>>11124125As others have pointed out, it depends on the surface. Artificial, particle board type wood really doesn't need to be primed or sanded down, just make sure ALL surfaces are clean and dry before you start. Again, as others have pointed out, use a sealant on the shelves. If it's the OP stand, I would just spray paint the metal - no need to seal it, just make sure it dries clean (with nothing sticking to it) and make sure you have open windows/venting when you apply any paint.
If you really want it to last, replace any fake/particle board shelving with actual sanded down wood, and use multiple coats of paint to create a nice flat surface, and then seal that.
>>11128014I've use flat exterior and even flat interior paint because it's easy to get for free on Craigslist or Nextdoor or FB marketplace type sites for all sorts of craft and art type projects, but you still need to spend money on a sealant depending on what your ultimate use for something is.
>>11125604I agree that this can look good, but I wouldn't try to apply it on say a 10 foot length of shelving unless I had a lot of experience. Just like wallpaper on a flat wall, it's not as easy as you think to get a nice clean flat surface appearance, and taking it off and redoing it (or replacing it for/with new attempt is a hassle due to the adhesive).
