ᐅ Kallax Doors in a Different Color – Is Painting Them Possible?

Hello everyone,

I recently bought an IKEA Kallax shelving unit and want to change the color of its doors. My question is: Is it possible to simply repaint the original Kallax doors to customize their color?

I am especially interested in which preparations are important, whether the paint or the door material needs to be sanded beforehand, and which type of paint works best to ensure the new color is durable.

I am also wondering if repainting the doors could cause any adhesion or surface issues, and how this might affect the door’s function, for example, whether the doors might close less smoothly afterward or if the surface could become more prone to scratches.

I would greatly appreciate any tips or personal experiences!

Keo51 schrieb:
Is it possible to simply repaint the original Kallax doors to change their color?

Typically, Kallax doors are made from coated MDF or particleboard, which can present some challenges. For proper paint adhesion, it is essential to sand the surface and apply a bonding primer.

Acrylic lacquers or water-based paints are recommended because they do not damage the surface too much and adhere well. Additionally, they provide a durable finish.

Please note that without adequate preparation, the paint may peel easily. When treated correctly, the doors’ functionality remains unchanged.

draleo schrieb:
It is absolutely necessary to sand the surface and treat it with a bonding primer.

I agree. Especially with furniture that has melamine-coated surfaces, like some Kallax doors, the surface is very smooth. Without thorough sanding, new paint layers can easily peel off.

Furthermore, I recommend applying the paint in thin, multiple coats. This produces the best results. Good luck!

As a supplement:

1. Preparation: Sand the doors lightly with fine sandpaper (grit 220) to roughen the surface.
2. Cleaning: Remove dust thoroughly, otherwise adhesion will suffer.
3. Priming: Use a suitable primer for plastics or melamine, such as an adhesion primer.
4. Painting: Prefer matte or satin finish paint, as high-gloss paints tend to show scratches quickly.
5. Drying times: Allow sufficient drying time between coats.

Common mistakes are insufficient sanding and using the wrong type of paint. This can cause the paint to peel or become blotchy. With patience, the result will be durable.

A good point to consider is the type of paint.

I have painted Kallax doors with chalk paint and then sealed them with wax. This creates a very natural look, but it is less durable than lacquer. If the surface is subjected to wear and tear (for example, by children or frequent use), acrylic or furniture lacquer paint is a better choice.

Also important: remove the doors and lay them flat before painting to avoid drips and running paint.

Naomige schrieb:
... Remove the doors and lay them flat before painting to prevent drips and running paint.

Exactly! Also, I would recommend having all tools and paints ready beforehand, and wearing gloves – it makes the process much easier. 🙂

One more thing: you can hardly overestimate the importance of patience during drying. If you rush it after the first coat, you’ll probably need to do another one.