ᐅ Kallax paint is chipping – how to repair it?

Hello everyone,

I recently assembled a new KALLAX shelf unit from IKEA, which I ordered with a matte finish. Unfortunately, I have noticed that the finish is chipping off in several places, especially along the edges and corners. The chips are not very large, but the damage looks quite unattractive, and I definitely want to make the shelf durable and visually appealing again.

My specific questions are:
1. What is the best way to repair the peeling finish without the repair spots being too noticeable?
2. What materials and tools do I need for this?
3. Are there any preparatory steps I should take before repainting, such as sanding or priming?
4. Are there particular paints or coatings especially suitable for KALLAX to prevent this from happening again?

I have some DIY experience but want to approach the repair properly and would appreciate tips from professionals or anyone who has done this before.

Thanks in advance!

Hello Pascalnon,

First of all, regarding your questions: chipping of the paint on KALLAX shelves is a known issue, especially at sharp edges that often experience mechanical stress. The main cause is usually that the paint hasn’t penetrated deeply enough into the surface or that the mechanical forces simply exceed the adhesion strength.

To repair this effectively, I recommend a systematic approach:

1. Preparation: Remove any loose paint flakes with a fine scraper, then lightly sand the entire damaged area—preferably using sandpaper with a grit of 220 to 320. This creates a good base for adhesion.

2. Cleaning: Thoroughly remove dust, ideally with a slightly damp cloth, to prevent particles from embedding in the paint.

3. Priming: If the chip exposes a particleboard-like surface, I suggest applying a special deep-penetrating primer layer. This prevents the paint from peeling off later.

4. Repainting: Use a thin, fluid acrylic paint that you can apply with a brush or a fine foam brush. Make sure to apply several thin layers rather than one thick layer to avoid unevenness.

5. Drying & Finish: Allow each layer to dry fully, ideally at room temperature and away from dust. For the edges, you might consider polishing with a matte sanding sealer.

6. Optional: Apply a clear protective coating for extra durability, depending on the desired level of gloss.

One question for you: do you already have a matte topcoat, or are you prepared to buy new paint? Also, can you protect the damaged area from direct stress until everything is fully cured?

Best regards, happy to help!

Hey Pascalnon!

Great that you want to repair your KALLAX – I’m sure you’ll do a fantastic job! 🙂 It’s something you can really handle yourself, and in the end, it will look like new – which is very motivating!

I once fixed small spots on mine with acrylic paint, which you can find in any hardware store in small cans. The important thing, as already mentioned, is to sand well and remove dust so the paint adheres properly. Don’t worry about applying several thin layers – just make sure each one is fully dry, and the result will be excellent!

The great thing is that you can also personally customize your shelf this way! Maybe use the same color shade or even a new tone that better matches your interior.

Really brave of you to take this on! I’m looking forward to reading more about your experiences here. 🙂

Filippo schrieb:
1. Preparation: Remove loose paint residues [...] then you should [...] sand with sandpaper grit 220 to 320.

Exactly, sanding is key! If you sand too aggressively, you can damage the surface. Too fine, however, is not enough because the paint won’t have anything to adhere to.

Here is my step-by-step tip for paint touch-up on KALLAX:

- Carefully lift or scrape off loose particles.
- Sand the damaged area with 240 grit sandpaper.
- Then, be sure to clean with a lint-free cloth and some isopropanol or denatured alcohol.
- Use a primer (preferably wood primer or a universal water-based primer), because the surface is very smooth and slightly absorbent.
- After drying, apply several thin layers of acrylic paint.

Make sure to let the paint dry and cure well between coats (24 hours is ideal).

Don’t forget: if possible, avoid mechanical stress or exposure to moisture on fresh repairs for about 3–4 days.

P.S.: If you want to smooth edges, lightly use a very fine abrasive pad (e.g., 0000 steel wool), but be very careful!

Clear advice: Remove any loose paint chips, sand the surface, apply a primer coat, and then paint with a thin layer. Allow adequate drying time to ensure durability.

Filippo schrieb:
One more question for you: Do you have a matte topcoat on hand, or are you willing to get a new one?

Thanks, Filippo. No, I don’t have any paint left at home. So I’d have to buy new. Ideally, I’d like a paint that really holds up well and is as resistant as possible to scratches and wear. The shelf will be in my home office, where things can get a bit rough sometimes.

Jensson schrieb:
Make sure to let the paint dry and cure properly between coats (24 hours is ideal).

Great tip, I’ve often made the mistake of being too impatient and applying the next coat too soon.

One more question: Does anyone have experience whether acrylic paint is sufficient, or if a two-component paint would be better? I don’t want to make it too complicated, but a durable result is important.

Thanks again for all the advice so far!