ᐅ Which types of paint are best suited for custom-made fronts for Ikea Besta units?

Good morning everyone, I am planning to build new fronts for my Ikea Besta shelving unit myself and then paint them with lacquer. I am wondering which types of lacquer are best suited to achieve a durable, visually appealing, and as resistant as possible finish. It is important to me that the lacquer does not peel off quickly or get scratched easily. Also, the surface should ideally have low gloss, more matte or satin finish. Has anyone had experience with specific types of lacquer, such as acrylic lacquer, alkyd lacquer, or would PU lacquer be a better choice? Which brands and application methods do you recommend? Any tips on preparation, priming, or intermediate treatments would be much appreciated. I look forward to your advice and experience reports!

For Besta fronts, I recommend a 2K PU lacquer. It is very resistant to scratches and moisture. You can achieve a matte finish by adding the appropriate hardener. Be sure to prime and sand beforehand.

Hey jesan, I completely understand your concern – who wants peeling paint on the surfaces after just a few weeks? 😅 I swear by acrylic paints with a satin finish. They are easy to work with, dry quickly, don’t have a strong odor, and hold up really well under normal use. The key is good surface preparation – sanding, degreasing, then applying several thin coats. And if you’re up for a little DIY project: using a small spray gun with a compressor can actually be fun 😉

Hello jesan, your detailed question is very well formulated and shows that you’ve put a lot of thought into it! Generally, the choice of paint depends mainly on the intended use. PU varnish is particularly durable and commonly used in furniture applications. Acrylic paint is often more environmentally friendly and easier to apply but tends to have lower scratch resistance. Alkyd resin paints are more robust than acrylics but usually have longer drying times and a stronger odor. An important step with all paints is carefully sanding the surface with fine sandpaper (e.g., grit 220 to 320), followed by a primer that improves adhesion and prevents discoloration. If you like, you can also apply a matte topcoat at the end to make the surface more resistant. Would you prefer to paint the fronts with a brush, roller, or spray gun?

If you need it done quickly, use a 1K acrylic paint from the hardware store. However, regarding durability and scratch resistance without a compressor, 2K PU paint is better.

Hello jesan, to be absolutely sure, it is important to first know your specific application and the demands placed on the fronts: How often will they be opened? Is there moisture in the room (kitchen, bathroom)? Do you want to apply the fronts on furniture panels or wood? Basically, I recommend the following system:

- Thoroughly clean and degrease the surface
- Treat with a primer matched to the paint type (e.g., PU primer for PU paints)
- Sand lightly with 320 grit or finer
- Use a two-component PU lacquer for the best durability; allow for a longer drying time
- Alternatively, a single-component acrylic lacquer with a clear texture, for example in a satin finish

Regarding application methods: A spray gun with compressor is best, as it achieves very even coats. Brushes tend to leave visible marks, which can affect the appearance. A thin, evenly applied layer results in fewer cracks and is gentler on the paint.

If you like, tell me more about the exact materials of your fronts and the room climate, and I will gladly help you choose the right option.