ᐅ Is it possible to paint or modify the Brimnes from Ikea yourself?

Hello everyone,

I have a question that may have been asked before, but I would like to explain it in detail to get as specific advice as possible:

Can I paint or modify the IKEA Brimnes furniture piece (especially the wardrobe) myself without compromising its stability or appearance? I am particularly interested in whether there could be issues with the surface coating or if I need to sand, prime, etc., beforehand. Also, I wonder if there are common mistakes with this model that I should watch out for when altering it myself.

I have some DIY experience but I am not a professional in furniture making or painting. Who has concrete experience or recommendations?

Thank you in advance!

Yes, you can paint the Brimnes furniture yourself.

It is important to sand it thoroughly beforehand to ensure the paint adheres properly. Priming is also recommended to achieve an even finish.

Be careful not to sand the edges too much, as this can compromise stability.
After painting, allow it to dry completely.

SETHBLA schrieb:
Yes, you can paint the Brimnes furniture yourself.

That is basically correct. Additionally, I would like to point out that the Brimnes furniture is usually made of particleboard with a thin melamine or foil coating. This surface is very smooth and generally difficult to work with.

Sanding is therefore useful not only to remove the old finish but especially to roughen the surface so the new paint adheres well. Use fine sandpaper (grit 220 or finer).

A primer specifically designed for smooth surfaces is also highly recommended. This prevents the paint from peeling off later.

Regarding stability, you should avoid excessive mechanical adjustments to the furniture, such as unnecessary tightening or loosening of screws or joints. It is best to limit any work to the surface.

If you keep this in mind, the result will be durable and clean.

karen schrieb:
I'm mainly interested in whether there could be issues with the surface sealing or if I need to sand, prime, etc. beforehand.

Hey Karen, honestly: Without sanding, Brimnes furniture barely works! The surface is very smooth, so applying paint without preparation doesn’t hold well.

I once had a small shelf with that kind of laminate, painted it directly, and after a few weeks, the paint started chipping. It was really annoying at times.

My advice: Sand first, then apply an adhesion primer, and only then start painting. If you want, finish with a clear coat. That lasts much longer and makes the furniture much more durable.

So yes, you can totally take on your Brimnes project yourself — just do it like a pro, even if you’re not one 😉