ᐅ Are there any upcycling guides for Ikea Hemnes furniture?
Created on: 16 Apr 2016 08:37
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Burkhard36
Are there any upcycling guides for the Ikea Hemnes? I am currently exploring the topic of furniture enhancement and sustainable living, and came across the Hemnes wardrobe from Ikea, which is known for its sturdy construction and classic design. I’m interested to know if there are any detailed guides or practical concepts available that show how to upgrade these pieces through upcycling—such as redesign, painting, material combinations, or functional modifications. I’m mainly looking for methods that can be done by hand without special professional tools and that give the furniture a new character or improved usability. Does anyone have experience with this or know of sources offering such ideas or step-by-step instructions?
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Burkhard3617 Apr 2016 07:18Thanks for the previous answers! Back to valerie-tr:
I am mainly interested in the "Industrial" look—so rather raw, unfinished, with metal elements or a rustic feel. It would be especially interesting to know how to achieve this style on Hemnes furniture without major modifications, using simple tools, possibly by combining paint, surface textures, and handles.
Also, it would be helpful to learn how to achieve particularly precise or durable paint finishes that can withstand everyday use on the furniture.
valerie-tr schrieb:
Could you say which color techniques or styles interest you the most? Shabby Chic, Industrial, modern?
I am mainly interested in the "Industrial" look—so rather raw, unfinished, with metal elements or a rustic feel. It would be especially interesting to know how to achieve this style on Hemnes furniture without major modifications, using simple tools, possibly by combining paint, surface textures, and handles.
Also, it would be helpful to learn how to achieve particularly precise or durable paint finishes that can withstand everyday use on the furniture.
For the industrial style with the Hemnes series, I recommend a combination of matte gray tones or anthracite with aged metal handles. Here is a possible procedure:
- Carefully sand the furniture pieces with sandpaper (grit 120 to 180), especially along the edges, to slightly roughen the surface.
- For a durable finish, use a special wood primer as a base coat, which works well with synthetic resin paint or acrylic lacquer.
- Then apply several thin layers of matte paint, sanding lightly between each layer with fine sandpaper (grit 240).
- Finally, metal accessories can be attached, or even custom-bent steel plates fixed to the furniture pieces – though this is somewhat more labor-intensive.
I specifically recommend using old screws from a hardware store for the handles, which can be slightly blued or treated with rust-effect paint.
Could you please provide some information about the size and intended use of the furniture piece? This helps with selecting the appropriate materials and techniques.
- Carefully sand the furniture pieces with sandpaper (grit 120 to 180), especially along the edges, to slightly roughen the surface.
- For a durable finish, use a special wood primer as a base coat, which works well with synthetic resin paint or acrylic lacquer.
- Then apply several thin layers of matte paint, sanding lightly between each layer with fine sandpaper (grit 240).
- Finally, metal accessories can be attached, or even custom-bent steel plates fixed to the furniture pieces – though this is somewhat more labor-intensive.
I specifically recommend using old screws from a hardware store for the handles, which can be slightly blued or treated with rust-effect paint.
Could you please provide some information about the size and intended use of the furniture piece? This helps with selecting the appropriate materials and techniques.
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Burkhard3617 Apr 2016 09:42Thank you for your detailed post, TUELBA!
It is the classic Hemnes 3-door wardrobe (about 16 years old) placed in a bedroom. I want to preserve it as a wardrobe with an attractive yet durable surface, since it is used very frequently. Additional features like new handles or small functional elements could help make daily use easier without compromising the style.
I don’t have professional tools, so I work with sandpaper, a brush, and a roller by hand. Also, I prioritize materials with low odor because it is in the bedroom.
TUELBA schrieb:
Could you provide more information about the size and intended use of the piece of furniture?
It is the classic Hemnes 3-door wardrobe (about 16 years old) placed in a bedroom. I want to preserve it as a wardrobe with an attractive yet durable surface, since it is used very frequently. Additional features like new handles or small functional elements could help make daily use easier without compromising the style.
I don’t have professional tools, so I work with sandpaper, a brush, and a roller by hand. Also, I prioritize materials with low odor because it is in the bedroom.
To upcycle the Hemnes 3-door unit for everyday use with an industrial style, I recommend using high-quality, water-based acrylic paints with a matte finish. These provide good abrasion resistance while having low odor.
For surface preparation, an intermediate sanding is important. You can start with 180 grit and finish with 240 grit for a fine surface. A good primer is essential for paint adhesion. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, especially those designed for laminate or painted MDF surfaces.
Metal handles should be rust-resistant or intentionally patinated—brushed steel or brushed aluminum offer long-lasting durability.
Since this involves frequent use, I suggest a final coat with a matte, durable clear lacquer sealant, which should also be water-based.
Regarding functionality: Installing interior dividers or clothes rails can be done using standard Ikea extensions to increase convenience.
For surface preparation, an intermediate sanding is important. You can start with 180 grit and finish with 240 grit for a fine surface. A good primer is essential for paint adhesion. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, especially those designed for laminate or painted MDF surfaces.
Metal handles should be rust-resistant or intentionally patinated—brushed steel or brushed aluminum offer long-lasting durability.
Since this involves frequent use, I suggest a final coat with a matte, durable clear lacquer sealant, which should also be water-based.
Regarding functionality: Installing interior dividers or clothes rails can be done using standard Ikea extensions to increase convenience.
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