ᐅ How can you easily repaint Ikea Brimnes furniture?

Hello everyone,

I am currently considering how to repaint Ikea Brimnes furniture in a relatively simple yet durable way, without needing too much time or tools that a DIY enthusiast wouldn’t usually have at home. I am specifically interested in wardrobes and dressers from the Brimnes series, which usually have a rather smooth but not very durable surface.

My questions:
- What preparations are necessary to ensure the paint adheres well and does not peel off?
- Which primers and types of paint are particularly recommended for furniture like Brimnes if you want to achieve a smooth finish?
- What is the best approach to sanding without damaging the surface too much?

I want to do it so that the final result remains durable and that the furniture doesn’t feel unpleasant to touch later on (so no rough paint, rather silky matte or glossy). I would be very grateful for any advice on products or techniques!

Thanks in advance for your help!

telesan schrieb:
I’m currently thinking about how to repaint Ikea Brimnes furniture relatively easily and yet durably, without spending too much time or needing many tools

You’re onto something there! My tip: take the furniture apart first, so you can reach all areas better and avoid unpleasant paint joins.

Regarding preparation: a light sanding is usually enough—you just want to roughen the surface, not sand it away. Fine sandpaper (grit 240) works great for this.

Primer? Definitely use an adhesion primer suitable for plastic, since the panels on the Brimnes are often melamine-coated. This makes the paint stick much better.

I recently used acrylic paints, which have low odor and dry nicely without being sticky. If you want a glossy finish, it’s best to use a spray gun set; otherwise, brush strokes will be visible.

Don’t worry, this is more a test of patience than a difficult task. I enjoyed the process, and there’s nothing better than turning a piece of furniture into your favorite chest of drawers with your own color! 😉

KNUTGI schrieb:
Using fine sandpaper (240 grit) works really well.

I agree – however, when sanding, it's important to follow the correct sequence:

- Start with 180 grit to roughen the surface without removing too much material.
- Then smooth it out with 240 grit to create as even a surface as possible, which helps the primer adhere better.

Additionally: Make sure to disassemble the furniture parts before cutting. Sharp edges and corners can otherwise cause paint problems.

Regarding the primer: A special adhesion primer for plastics is essential; otherwise, the paint will chip off quickly. After priming, you should sand again very finely (320 grit or finer).

About the paint: Acrylic paints work great. Solvent-based paints can also be used if you have experience, but that's not strictly necessary. I also recommend applying several thin coats and allowing each to dry thoroughly.

How do you plan to apply the paint? Brush? Roller? Spray can? Each method results in a different finish.

Definitely use a matte finish, it looks more modern.

Clean everything thoroughly beforehand, for example with isopropanol.

Apply a primer first and then work with acrylic paint.

Don’t forget to sand lightly between coats, this helps the paint adhere better.

telesan schrieb:
What preparations are necessary to ensure the paint adheres well and does not peel off?

Preparation is the most important step. For Ikea Brimnes furniture, this means:

- Cleaning the surface with a mild solvent (e.g., isopropanol) to remove grease and dust.
- Lightly sanding with fine-grit sandpaper (180 to 240 grit) to slightly roughen the melamine coating.
- Applying a high-quality primer designed for smooth surfaces that specifically adheres to melamine.

telesan schrieb:
Which primers and types of paint are particularly recommended for furniture like the Brimnes if you want a smooth finish?

Water-based acrylic or polyurethane paints labeled as furniture paint are recommended. These provide good adhesion and come in various gloss levels. For a smooth surface, using spray paint or a very fine roller is advisable.

telesan schrieb:
What is the best way to sand without damaging the surface too much?

Sand lightly; the goal is to roughen the surface, not to remove material. Use sandpaper with 180 to 240 grit, preferably with a sanding block to ensure even sanding.

In summary: thorough cleaning, light sanding, primer application, thin paint layers with sanding between coats — this will achieve a durable finish.