ᐅ Are there any quick DIY tips for IKEA HEMNES furniture?

Created on: 19 Oct 2022 08:37
S
sangla
Hello everyone,

I am currently considering upgrading some of my IKEA Hemnes furniture without undertaking complex or expensive renovations. Therefore, my question is: Are there any quick DIY tips for IKEA Hemnes furniture that can improve its appearance or functionality with minimal effort and no special tools?

I am especially interested in practical methods that can be implemented quickly to refresh the surface, conceal minor damage, or customize the furniture.

I look forward to your experiences, suggestions, and perhaps some special tricks you have already tried!
J
Joe52
19 Oct 2022 15:44
I can understand well how, especially with furniture like Hemnes, the desire for change can arise – basically, I use it too because it’s practical and sturdy, but over time it can look a bit dull.

A few months ago, I also started learning such tips step by step. My small tip, especially for refreshing the color, is: test your paint on an inconspicuous spot first. This way, you feel more confident about the result afterward and avoid frustration.

Also, I wouldn’t hesitate to treat minor flaws with so-called “wood repair kits.” They deliver good results and are quick to apply.

I completely understand your wish to improve the furniture quickly and purposefully. You don’t need to overwhelm yourself and it’s better to start with small steps. I wish you much enjoyment trying things out and am happy to help if you get stuck with any particular tip.
K
kibutar
20 Oct 2022 07:28
Joe52 schrieb:
Test your paint first on an inconspicuous spot.

This is a very important point, especially if you want to change the typical stained surface of HEMNES furniture.

For better paint durability, I also recommend the following:

- After sanding and priming, always sand between each coat of paint with very fine sandpaper (400 grit).
- Use water-based paints specifically designed for wood that remain flexible. They prevent cracking or chipping of the paint layers.
- The paints used should be breathable to avoid trapping moisture, which can cause blistering.

If you like, I can also provide you with a detailed step-by-step guide tailored to the different HEMNES finishes. There are notable differences, especially with dressers and cabinets, that should be considered when painting.
E
Espen
20 Oct 2022 09:55
In brief:

- Furniture oil for quick refresh
- Wax stick for minor scratches
- Light sanding + priming + painting for color coating

Use foil only on smooth, grease-free surfaces.

That’s all you need to make HEMNES look neat and attractive.
K
KARJU
20 Oct 2022 11:30
To complement the previous suggestions, here is a precise tip regarding surface treatment:

If the HEMNES furniture is white-stained, using a matte water-based acrylic lacquer will achieve the best results in terms of durability and natural appearance. These lacquers are also low in odor and dry quickly.

When applying, it is advisable to work in several thin layers, allowing each to dry thoroughly. This prevents uneven color application or surface irregularities.

Additionally, the primer should match the final paint color exactly to ensure good adhesion. Cleaning and lightly sanding before priming will significantly increase durability.

For those who prefer films: using a hard adhesive tape on the edges improves longevity.
W
Wesley
21 Oct 2022 08:07
Hello everyone,

I’d like to share a quick DIY tip that really helped me upgrade my HEMNES shelves:

- Simply wrap the plain handles with colorful fabric strips or leather bands. It looks stylish and personal, costs almost nothing, and if you get tired of it, you can just remove the bands.

- Want some color but don’t want to sand? Try waterproof spray paint designed for furniture – but test it first! It’s super quick, and the surface stays grippy.

I particularly liked this little workaround because you can do it in about 10 minutes with no prior experience needed. It makes the HEMNES look much cooler without much effort.

Have fun trying it out!