ᐅ How can I change the color of Billy bookshelves?

Hello everyone, I have some IKEA Billy shelves at home that I would like to change the color of to better match my interior. My question is: How can I change the color of Billy shelves without damaging their stability or surface? I am looking for solutions that are doable for amateurs, such as painting or applying adhesive film, but I am also open to tips on suitable materials and techniques to ensure the result looks professional and lasts as long as possible. Additionally, I would like to know if there are any preparations needed before starting the color change and if there are specific products that work particularly well. Looking forward to your tips and experiences!

Hey, that’s a great question! 🙂 I’ve actually revamped a Billy bookshelf myself, and I can tell you: painting works really well! What helped me was sanding the surface thoroughly first, so the paint adheres better. Then I used acrylic paint, which is quite durable and dries quickly. As a finish, I applied a clear protective coat, which makes everything last much longer! So definitely don’t just start painting right away—preparation is really key! Good luck, you’ve got this! 🙂

Painting is indeed one of the most practical methods for changing the color of Billy shelves. Due to the melamine-coated surface, comprehensive sanding before painting is recommended to ensure good adhesion. A fine grit of around 220 is sufficient. Afterwards, you should apply a suitable primer that adheres well to both melamine and wood-based materials. For the paint, water-based acrylic paints are recommended, as they offer good coverage, durability, and low odor. After painting, a clear polyurethane (PU) varnish in matte or glossy finish can be applied for protection. Drying times and intermediate sanding should be observed to achieve an even surface. Alternatively, covering with self-adhesive film is possible, but the surface must be perfectly smooth and clean. Keep in mind that removing the film later can be problematic. What kind of color change are you aiming for? Solid color or perhaps accent areas?

PIDAN schrieb:
What exact color change are you aiming for? Solid color or maybe accent areas?

Good question, I was thinking of a uniform, matte dark gray, possibly with a black shelf as a contrast. Accents would be secondary, but I'm also open to them if they would be particularly easy to implement.

For matte dark gray, acrylic paint as recommended by PIDAN is definitely a good choice. I would suggest a smart approach: start by washing the shelf, then lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper (grit 220). Make sure to remove all dust before you begin priming. For the primer, you can choose a special adhesion primer designed for plastic, especially since IKEA shelves often have a smooth, sometimes melamine-coated surface.

If you want to combine the painted areas with black shelves, you can paint the shelves separately or even swap them out—often there are matching shelves available in black, or you can paint them individually. Use a durable clear coat as a final step to increase longevity. I’ve also had good results using rollers to achieve a smooth finish. If you have any questions about the exact process, feel free to ask again! 🙂

I would like to take a detailed look again at the topic of surface treatment and adhesion, as it is often underestimated. The Billy shelf is usually made of particleboard with a melamine coating, which is very smooth and water-resistant. Because of this characteristic, it will not accept paint without proper preparation.

1. Preparation: Lightly sand the surface with fine sandpaper (grit 180-220). Since these surfaces are sensitive to overly coarse sanding, work carefully. Using a sanding sponge is also advisable to avoid unevenness.

2. Cleaning: Remove dust residues with a microfiber cloth or a slightly damp cloth, but avoid using too much moisture.

3. Priming: Use a adhesion-promoting primer specifically designed for smooth plastic or melamine-coated surfaces. Acrylic or epoxy primers are recommended here.

4. Painting: Apply opaque acrylic or alkyd paints, depending on your preference. Since you want a matte dark gray, I recommend high-quality brands that are also durable.

5. Protective coating: Finally, apply a clear coat (PU- or acrylic-based) to make the finish long-lasting. A matte or satin finish looks good visually.

6. Observe drying times and intermediate sanding: Lightly sand between primer and paint layers (with 400-grit or finer sandpaper) to achieve a perfect surface.

Feel free to ask if you need more details about any of these steps!