ᐅ How can I cover Ikea BESTA units with glossy or matte vinyl wraps?

Hello everyone, I want to redesign my Ikea Besta furniture and am considering covering it with glossy or matte vinyl wraps. My specific question is: How can I best apply such vinyl to an Ikea BESTA so that it adheres well, doesn’t form bubbles, and remains durable? Are there any special surface preparations, tips for choosing the right vinyl, or application techniques that I should definitely keep in mind? Also, what are the differences in working with glossy versus matte vinyl? I appreciate any advice, as I want to execute the project as cleanly as possible.

First, thoroughly clean and degrease the surface. Then, slowly apply the film, smoothing it out from the center towards the edges with a squeegee to avoid bubbles. Matte and glossy films differ only in their finish; the application process is similar.

It is best to sand or lightly roughen the edges beforehand to ensure better adhesion of the membrane. With glossy membranes, caution is advised: fingerprints are more visible, so you need to work carefully.

I would add: Most films adhere best to smooth, clean surfaces. Therefore, you should clean the surface with a mild alcohol-based cleaner. Also, applying the film at higher temperatures (around 20-25°C (68-77°F)) usually works much better. If you are covering a large area, it is worthwhile to cut the film to size beforehand. For glossy films, note that they reflect more, so small bubbles or unevenness are more noticeable than with matte films. In this case, extra care when pressing down is recommended. Matte films are more forgiving and tend to show fewer fingerprints and dust.

JAPLO schrieb:
For glossy films: they reflect more, so small bubbles or imperfections are more noticeable than with matte films.

That’s really a great tip! I once decorated a shelf with matte film and found it very relaxing because you couldn’t see every tiny speck in the reflection. 😊

It’s also important to cut the film carefully and avoid stretching it. Otherwise, you’ll get unsightly waves. If you have a hairdryer and a squeegee on hand, you can work on the edges a bit, which helps the whole thing last longer and look better.

Let's set aside the whole cascade of adhesives, films, and tapes and ask honestly: Is this really necessary? BESTA is quite simple and minimalist – the matte finish alone is actually quite eye-catching. The idea of covering it with films sounds more like a quick fashion trend than a sustainable solution. But well, if someone needs it.

Regarding applying film: If you really decide to go for it, look for a self-adhesive film with air channels. This helps you push out bubbles more easily – especially important on glossy surfaces. By the way, matte films hide scratches better over time, are less prone to fingerprints and aging. Still, adhesive films do age, peel off, and sometimes lift at the edges.