ᐅ KALLAX has many scratches after moving – can it be repainted?

Hello everyone,

I recently moved and transported my IKEA KALLAX shelving unit. Unfortunately, many small and some larger scratches appeared on the white edges and surfaces. Now I’m wondering if there is a way to repaint these scratches or at least improve their appearance so they are less noticeable?

Has anyone had experience with repainting KALLAX units? I am especially interested in tips on properly preparing the surface and suitable paints or coatings that adhere well to the melamine-coated material.

Looking forward to your opinions and advice.

Rolati schrieb:
Does anyone have experience with repainting KALLAX shelves?

Melamine surfaces are difficult to repaint. It’s best to touch up small scratches using a special furniture repair marker available at hardware stores. Completely repainting often does not provide the desired durability.

Rolati schrieb:
Tips for properly preparing the surface, suitable paints or coatings that adhere well to melamine-coated material

Good morning,

I’d like to add a brief guide here:

1. Preparation: Thoroughly clean the surface, removing dust and grease.
2. Sanding: Melamine is very smooth, so gently sand with fine 400-grit sandpaper to improve paint adhesion. Avoid sanding too aggressively, as the surface must not be damaged.
3. Primer: Use special adhesion primers designed for plastics or melamine. These create the necessary bonding layer.
4. Painting: Water-based acrylic paints usually work best for indoor furniture. Make sure the paint is suitable for plastic surfaces.
5. Drying: Allow the paint to dry thoroughly; a well-cured finish will be much more durable.

In short: repainting is possible but requires effort and patience. For small scratches or touch-ups, furniture markers or paint pens are the simplest solution.

Good luck!

Santi schrieb:
Melamine surfaces are difficult to repaint.

That is true, but I think the issue is sometimes exaggerated. Of course, repainting KALLAX isn’t the same as restoring a traditional wooden piece of furniture, but with careful preparation and the right materials, you can definitely achieve good results.

You could almost say many give up beforehand because of the melamine coating—perhaps because it’s easier to write off the furniture as “damaged” than to deal with the work involved.

And just to think about: What if IKEA KALLAX didn’t have a single meter of paint under the surface on such a heavily used item? You might wonder whether the design and material aren’t somehow inviting repairs.

So, let’s move away from pessimism: Using a primer and acrylic paint works well, even if you’re not a professional at home. But of course, don’t expect miracles—it won’t look factory-fresh. Still, you can save a lot visually.