ᐅ How can I customize the finish of Ikea Hemnes furniture with paint?

Hello everyone,

I’m planning to customize my Ikea Hemnes furniture by repainting it to give it a more personal and high-quality appearance. I’ve already researched quite a bit, but I’m still unsure about the right surface preparation and paint selection.

I’m particularly interested in:
- What is the best way to prepare the surface, especially since many Hemnes pieces are white-stained or painted?
- Which types of paint are most suitable for solid wood furniture like Hemnes to ensure a durable and resistant finish?
- Are there any special tips or techniques that guarantee a particularly smooth and professional result?

I’m looking forward to any experiences and advice from those of you who have worked on similar projects with Hemnes furniture. Thanks in advance!

If you want to paint the furniture, you should first sand the surface thoroughly, ideally with 120-150 grit sandpaper. After that, remove the dust and apply a wood primer. For the paint, it is best to use an acrylic lacquer, as it is durable and easy to work with.

GIPAPO schrieb:
For the paint, it’s best to use acrylic lacquer, as it is durable and easy to work with.

Exactly, and if you want something a bit special, you can also get the acrylic lacquer in matte or satin finishes – this will make your Hemnes look even more elegant! Oh, and don’t forget to let it dry thoroughly between coats, otherwise all your work will be for nothing 😉

Good morning,

I would like to go into more detail about preparation and painting, especially since the Hemnes series presents some unique challenges.

1. Preparation:
- Completely disassemble the furniture pieces; this allows better access to all surfaces.
- Lightly sand the parts with a sanding pad (150 grit) to improve adhesion.
- Note: The surface of Hemnes furniture is often treated with a white glaze that may come off after sanding. Therefore, it’s better to wipe the surface with a dust-free cloth and then apply an acrylic bonding primer, which penetrates and helps the new paint layer adhere.

2. Paint selection:
- I recommend a 2-component polyurethane (PU) coating if you want a very durable finish. Although it is more labor-intensive, it creates a surface that better resists impacts and moisture.
- For application, make sure you have good ventilation and use either a fine brush or a quality foam roller.

3. Application:
- Start with a thin layer of primer using the bonding primer.
- Then apply several thin coats of paint, sanding carefully between coats (P 220-240) and removing dust. This is important to achieve a smooth surface.

4. Drying and curing:
- Allow at least one week for the paint to fully harden and become durable.

I’m interested to know which color and finish you are planning to use and whether you have experience working with 2K paints?

Noahlu schrieb:
I’m curious what color and finish you’re planning and if you have any experience with 2K paints?

Hi Noahlu, thanks for the detailed explanation, it helps me a lot.

I’m currently leaning towards a matte gray shade because it would suit my interior well. A medium to dark gray, but not too dark. I haven’t worked with 2K paints before, so I’m a beginner in this area.

I have also considered using chalk paints and sealers instead of lacquer to achieve this matte finish, but I lack experience there, especially regarding durability.

I will definitely approach the process in several steps, as you described. Are there any differences in preparation when using chalk paints compared to regular acrylic paints?

pinno schrieb:
Are there differences in preparation when using chalk paint compared to regular acrylic paints?

Yes, definitely. Chalk paints are much more porous and do not adhere well to painted surfaces without proper preparation.

Step-by-step preparation for chalk paint:
- Thoroughly degrease the furniture surface, avoiding dish soap residue; it’s better to use specialized wood cleaners.
- Lightly sand with 120-grit sandpaper to roughen the painted surface.
- You should use a primer designed for chalk paint (e.g., a special bonding primer) to ensure adhesion.
- After the primer has dried, lightly sand again with fine 240-grit sandpaper.

Additionally, you should seal the chalk paint with an appropriate wax or varnish to protect it from abrasion and liquids.

With acrylic paints, the process is similar, but the finish is generally much more durable and requires less maintenance. Keep in mind that chalk paint often provides a more authentic, handcrafted appearance, but it is also more sensitive.