ᐅ Experiences with Furniture Paint on KALLAX After Scratches from Keys

Hello everyone,

I have a KALLAX shelving unit from IKEA at home and wanted to ask if anyone has experience with furniture lacquer to fix scratches caused by keys or other objects on the surface.

Specifically, I’m interested in how well the surface can be restored to a smooth and color-consistent finish after treatment with furniture lacquer, without the repair being immediately noticeable.

Which products would you recommend? Are there certain techniques you think work better than simply repainting?

Also, how durable is such a lacquer in everyday use on frequently used furniture like the KALLAX?

I look forward to your tips and experiences, including whether the effort is really worth it or if other repair methods might be better.

Hello mujedi,

I had a similar problem with a KALLAX, where some scratches appeared on the white coating caused by keys.

1. Preparation is key: Roughen all loose paint residues and very gently sand the surface with fine sandpaper (grit 400-600) to create some texture. Be very careful, or it will become patchy.

2. Use a high-quality acrylic paint designed specifically for furniture with smooth surfaces. Many options can be found at hardware stores under terms like "high-gloss furniture paint" or "synthetic resin paint."

3. When applying, it’s best to use several thin layers with adequate drying time between each, following the product instructions. A narrow brush or a fine paint roller can help achieve a smooth finish.

4. After drying, sand very finely again (grit 1000) and polish to blend the repaired area seamlessly.

A tip: Try this method first on an inconspicuous spot. Furniture paint generally lasts well, but under heavy use, it can become vulnerable again over time. Still, this usually gives you several years of protection.

Summary: Sand, paint in thin layers, sand between layers, polish. That’s how I achieved good results.

I would recommend using a special furniture touch-up pen. This allows you to repair small scratches very precisely. Make sure to clean and dry the surface beforehand.

Hey mujedi,

KALLAX scratches? I've had those too! 🙂 What I did first—and this is really important—don’t panic. 🙂
I simply smoothed the surface with fine sandpaper, then applied this furniture lacquer from the hardware store – that helped a lot!

The best part: the surface now shines almost like new!

So just go for it, it’ll work out! 🙂

The quality of the furniture paint used is crucial. It must be a paint specifically designed for coated furniture surfaces and compatible with the color of the KALLAX (usually white or black-brown). Cheap paints tend to lack long-lasting protection and may yellow or peel over time.

Additionally, proper preparation is essential: dust-free, lightly sanded surfaces provide the best adhesion for the paint.

For those who want a truly durable result, applying an additional sealing layer (e.g., clear coat) at the end should be considered.

Hello mujedi,

I have had good experiences with so-called touch-up pens designed specifically for furniture when dealing with small scratches on KALLAX. Although this isn’t a “paint solution” in the traditional sense, it is very effective and visually appealing for surface-level scratches.

For larger damages, I have tried spray paint suitable for both plastic and wood. However, the result is often less smooth than the original finish, and the difference is somewhat noticeable.

My advice: If you don’t have professional painting tools, it’s better to invest in small repair kits, which are often available in furniture stores.