Discover how to color an IKEA item of furniture for a personalized appearance, on a budget! A few years back, I showcased our economical TV consoleconstructed from IKEA BESTA cabinets. Today, I’m thrilled to provide an update! This article is entirely about the optimal paint and shellac-based primer I utilize for painting IKEA furniture, along with my step-by-step guide for achieving superior outcomes.
If you’re eager to revamp an inexpensive piece of furniture with a laminate finish, continue reading! This is a straightforward DIY undertaking that will create a significant impact.
Additional IKEA hacks:
Preparing Laminate IKEA Cabinets for Painting
Here is abeforeperspective of our living area. Last year, I focused on transforming this space into a cozier environment with earthy hues and textural elements. Then, in January, I set objectives for new home projects, including a TV wall upgrade!
I was ready for a transformation, but I couldn’t part with ourmedia console as its size and storage capabilities are fantastic for our open-concept living room. (For context, the console measures 94.5 inches wide beneath a 65-inch TV.)
The initial step in our living room renovation was to update the TV console with a warm gray hue to offset the white walls.
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The Ultimate Primer, Paint, and Tools for Painting IKEA Furniture
I am certainly not a furniture painting expert, but I enjoy conducting research before starting any project! Here are the materials I ended up choosing for painting our IKEA media console.
1. Zinsser BIN Shellac-Based Primer
If you’re looking at blog entries regarding how to paint IKEA laminate furniture, you have likely encountered Zinsser BIN shellac-based primer.There are actually two BIN primers available: shellac and synthetic shellac.
Option 1: Synthetic Shellac (What I Chose)
I opted for the BIN AdvancedSynthetic Shellac Primer. It was the heart of winter, and I desired a low-odor option that I could apply in my living space. It also cleans up effortlessly with soap and water! Since our media console will only experience light usage, the synthetic shellac was suitable for my needs.
Option 2: Shellac Base (The Top Primer)
However, the general agreement is that the BINShellac Base Primeris considered the ultimate product with the most resilient finish. So, if your IKEA furniture will face considerable wear–for example, a table or bookshelf–and you can paint in a well-ventilated area, then the genuine shellac base is the right primer for you. Just remember that it has a strong scent and requires denatured alcohol for cleanup.
2. Latex Paint for Laminate IKEA Furniture
My favorite paint is Behr Marquee because many of its colors come with a one-coat guarantee! It is also low odor and can be easily cleaned with soap and water. For the media console, I selected the shade Greige(in satin finish), which is a lovely warm gray. It is slightly darker and more gray (as opposed to beige) compared to the shade I used for my interior doors.
You can also utilize oil-based paint or chalk paint on furniture. Discover different types of paint for furnitureif you are curious about the advantages and disadvantages of each!
3. Top Coat for Sealing IKEA Furniture
It might be wise to seal your IKEA item with a protective clear coat, depending on how frequently the item will be utilized. I did not seal our media console, but I would seal a table or any high-traffic area item. Minwax Polycrylicand General Finishes Topcoatare excellent choices. Always test your top coat in an inconspicuous section of your furniture to ensure it doesn’t alter the paint color!
4. Mini Paint Rollers, Trays, and Brush
Used for both the primer and paint! I utilized this high-density mini paint roller(which includes the frame) and additional rollers. Don’t overlook a mini paint trayas well! To cut in around the trim and legs, I employed this 1-1/2 inch nylon/polyester angle brush.
5. Fine Grit Sandpaper or Sanding Sponge and Tack Cloth
Sanding isn’t mandatory, but you might want to perform light sanding between coats of paint to guarantee a smooth outcome. I utilized my preferred 120 grit dust channelingsanding blockand thistack cloth.
6. Essential Supplies for Painting IKEA Furniture
Don’t forget painter’s tapeif you need to shield furniture legs or hardware and a drop clothto protect your flooring. Additionally, remember to grab a paint stick (or two) and a can opener at the paint counter. Lastly, keep a clean, damp microfiber cloth handy to wipe down your piece before getting started!
Process for Painting IKEA Laminate Furniture
Now, let’s go through the step-by-step method of painting IKEA furniture! I am not a professional, but I am thrilled with how this piece turned out.
Side note: I opted for kraft paper rather than a drop cloth because it was what I had available. Nevertheless, I suggest using a plastic or canvas drop cloth for enhanced coverage!
1. Detach hardware
Start by removing any handles or knobs from your IKEA furniture. You may also want to disassemble your unit for the finest paint application.
As I intended only to paint the exterior of our media console, I didn’t disassemble it. However, a few spots were challenging to access, such as around the door hinges, so you might prefer to take off the doors.
2. Gently sand the IKEA furniture
I don’t believe that sanding is completely essential, but I did it just to be cautious. If you decide to give your IKEA item a light sand, make sure to clean it afterward with a tack cloth to eliminate dust.
If you choosenotto sand, you might still want to wipe the piece with a slightly moist microfiber cloth to eliminate any dirt or fingerprints.
3. Apply two thin coats of primer
It’s time to paint! Start with two light coats of primer. Use a paintbrush for the decorative trim, then employ a foam roller for the remainder. Remember to let the piece dry between layers.
Pro tip: Lightly sand between coats and wipe with a tack cloth for a flawless finish.
4. Apply two thin coats of paint
Next, apply two thin layers of paint, allowing the IKEA piece to dry between applications.
Pro tip: Once more, perform a light sanding between layers and wipe with a tack cloth for the finest finish.
5. Apply top coat if preferred
Ultimately, as I mentioned earlier, you may elect to apply a top coat if your IKEA furniture is prone to being bumped or scratched. I would advise using a top coat on a table, coffee table, or bookshelf.
Before applying a protective top coat, test it on a less visible area and let it dry to ensure it doesn’t yellow the paint. Better to be safe than sorry!
Painting IKEA Furniture: Before and After
And here is the after of our IKEA media console! I am amazed at how upscale it appears due to a few layers of paint. I still need to complete the new appearance by painting the metal legs to match the brass knobs. The ideal approach would be to detach the legs and spray paint them, but I might attempt applying Rub ‘n Buff manually.
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In this picture, I photoshopped out my sound bar, just to visualize how it would appear!
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I hope you found this article useful if you’re considering painting IKEA furniture! If you wish to know which IKEA components I utilized to assemble our furniture piece, check out this post.
Please share in the comments if you used this guide, and feel free to ask me any questions you may have!
