ᐅ Are there special paints or finishes recommended for Malm furniture?

Created on: 9 May 2022 10:03
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bubipeo
Hello everyone,

I am currently planning to repaint some Malm furniture (IKEA dressers) to give them a more personalized look. I’m wondering: are there actually special paints that work particularly well on Malm furniture, or can I simply use standard wood or all-purpose paints?

My main concerns are durability and achieving a smooth, even surface without bubbles or cracks. Does anyone have experience with suitable paints for this specific type of furniture, or are there special preparations needed to get a good result?

I look forward to your tips and advice!
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bubipeo
9 May 2022 17:22
Guyju schrieb:
Apply primer: use an adhesion promoter specifically designed for plastics or films (e.g., plastic primer).

Thank you for the detailed instructions!

I am still wondering if a sealer is needed after painting to make the surface more durable?

Or is acrylic paint alone sufficient to protect the furniture well?
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boelnu
9 May 2022 18:03
This is an important question.

I have painted similar furniture and applied several layers of acrylic paint, followed by a clear coat (matte or satin) as a sealant.

This protects against scratches and also prevents yellowing for a longer time.
bubipeo schrieb:
whether a sealant is needed after painting

In my opinion, it is definitely recommended.
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meGreg
9 May 2022 19:25
boelnu schrieb:
after several layers of acrylic paint, applied a clear coat (matte or satin finish) as a sealant

Absolutely, that makes the surface more durable and looks really stylish.

Additionally, the sealant prevents the paint from being exposed during cleaning – saves a lot of hassle! :-)

And again: For these types of furniture, the rule is: the thinner the layers, the better. Thick paint layers tend to become brittle quickly.
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dijan
10 May 2022 08:36
I can only confirm meGreg’s choice of paint and boelnu’s tips.

What I would like to add: Be sure to strictly follow the drying times for the paint, otherwise the surface will stay sticky for a long time or develop streaks.

And if anyone wants colored options – often a spray can from the hardware store with a plastic primer and acrylic paint is enough. It offers a lot of possibilities and makes choosing colors fun 🙂
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Timofa
10 May 2022 09:44
If someone wants a more professional solution: there are special polyurethane-based coatings that are extremely durable and flexible. However, be aware that these are usually more expensive and require longer drying times as well as good ventilation.
bubipeo schrieb:
Question about special coatings that adhere well to Malm furniture and provide nice finishes

For hobby use, acrylic paints are sufficient, but for the professionals. 😉
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bubipeo
10 May 2022 10:53
Great, thanks to everyone for the helpful answers!

To summarize, I see the following points:
- Preparation: Clean and lightly sand
- Use a primer suitable for films/plastics
- Prefer acrylic paint, especially for plastic surfaces
- Optionally apply clear coat as a protective sealant
- For professionals: polyurethane paints are possible but more labor-intensive

If anyone has tips on the best way to sand the dressers (by hand vs. machine sanding) or which grit is really ideal, I would appreciate it.

So far, everything sounds doable, and I’m looking forward to the project! 🙂