: Loose or warped connectors can compromise stability.
• Shelves themselves: Bent or sagging shelves may need replacing rather than painting.

If several sections show structural weakness, buying second-hand gondola shelving might be a more cost-effective choice. Pre-owned units in good condition can sometimes provide a quicker and cheaper alternative than extensive repair.

On the other hand, if the frame is stable and only the surface appearance is worn, refurbishment is usually a sound investment. Repainting, small repairs, and cleaning can add years to the life of shelving without the cost of full replacement.

Preparing Shelves for Refurbishment

Preparation is the foundation of a successful refurbishment. Cutting corners here will shorten the life of the repaint. Every step should be thorough, from disassembly to priming.

Step 1: Disassemble the Unit

• Remove shelves, brackets, and accessories.
• Separate base units, end panels, and uprights if possible.
• Store small parts such as clips or bolts in labelled containers for easy reassembly.

Step 2: Clean Every Surface

• Wipe down metal and painted areas with a mild detergent.
• Remove grease, dust, and any sticky residue.
• For stubborn dirt, use a degreasing agent.

Step 3: Address Rust and Imperfections

• Sand rusted spots back to bare metal.
• Fill dents with a metal filler if repainting over them.
• Smooth scratches with fine-grit sandpaper.

Step 4: Prime the Surface

• Apply a suitable primer designed for metal surfaces.
• Focus on even coverage to prevent corrosion.
• Allow the primer to dry fully before moving on to paint.

At this stage, knowing how each part fits together can save time later. A guide to decoding gondola components would be useful for store teams handling large refurbishments, especially when working with mixed parts or older shelving.

Repainting Gondola Shelves: Step-by-Step

Repainting is where the visible transformation happens. The right method and materials make the difference between a professional finish and a short-lived result.

Choosing Paint

Two approaches are most common:

For small stores or limited refurbishments, spray paint is often chosen for its convenience. Powder coating is better suited for larger refurbishments where a long-term finish is required.

Application Process

• Apply thin, even coats rather than one heavy coat.
• Maintain consistent spray distance for a smooth finish.
• Allow full drying time between coats.
• Finish with a protective clear coat to resist marks and scratches. Real-world experiences also highlight the trial-and-error process retailers go through. One user on Reddit shared: “I did some shelves with spray paint and some with wb all ure s/g to help sell that and emerald urethane”. It shows how store teams often experiment with different coatings to find what holds up best under retail conditions.

Safety Measures

• Paint in a well-ventilated space or outdoors.
• Use protective gear such as gloves and masks.
• Protect nearby fixtures with coverings to avoid overspray.

Retailers often repaint to refresh branding or match new store colour schemes. At this stage, reviewing common retail shelving mistakes can help avoid issues such as poor colour choices, uneven finishes, or mismatched fittings.

Adding Value During Refurbishment

Repainting is a chance to do more than restore. Simple upgrades can turn an old unit into a better-performing display.

Practical additions include:

• Hooks and pegboards: Ideal for displaying hanging products.
• Adjustable dividers: Keep merchandise neat and easier to shop.
• Baskets or wire shelves: Suitable for irregular items.
• End panels: Useful for promotional displays.
• Protective edging: Reduces visible wear from heavy use.

From our experience, the most effective upgrades often involve end panels and adjustable dividers. End panels give stores a strong promotional space that immediately catches customer attention, while dividers keep stock tidy and easy to browse. Retailers we’ve worked with have reported that a small change like repainting shelves in brand colours and adding end panel displays made a noticeable difference in sales within weeks. Our view is simple: small, well-planned modifications add more value than large, costly redesigns.

Lighting and signage can also be incorporated. Signage frames help highlight promotions, while LED strips enhance visibility. Retailers interested in this route should consider guides on adding signage, lighting and accessories to gondola displays, which cover these upgrades in more detail.

Refurbishment is not just repair. It’s an opportunity to refresh store presentation and create displays that work harder for the products they hold.

Cost vs Benefit of Refurbishing Gondola Shelves

Refurbishment must make financial sense. The key is comparing the costs of labour and materials against the cost of replacement.

Typical Cost Considerations

• Paint, primer, and protective coatings.
• Sandpaper, fillers, brushes, or spray equipment.
• Labour, either in-house staff or professional services.

A new gondola bay can cost several hundred dollars or more, depending on size and features. In contrast, refurbishing a bay may require a fraction of that, particularly if staff complete the work internally.

Long-Term Value

• Refurbishment extends shelf life by several years.
• Repainting aligns shelving with updated branding.
• Small modifications improve usability for staff and customers.

For many stores, refurbishment delivers clear savings. That said, if multiple bays are badly damaged or structurally weak, the financial case for replacement strengthens. Independent research supports the value of refurbishment. A study from Monash Business School found that 94% of retail sales in Australia still occur in physical stores, and that refurbishment projects positively affect both staff and customer experiences (Monash Business School).

What Is the Best Way Forward with Gondola Shelf Refurbishment?

Refurbishing and repainting gondola shelves gives retailers a cost-effective way to refresh store fittings. A proper assessment identifies which units are worth saving. Careful preparation prevents wasted effort. The right paint and application technique achieve a professional result. Adding upgrades such as dividers, baskets, and signage creates shelving that looks better and works better.

The decision between refurbishment and replacement depends on condition, cost, and long-term goals. For many retailers, repainting remains the most practical solution for extending the life of shelving and maintaining a smart, professional store environment.

For further guidance, review our content on painting gondola shelving for technique details and decoding gondola components to make part replacement simpler during refurbishment. Both can help store owners get the most from their shelving projects.