ᐅ After Painting, the KALLAX Has the Wrong Gloss Level – What Can Be Done?
Created on: 6 Jan 2021 09:13
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Zikmund51
After painting my IKEA KALLAX shelf, I had an issue with the surface sheen – I wanted to achieve a matte to satin finish, but somehow the result always looks either too glossy or too dull, depending on which clear coat I use. I have also tried different types of varnish, from polyurethane to acrylic lacquer, but none really match the desired sheen. My question to you is: How can I achieve a consistent, suitable sheen on my painted KALLAX shelf? Are there any specific tips or types of varnish that work particularly well? And what should I generally pay attention to during surface preparation and application to control and reproduce the desired sheen? I sanded the shelf thoroughly beforehand and made sure the surface was dust-free. Thanks in advance for your help!
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Zikmund516 Jan 2021 11:43danial60 schrieb:
Ask if you know exactly which paints you used, that could help!Thank you for the detailed response! So far, I have used a water-based acrylic paint with a satin finish and also tried a glossy polyurethane clear coat. I did not apply a primer, as the product description stated that the paint was suitable for MDF/particleboard. Maybe that point is actually important?
Also, the first coat was very thin, and the second one a bit thicker. I lightly sanded between coats with 400-grit sandpaper. By now, I am a bit uncertain about the drying times and whether sanding between coats dulls the surface and thus affects the gloss level.
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Genevieve6 Jan 2021 12:10Zikmund51 schrieb:
Maybe this point will really help?This is exactly one aspect I would question: The claim that the paint is suitable for direct application on MDF/particleboard does not necessarily mean that a uniform gloss will be achieved. There are certainly quality differences, and the surface texture can be improved with a primer or adhesion promoter.
Additionally: How do you define "satin" finish? Manufacturer specifications often vary, and gloss levels are not uniformly classified. Do you feel fully informed about the exact gloss level (e.g., 30–40 GU)?
The paint should be checked according to its technical data sheets, especially regarding surface properties and drying time.
In short: It is worthwhile to work systematically with tested materials, not just rely on manufacturer descriptions.
Zikmund51 schrieb:
I didn’t apply a primer because the product description said the paint was suitable for MDF/particle boards.This is a common misunderstanding. Just because a paint is marketed as “suitable for MDF/particle boards” doesn’t mean it provides the best adhesion without a primer. Especially on melamine or very smooth surfaces, a primer significantly improves adhesion and results in a more even finish with controlled gloss.
danial60 schrieb:
Lightly sand in between coats with 400–600 grit.This is very important. Over-sanding can dull the surface and drastically reduce the gloss level. I recommend checking the result after each intermediate sanding to avoid removing too much.
Regarding the paint application: try using a spray gun or spray can if possible. Brushes tend to leave streaks or uneven gloss levels.
Good luck!
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