ᐅ After repainting, the surface of the KALLAX is rougher than before – any solutions?

Hello everyone,

I recently repainted the shelves of my KALLAX unit because the surface was heavily worn and slightly damaged. Before, the surface was fairly smooth and had a slight gloss, but after painting, it feels noticeably rougher, almost a bit grainy. This not only affects the tactile sensation but also doesn’t look as good visually.

I used a paint based on wood and plastic, which is supposedly suitable for furniture. The surface was lightly sanded and thoroughly dusted beforehand.

Does anyone have experience with similar issues after repainting KALLAX shelves? Are there ways to make the surface smoother again or specific products that work better?

Thanks in advance for your help!

kendrick50 schrieb:
Previously, the surface was rather smooth and slightly glossy, but now after painting, it feels noticeably rougher, almost slightly grainy.

Oh yes, I know this phenomenon! 😊 It often occurs when the paint has been applied too thickly or unevenly. Perhaps the surface dried imperfectly or the paint wasn’t ideal for the specific surface texture of KALLAX.

One tip: If the coating hasn’t fully cured yet, you can gently sand the surface with very fine sandpaper (e.g., grit 400 or higher) and then apply a thin additional layer. This should help restore a smoother and softer finish.

Sometimes it just takes a bit of patience for the paint layer to harden completely. In that case, all you can do is wait and maybe try polishing later. 🙂

Samuel schrieb:
If the layer is not completely cured yet, you can gently sand the surface with very fine sandpaper (e.g., grit 400 or higher).

This is indeed a proven method to smooth a rough or uneven surface after painting. Important points are:

1. The paint layer must be completely dry, ideally fully cured, which can take days to weeks depending on the product.
2. Use high-grit sandpaper (at least 400 grit) to avoid scratching the surface.
3. After sanding, a further thin coat of paint should be applied to seal the surface.

Alternatively, the roughening might be caused by using the wrong type of paint. For KALLAX shelves, which are often made of melamine or laminated boards, a paint specifically designed for plastic or melamine surfaces is recommended. These are usually more flexible and prevent roughening.

Please also make sure that the surface is thoroughly cleaned and well sanded before painting to ensure good adhesion.

I would like to share a brief guide on how to approach refinishing many types of furniture like KALLAX to specifically avoid the issue of a rough surface after repainting:

1. Cleaning: First, thoroughly clean matte surfaces with alcohol or a mild cleaner to remove grease and dust.

2. Sanding: Lightly roughen the surface evenly using 240-grit sandpaper (approx. 240 grit), without sanding it down completely. Then remove all dust.

3. Priming: If no primer is already applied, apply a thin layer of bonding primer – for KALLAX, it’s important that the primer can adhere to melamine/plastic surfaces.

4. Paint selection: Acrylic or 2-component polyurethane (2K PU) paints have proven effective for KALLAX, as they dry flexibly and are less likely to form cracks or roughness quickly.

5. Application: After priming, apply thin layers using a good-quality brush or foam roller – layers that are too thick can clump and cause a rough surface.

6. Intermediate sanding: Lightly sand with 400-grit sandpaper after each coat.

7. Final sealing: Optionally, apply a decorative or clear lacquer layer to achieve a smooth and durable finish.

If a rough surface appears after repainting, you can carefully sand it and then apply another thin coat. If this does not help, the cause may be the wrong paint product or a layer that was not fully dry.

I hope this is helpful!

You can lightly sand the surface with fine sandpaper (400 grit or finer), then seal it again with a thin layer of varnish. This will make it smooth.

Also, make sure that the varnish is compatible with melamine or plastic.

giabau schrieb:
For KALLAX, acrylic or two-component polyurethane (2K PU) paints have proven effective because they dry with flexibility and are less prone to cracking or roughness.

That is correct. Additionally, I would like to point out that using the wrong type of paint, especially wood paints on melamine surfaces, can lead to poor adhesion and an uneven surface.

If you have already used a paint not suitable for melamine, you can improve adhesion by first applying a high-quality primer, then applying a thin topcoat.

When sanding, make sure to remove all sanding dust completely, ideally with a slightly damp cloth, before applying the next layer.

If a smooth surface is desired permanently, a fine furniture polish can be applied at the end to further smooth and protect the surface.