ᐅ How can you customize the finish of Ikea Pax doors with paint?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to customize the finish on my Ikea Pax wardrobe doors because I find the standard colors too plain and want the piece to better match my living space. However, I have little experience with painting furniture, especially when it comes to doors made of coated material like the Pax doors.

My questions are: What is the best way to prepare the doors to ensure good paint adhesion? Which types of paint are suitable for these doors, and how can I achieve an even finish without the paint peeling or leaving unsightly marks?

For applying the paint, I am considering spray paints or rollers – which method is recommended? Also, I would appreciate any tips on how to paint details or edges cleanly without accidentally causing drips.

Looking forward to your experiences and advice!

Nar_peo schrieb:
How do you best prepare doors to ensure good paint adhesion?

Great question! I completely repainted my Pax doors last year – it’s really satisfying to see the result!

The key is to sand the doors thoroughly first so the paint adheres properly. I recommend using sandpaper with a grit of 180 to 220 to slightly roughen the surface without removing too much material. Afterwards, wipe off all dust – preferably with a damp cloth – and let it dry completely.

Regarding the paint: I used acrylic paint from the hardware store because it has relatively low odor and is easy to work with. Apply it in several thin coats, allowing each coat to dry well.

For application: I found spraying to provide the most even finish, especially when using spray cans. Rolling works as a backup option, ideally with small foam brushes or special paint rollers designed for smooth surfaces.

For the edges: It’s best to use a fine brush carefully, avoiding drips by applying thin layers of paint. For detailed areas, multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat.

Stick with it, the result will look really great! 😊

temeli schrieb:
The most important step is thoroughly sanding the doors first so that the paint adheres properly.

I would like to add that preparation is really the most crucial step, especially with Ikea Pax doors, which usually have a melamine-coated or foil surface. These surfaces are very smooth and don’t allow paint to adhere well without proper treatment.

My workflow is as follows:
- Unscrew the doors and lay them flat on a level work surface.
- Remove coarse dust, then lightly sand the surface with 400-grit sandpaper.
- Alternatively, I use a fine sanding sponge that slightly roughens the surface without completely removing the protective layer.
- After sanding, I wipe off all fine dust particles with a lint-free cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol. This cleans and degreases the surface significantly improving adhesion.

Regarding paint choice, I recommend a special furniture or spray paint based on acrylic or polyurethane, as these not only adhere well but are also durable.

For application:
- When using spray paint, the distance to the surface is crucial, about 25-30 cm (10-12 inches).
- Apply very thin coats to avoid runs.
- Allow at least 20-30 minutes drying time between coats.

Edges can be tricky because paint often accumulates and drips there. My tip: apply paint very lightly and build up multiple thin coats instead.

One more question for you: What color are you planning to use, and how do you intend to remove the doors beforehand? Painting without removal is much more difficult.

Noahlu schrieb:
When spray painting, the distance to the surface is very important, about 25-30 cm (10-12 inches).

I can definitely confirm this tip! At first, I really struggled with the technique and only got uneven results. That was quite frustrating.

I would add: Take your time and practice your spray technique on a similar piece of wood or cardboard before painting the doors. Practice makes perfect!

What also helped me was masking off the adjacent areas with painter’s tape to create sharp edges and avoid paint in unwanted places.

And if you paint the doors while they are still installed, make sure they are well protected and stable to prevent movement – otherwise, runs will form quickly.

Nar_peo schrieb:
Which types of paint are suitable for doors, and how can you achieve the most even finish without the paint peeling or leaving unpleasant marks?

I have had good experiences with acrylic spray paint, which becomes quite durable after drying. Clear coat can also help as a final layer.

Important: Always dry at room temperature and ensure good ventilation.

What kind of finish are you considering? Matte or glossy?