The Best Way to Paint IKEA Furniture

IKEA furniture is known for its affordability and functionality, but sometimes it's not always aesthetically pleasing to look at. What I do love, is that it's a blank slate for you to add your own creative flair and personal touch. I spent hours searching the internet looking at desks, but a majority of what I found wasn't the size I wanted or it was $2,000 and shipped in 12 weeks (no thank you). So I said f*&@ it, I'll just make my own. Painting IKEA furniture is a great beginner project for anyone looking to start their DIY journey. In this guide, I'll take you through a step-by-step process to help you achieve professional-looking results that last and some mistakes to avoid.

Materials You'll Need:

1. Fine-grit Sandpaper or Sanding Block 120 grit & 220 grit

2. Primer

3. High-Quality Paint

4. Paint brushes or Rollers

5. Drop Cloths or Old Sheets

6. Tack cloth (optional but handy)

7. Painter's Tape (optional depending on your piece)

8. Screwdriver (if furniture needs disassembly)

9. Respirator Mask (for safety)

Step 1: Disassemble (If Necessary) - If your furniture can be easily disassembled, it's advisable to do so. Remove any hardware, such as handles, knobs, or drawers, to ensure an even paint application.

Step 2: Sanding - Use 120 grit sandpaper to lightly sand the entire surface of the furniture. This step helps create a smooth and paint-friendly surface by removing any existing finish or imperfections. If your furniture is laminate, veneer, or particle board, you want to give it a good "scuff sand," just enough to remove the sheen but, not so deep it takes off top coated layer. Wipe away dust with a clean tack cloth.

*Tip - Depending on your furniture piece, if you wish to add any trim pieces you would want to do that here, before moving on to any of the next steps. Stay tuned to see the exact hacks I used to build my desk. If you plan on adding hardware or stencils that step will come after painting.

Step 3: Apply Primer - Priming is probably the most important step for achieving a durable and long-lasting finish. If you are painting a laminate piece you-cannot-skip-this-step (insert hand claps)! You need to use a shellac based primer in order for the paint to adhere. The general consensus on the internet said to use Zinsser B.I.N. Primer, and I can confirm its works great! Apply a thin, even coat of primer using a paint brush or roller. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step. I recommend doing two coats of primer. Depending on the temperature, it dries fairly quickly so you don't have to wait too long to recoat. I was able to do all my sanding and priming in one day.

Step 4: Choose Your Paint - Select a high-quality paint suitable for your furniture. Satin or semi-gloss finishes are often recommended for durability and easy cleaning. Stir the paint thoroughly before application. I wanted a nice neutral color and opted for Behr Burnished Clay

Step 5: Apply Paint - Using a paint brush or roller, apply the paint evenly over the primed surface. Be patient and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one. Depending on the color and coverage, multiple coats may be necessary. I recommend doing at least two coats, depending on your paint a third might be necessary.

*Tip - I used a 220 sanding block to very lightly sand everything between each coat of paint. This helps to ensure a smooth finish for the paint. Sometimes, despite our best efforts little fuzzies and dust particles in the air can settle while the primer or paint is still wet, creating smalling bumps on the surface.

Step 6: Add Details (Optional) - Get creative by adding details like stencils, patterns, or different colors to enhance the visual appeal of your furniture. Allow each layer to dry before proceeding with additional details. I chose to line the drawers of my desk with some wallpaper. I did this step while my paint was finishing drying.

Step 7: Protect Your Piece - While this step is optional, it offers an added layer of protection to your furniture. I conducted a comparative test on my desk and bookcase to assess the benefits of sealing versus not sealing. In the case of my desk, a piece that sees a lot of use, I opted to seal it for an enhanced sheen and protection against scratches. On the other hand, I chose not to seal my bookcase, deeming it unnecessary due to its location against the wall and lower usage. After reassembling both, I can say with 100% certainty, that sealing is highly recommended. If you've invested the effort and time into meticulous prep work, taking the extra step to seal your piece is worthwhile. There's nothing more frustrating than seeing your hard work undone or having to redo a project. While my desk remained flawless during assembly, the bookcase acquired a couple minor paint scratches on it's move from the garage up the stairs to my office. For sealing, I used a water-based Polyurethane on my desk. I opted for this over Polycrylic due to the size and color of the furniture. Some articles I read suggested potential issues with Polycrylic yellowing over time, particularly on white or light-colored painted furniture. Additionally, Polycrylic tends to dry faster, and I was concerned about achieving an even coat over the entire piece before it set, since I chose a larger desk size and it was my first time using it. Working with the water-based Polyurethane proved to be incredibly easy. I used a paintbrush instead of a roller to prevent the formation of bubbles. Applying three coats ensured the extra protection I desired, with light sanding between each coat to guarantee a super smooth finish.

*Tip - Stir, do not shake your sealant! Shaking introduces air bubbles and will lead to an uneven finish.

Step 8: Reassemble - Once the paint is completely dry and you're satisfied with the results, reassemble the furniture and attach any hardware. Here are my results!

Painting IKEA furniture is a fantastic way to customize your home decor and breathe new life into affordable pieces. By following these steps and exercising patience, you'll be able to transform your furniture with a professional-looking finish that reflects your personal style. So, grab your paintbrushes and let your creativity shine! If you plan on trying this yourself, be sure to save this post to Pinterest so you can refer back to it later! Thanks for reading!