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Lawilfried25 Nov 2019 18:37Hello everyone, I am planning to repaint my IKEA Malm furniture to change the surface finish. Since the original furniture usually has a fairly neutral, light paint or veneer, I would like to know the best way to approach this so it doesn’t just look like it was sprayed over. I am especially interested in which preparatory steps are absolutely necessary (e.g., sanding, priming), which types of paint work best (e.g., acrylic, lacquer, spray paint), and if there is a recommended order to achieve a durable and visually appealing result. I would also appreciate any tips on avoiding common beginner mistakes, such as flash drying, uneven masking, or sticky surfaces. I don’t want to be a professional, but I also don’t want to spend money only to be disappointed. Looking forward to your experience and advice!
For repainting Malm furniture, I recommend the following structured process:
1. Remove all handles and openings to fully access the surface for treatment.
2. Lightly sand the surface with fine sandpaper (grit 180–220) to remove the gloss layer and improve paint adhesion.
3. Wipe off the dust with a slightly damp cloth to create a smooth base.
4. Use a primer suitable for the substrate. For the smooth MDF surfaces of the Malm series, an all-purpose primer or an MDF-specific primer works well.
5. Apply the paint carefully: it is better to use two thin coats rather than one thick one. Depending on the type of paint—acrylic or furniture lacquer—use a brush, roller, or spray can.
6. Lightly sand between coats with very fine sandpaper (grit 320) to remove surface dust and ensure better adhesion of the next layer.
7. To finish, apply a clear topcoat (matte or glossy, depending on your preference) to protect the surface and increase durability.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Applying paint layers that are too thick, which may cause runs or cracks.
- Leaving small sanding marks visible.
- Rushing between steps—observe the proper drying time.
Following these steps should help you achieve a very good result.
1. Remove all handles and openings to fully access the surface for treatment.
2. Lightly sand the surface with fine sandpaper (grit 180–220) to remove the gloss layer and improve paint adhesion.
3. Wipe off the dust with a slightly damp cloth to create a smooth base.
4. Use a primer suitable for the substrate. For the smooth MDF surfaces of the Malm series, an all-purpose primer or an MDF-specific primer works well.
5. Apply the paint carefully: it is better to use two thin coats rather than one thick one. Depending on the type of paint—acrylic or furniture lacquer—use a brush, roller, or spray can.
6. Lightly sand between coats with very fine sandpaper (grit 320) to remove surface dust and ensure better adhesion of the next layer.
7. To finish, apply a clear topcoat (matte or glossy, depending on your preference) to protect the surface and increase durability.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Applying paint layers that are too thick, which may cause runs or cracks.
- Leaving small sanding marks visible.
- Rushing between steps—observe the proper drying time.
Following these steps should help you achieve a very good result.
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valentino27 Nov 2019 14:05EDWARD0 schrieb:
Sanding is key That is basically correct. I would like to add that sanding is often underestimated with Malm-type furniture because the surface is frequently coated with a foil. This foil must be roughened before painting or, even better, removed with a special stripper. Otherwise, the paint will not adhere properly and may later flake off.
tolokau schrieb:
Lightly sand between coats with very fine sandpaper (grit 320) This is an important tip for a professional finish. Skipping this step risks an uneven texture and poor adhesion of subsequent layers.
Summary:
- Remove the foil if necessary or at least sand it very well
- Use a suitable primer
- Apply paint in thin layers
- Seal with clear coat to make the surface resistant to scratches and moisture
Acrylic paints work well, but check compatibility with MDF and foil. Alternatively, furniture spray paint can provide a smooth finish. Important: Work in a well-ventilated area and strictly follow drying times.
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