ᐅ How can I change the color of IKEA PLATSA furniture?

Hello everyone, I am currently working on changing the color of my IKEA Platsa furniture and am looking for tips and proven methods. The PLATSA series is quite versatile, but because of the surface and materials, I am wondering which type of paint and preparation are best to achieve a durable and attractive result.

Specifically, I am interested in:
- Which types of paint can be safely used on the PLATSA components (acrylic, spray paint, chalk paint, etc.)?
- What about surface preparation, since the material is partially coated?
- Are there particular techniques that help the paint adhere well and prevent peeling?
- Does anyone have experience with combining paint and protective topcoat, especially on the cabinet doors with their smooth surfaces?

I would also appreciate advice on tools and any potential pitfalls or special tricks for brushing or spraying. Thanks in advance!

Jondeo49 schrieb:
I am currently in the process of repainting my IKEA PLATSA furniture and am looking for tips and proven methods here.

Hey, great idea! PLATSA is really versatile for modifications, and paint can really give the furniture a fresh new look. Personally, I’ve had good results using acrylic paint on a well-sanded surface. It’s important to sand thoroughly beforehand and remove all dust, otherwise the paint won’t adhere properly.

For painting, I prefer using a small foam roller for smooth surfaces, as it applies the paint evenly. And if you want to add a real pop, try spray paint – it covers well and produces a very smooth finish. 🙂

One more tip: use a primer before painting, especially if the surface is quite smooth. This helps the paint stick better and keeps it looking fresh longer. Also, be patient between coats; taking your time really pays off!

rekijan schrieb:
Personally, I have had good experience with acrylic lacquer on a well-sanded surface.

First of all, thanks for the suggestion! I’d like to delve a bit deeper into this topic, since PLATSA furniture is often made from foil-coated particleboard or similar materials, which can make paint adhesion more challenging.

The first step is careful surface preparation: washing with a mildly alkaline cleaner to remove grease and dirt. After that, I recommend using very fine sandpaper (grit 220 to 320) to lightly roughen the surface without sanding through. Then it’s essential to thoroughly remove all sanding dust with a microfiber cloth or vacuum.

For priming, a bonding primer suitable for foil and coated surfaces should be used. Please make sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for compatibility. Next, I usually choose a water-based acrylic paint due to its good adhesion and compatibility; very importantly, sanding between coats with very fine sandpaper is essential after the first paint layer.

When it comes to sealing, I recommend a matte or satin acrylic lacquer that is UV-resistant and water-repellent. This makes the surface more resistant to scratches and stains.

I’d be interested to know what kind of finish you are aiming for and how heavily the furniture will be used. This way, I can better advise on protection and suitable materials. Have you considered treating doors and carcasses separately?

Dilen schrieb:
I’m curious about what kind of finish you have in mind and how heavily the furniture will be used.

Good question, thanks! My goal is a matte to satin-matte finish that is primarily durable. The furniture is in my living room, so it will be used daily—doors will be opened frequently, and occasional contact with hands, such as when opening and closing, is normal.

Currently, the furniture is white, but I want to apply a color in a warm gray tone or a muted blue. It is important to me that the paint is not too prone to scratches or wear since I want to preserve the appearance for as long as possible.

I would like to treat both the carcasses and doors uniformly, although for the doors, I want a particularly smooth but also impact-resistant surface. Do you have any recommendations specifically for these color shades or special primers?

How does the primer behave with darker or more saturated colors since the base color is white? Should I plan for multiple coats of paint?

Jondeo49 schrieb:
My goal is a matte to satin matte finish that should primarily be durable.

Hey, a matte finish on PLATSA is totally achievable and looks really elegant! I once painted my PLATSA doors in a dark teal shade, and the combination of thorough priming and a matte two-component paint really worked well.

Speaking of priming: especially when switching from white to darker colors, I recommend using a high-coverage bonding primer. This will save you from applying a lot of paint layers later. Sure, you could theoretically go straight over white, but a proper primer prevents the old surface from showing through.

Something else I find important: let the surface cure well after painting. I left the furniture unused for at least 5–7 days after sealing – this often works wonders for durability.

One more good tip: take your time with intermediate sanding using very fine sandpaper (320 grit or finer), which ensures a really smooth surface, especially on the doors. This makes the result look truly professional.

Don’t get discouraged; it’s definitely worth the effort!

tutan schrieb:
Don’t get discouraged, it’s definitely worth it!

Absolutely! I can only confirm that, even if you’ve never painted furniture before – PLATSA is a great project for that. Especially if you approach it playfully, you’ll quickly see results that are definitely impressive.

I would add that using chalk paint is also an option if you like the shabby style or a slightly textured surface. Chalk paint adheres well to many surfaces and usually doesn’t require complicated priming. However, I definitely recommend applying a protective topcoat afterwards, either with wax or a special clear varnish.

When spraying, make sure to have good ventilation and apply thin layers. If you’re using a roller: always prime first and carefully cut in so the edges stay clean.

I wish you lots of fun with the project – feel free to try small test areas before tackling the entire piece, that way you gain confidence! 🙂