ᐅ My Kallax unit got scratched after being moved – is repainting an option?

Hello everyone,

I recently moved my Kallax shelf, and unfortunately, some scratches appeared on the painted wood on the side. Now I’m wondering: Is it generally possible to repaint or touch up the damaged surface of a Kallax unit myself without causing color differences or uneven coating?

Does anyone have experience with whether a special paint or treatment is recommended for this? I want to avoid making the shelf look worse than before. Also, I would like to know if repainting makes sense when the surface is more melamine-coated.

Thanks and best regards!

Hello bigo5,

In general, surfaces like those on Kallax units, which are often melamine-coated, are difficult to repair perfectly by painting. Melamine is a very smooth, hard surface that usually does not absorb paint well, which often leads to uneven results when painting.

If the surface is actually only painted and not melamine-coated, good results can usually be achieved with a water-based acrylic paint. In any case, the following steps are important:

1) Lightly sand the affected area (e.g., with fine 400-grit sandpaper) so the paint can adhere better.
2) Remove dust thoroughly.
3) Use a suitable primer or bonding agent.
4) Apply several thin layers of paint instead of one thick coat.

I would also recommend starting with a small test on an inconspicuous spot.

Best regards.

If the Kallax is really melamine-coated, painting will have little effect. Repair markers or furniture repair wax are better for small scratches. For larger areas, a suitable melamine repair lacquer also works.

I’m familiar with the issue of scratches, it’s really frustrating. :/

I once had a similar problem with an IKEA shelf, and decided to carefully treat it with sandpaper and paint. It wasn’t perfect, but for me it was enough to feel like everything looked reasonably okay again. Maybe that could help you?

I also understand the frustration when the piece of furniture actually looks good and you don't want to replace it right away.

Hang in there, you’ll definitely find a good solution.

Isabel schrieb:
If the Kallax is really melamine-coated, painting it won’t help much.

I see it differently – who says it can’t be done somehow? Of course, melamine isn’t the easiest material to work with, but with the right preparation and painting, you can definitely get a straight and even nice result.

Why settle for half measures? I would rather see it as an opportunity to give your Kallax a unique look. Has anyone here tried something like this before?

Besides, furniture is meant to be used, not art objects. Who really wants it to be perfect? 😉

Hello bigo5,

First of all: it’s understandable that you’re concerned about the appearance of your Kallax.

Regarding your questions: Kallax usually has a melamine resin-coated surface, which is very durable but also quite specific. In my experience, paint adheres only to a limited extent on melamine unless you use a special primer.

If you want to try painting it, I’d recommend looking for a special melamine primer. These adhesion promoters help the paint stick better to the smooth surface.

Alternatively, you can use repair kits designed specifically for scratches on such surfaces. These contain repair wax or touch-up pens that match the texture and color quite well.

It’s also important to clean the area thoroughly beforehand and lightly sand it so the primer/paint adheres properly.

I’m happy to help further if you can provide more details about the color or the type of damage.

Best regards!