Painting IKEA furniture is a great way to give it a custom look, and it doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. The key is preparing the surface correctly, using the proper technique and paint. So, what do you need to get started? And how do you decide which paint to use?
To paint IKEA furniture, dismantle it and use a shellac-based primer as it adheres to metal, wood, and laminate surfaces. Apply at least two coats of water-based, oil-based, chalk paint, or spray paint with a foam roller. When the paint dries, add a water-based sealant to protect the surface.
So if you like IKEA furniture but want it to have a unique color, painting is the way to go. Now, let’s look at what materials you’ll need and how to choose the right paint for the job. You’ll also learn how to paint different IKEA furniture, including laminate, solid wood, and metal.
Materials Needed to Paint IKEA Furniture
Before painting IKEA furniture, you will need to gather some supplies. Here are the materials you will need:
Shellac-Base Primer
Shellac-based primer, like this one from Zinsser (on Amazon), will adhere to all surfaces without sanding, so it is ideal for laminate, solid wood, and metal.
If you decide to use a different primer, it must be compatible with your paint. For example, use a water-based primer if you paint with water-based paint.
Paint
You can use water-based, oil-based paint, chalk paint, or even spray paint.
Top Coat
A water-based top coat (on Amazon) in any finish, including gloss, satin, semi-gloss, or matte, is best because it is easy to apply, dries quickly, and will not yellow like oil-based sealants.
Paint Roller
A mini paint roller is perfect for painting IKEA furniture. This kit from Mister Rui (on Amazon) comes with everything you need.
Paintbrushes (optional)
If you prefer brushes, you can use synthetic or natural bristles. But natural bristles can leave obvious brush strokes, which you may or may not want.
Foam Brushes (optional)
You can also use foam brushes (on Amazon) instead of bristled brushes or a roller. They leave a smooth finish and can get into tight spaces that a regular brush or roller cannot reach.
Sanding Block
If you want to sand dried primer before painting or between layers of paint to remove noticeable drips or brushstrokes, a fine-grit sanding block (on Amazon) will work well.
Tack Cloth
Use a tack cloth (on Amazon) to remove debris after sanding before painting.
Drop Cloth
A drop cloth or plastic sheeting will protect the floor or surface you are working on while painting.
Painters Tape (optional)
Use painter’s tape to protect areas you do not want to paint, such as handles or trim.
What’s the Best Type of Paint to Use?
You can choose from several types of paint when painting wood furniture, including water-based, oil-based, chalk paint, and spray paint. Here are the pros and cons of each type:
Water-Based
Water-based paints give off fewer fumes than oil-based paints and won’t yellow with age. They also clean up easily with soap and water.
However, they can be less durable than oil-based paints and sometimes have issues with staining or wood knots bleeding through. But you can avoid these issues using a primer and a topcoat.
Oil-Based
Oil-based paints are more durable and provide better coverage because they penetrate the wood better and are less likely to show brush strokes. You can also use them on surfaces previously painted with oil-based paint without using a primer.
On the downside, oil-based paints give off more fumes than water-based paints and are more challenging to clean up because you need mineral spirits or turpentine. Drying times are also longer.
Chalk Paint
If you are going for a distressed or ’shabby chic’ look, layering and blending different chalk paint colors can create eye-catching effects.
But, if a vintage look differs from what you’re going for, then chalk paint might not be best. It’s also tough to achieve a smooth, even finish with chalk paint and visible brush strokes are common.
Spray Paint
For smaller pieces or pieces with intricate details, spray paint makes it easy to get an even finish and dries fast.
Some downsides are the pungent odor, and if you’re working on a larger project, you can go through a lot of cans quickly, which can get pricey.
Painting Over Laminate Particleboard IKEA Furniture
Here are the steps to painting laminate particleboard IKEA furniture:
- First, take apart the furniture as much as possible to make painting easier.
- Next, wipe down all the surfaces with a damp cloth to remove any dust or residue and let it dry.
- Apply primer, allowing it to dry according to the product instructions.
- Paint your furniture, applying multiple coats if necessary, and let each coat dry. Remember, you can sand between coats of paint to get a smooth finish.
- Once the furniture is dry, apply a topcoat for extra protection and let it dry.
- After everything is dry, put the furniture back together.
Painting Over Solid Wood IKEA Furniture
Follow these steps to paint solid wood IKEA furniture:
- If you cannot dismantle the furniture, remove all the hardware.
- Use a sanding block to sand the entire furniture surface.
- After sanding the wood, wipe away any dust with a damp rag or tack cloth.
- Next, apply a primer and allow it to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Paint the furniture and let the paint dry completely between coats. If there are any unsightly brush strokes or drips, sand them out with your sanding block.
- Once the paint is dry, apply a top coat and let it dry completely.
- Reassemble the furniture and reattach the hardware.
Painting Over Metal IKEA Furniture
Depending on its condition, there are two methods for painting metal IKEA furniture. If your furniture is rusting, peeling, or flaking, follow these instructions:
- Use a scraper and a wire brush to sand and remove the flaking paint.
- After removing the peeling paint, sand the furniture with 80-grit sanding paper to strip the surface and remove any rust, then use 120-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface.
- Wipe the furniture with a damp sponge or tack cloth to remove debris and let it dry.
- Apply your primer and let it coat dry.
- Paint the furniture, letting each coat dry before applying the next.
- Let the final coat of paint dry before adding a topcoat.
If your metal IKEA furniture is not flaking or rusty, follow these instructions:
- First, clean the furniture with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
- Next, apply your primer and let it coat dry.
- Next, paint the furniture, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.
- Finally, let the final coat of paint dry before applying a sealant.