How to Paint IKEA Furniture

How to Paint IKEA Furniture Guide

IKEA furniture can be found in homes up and down the country. It is affordable, reliable, and practical, common when we need storage solutions and decorative items. 

But it can be limited when it comes to colour finishes options such as white, oak and black. 

If you’re opting for a more colourful room makeover, you might want to change the finish. Knowing you can paint your IKEA furniture means you can save money and use what you already have, or even buy your dream cabinet second-hand and still achieve the finish you’re after. 

Painting IKEA pieces of furniture is a simple DIY task, which just requires the correct equipment and preparation for a long-lasting, professional finish, please read our step-by-step guide below. 

Step 1: Disassemble the furniture 

If you have a piece of furniture where unpainted sections could be visible, such as shelving or cupboard doors, disassemble your furniture as much as possible and is needed. 

This will make it easier to cover all necessary areas. Only do this as much as possible without damaging the furniture or making it difficult to put it back together. 

If you’re painting an unassembled piece of new furniture, paint before you put it all together. 

Now is the time to lay your drop cloth over your floor or other surface before you start work. 

Step 2: Lightly sand 

If your IKEA furniture is laminate, it is best to sand it first before you paint, to create a more adhesive surface when a surface is this smooth. 

Sanding will de-shine the finish. Use a small palm sander and fine sandpaper, and a sanding block on any small areas it is only possible to reach by hand. 

Step 3: Clean 

The furniture will be dusty now. Use a vacuum cleaner and then wipe down with a dry microfibre cloth to ensure no dust and dirt particles remain. 

If you need to use a damp cloth, only dampen it slightly. You don’t want to saturate the MDF and laminate surface. 

Step 4: Prime 

A primer will help the paint to adhere to the furniture, especially if it’ll be well used and risks becoming worn. Ensure your primer of choice can be used on laminate surfaces. A shellac-based primer would work. 

Follow the instructions on the tin and paint onto the furniture. Allow to dry fully. 

Step 5: Paint 

If using a roller or paintbrush, two layers of paint should be good. If using a paint sprayer which creates thinner layers, you may need three layers. 

Thinner layers will give you complete, even coverage versus thicker layers. Opt for a paint suitable for laminate. Chalk paint is a common option. 

Follow the instructions on your paint tin. You should wait a few hours between coats of paint to ensure they have dried fully. 

Step 6: Seal 

Use a sealer to finish off the paint and keep it from chipping. A standard clear seal should be fine, but if it is a high-traffic piece of furniture, opt for something heavy-duty. 

Let everything dry before reassembling and putting it back in place. Waiting up to 24 hours is beneficial. Ensure you give yourself plenty of time to sort everything out, now it’s time enjoy your newly painted furniture. 

NEED TOOL HIRE? 

You’ll find all the power tools and hire equipment you need right here at Speedy Hire. Why not start planning for your next DIY project today and open a Speedy account online or on the App for all your tool hire needs? 

Speedy has more than 200 local service centres across the nation, hire counters in selected B&Qs and nationwide 4-hour delivery. It has never been easier to hire the tools and equipment you need.