ᐅ How can I repurpose Ikea Platsa furniture for use in the bathroom?

Created on: 11 Jul 2019 08:36
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Belakar
Hello everyone,

I am currently considering how to repurpose Ikea Platsa furniture effectively for my bathroom. Since the Platsa series was originally designed as a flexible storage solution, I would like to know what modifications or additions can make it as water-resistant and functional as possible for bathrooms.

I am particularly interested in:
- Which surface treatments or coatings you would recommend for damp environments
- Whether installing additional seals or waterproofing measures is advisable
- Which modules or combinations work best as a vanity unit or shelving in the bathroom
- Experiences with integrating Platsa furniture into small bathroom spaces

I am hoping for practical advice based on real experience rather than just theory. Thank you in advance!
P
pinJustin
11 Jul 2019 14:59
Epoxy resin is waterproof but can be complex to work with. For DIY enthusiasts, waterproof paints are usually more suitable.

Narrow built-in units are ideal for small bathrooms to make the most of the available space.

Additionally, combining them with standard plastic tubs as splash guards is recommended.
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nedagla
12 Jul 2019 07:18
Oh, I think the idea of converting Platsa units for the bathroom is absolutely brilliant! I did it myself, and it works really well!

I painted the furniture with waterproof paint and sealed the doors with weatherstripping. I also added small feet so nothing stands directly on the damp floor.

Of course, it takes a bit of effort, but the result is so stylish and unique! A really cool alternative to expensive bathroom cabinets. Give it a try—you can do it!
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Belakar
12 Jul 2019 08:00
nedagla schrieb:
I painted the furniture with waterproof paint and sealed the doors with weatherstripping.

Thank you for your encouraging feedback! I would be interested to know exactly which waterproof paint you used and whether you sanded the furniture before painting.

Also: Did you fully disassemble the Platsa components to make them easier to work on? Was the reassembly difficult afterward?
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Ianlau
12 Jul 2019 08:44
Belakar schrieb:
I would like to know which waterproof paint you used exactly and whether you sanded the furniture before painting?

Normally, I recommend the following steps:

- The surface should be lightly sanded before painting to improve paint adhesion.
- Commonly used are synthetic resin paints or special moisture-resistant paints, usually based on acrylates or polyurethane.
- It is important to apply several thin coats and allow each to dry thoroughly.

Without this procedure, the paint may not adhere well, and the protective effect will be compromised.
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gaubla
12 Jul 2019 10:27
Belakar schrieb:
Was the assembly difficult afterwards?

The assembly process hardly changes due to the surface treatment, except for the timing: the furniture should be painted before the final installation, as screwing it together afterwards becomes somewhat more difficult.

Additionally, I recommend treating all fittings with rust protection before installation, especially in the bathroom, to extend their lifespan.
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Demetrius
12 Jul 2019 12:02
plo60 schrieb:
Has anyone ever been advised to coat the entire system with a waterproof layer – for example, epoxy resin or something similar?

I actually considered using epoxy resin briefly but was put off by the complexity. Instead, I treated the furniture with a waterproof clear varnish and additionally applied silicone to all the edges.

So far, this combination has held up very well, and I didn’t have to deal with the demanding epoxy resin process. For me, it was a good balance between durability and effort.