ᐅ Has anyone ever painted KALLAX furniture before? How did it go?

Hello everyone, I’m considering painting my IKEA KALLAX shelving unit to give it a more personalized look. Has anyone had experience with this? I’m especially interested in how the material behaves when painted, what preparation is necessary (sanding, primer, etc.), and which type of paint is recommended to ensure the surface remains durable. It would also be great if you could share any mistakes or special tips from your own experience that should be avoided or kept in mind. Thanks in advance for your insights!

luziadu schrieb:
I’m especially interested in how the material behaves when painted, what preparation is needed (sanding, priming, etc.), and which type of paint is recommended to ensure the surface remains really durable.

The KALLAX shelf is usually made of coated particleboard, which doesn’t easily absorb paint. Proper sanding is really important—ideally with fine sandpaper (grit 180-220)—to roughen the surface and help the paint adhere. After that, I would recommend a good bonding primer—polymer- or acrylic-based primers work well.

Regarding the paint itself: a two-component (2K) paint or a special furniture paint or acrylic-nitro-based lacquer provides long-lasting results. Water-based paint is also possible, but it usually requires several coats and is less durable.

Here’s a tip: using a spray gun gives the best finish, but rollers or brushes also work if applied carefully. Patience is key—make sure each coat is fully dry before applying the next. To make the surface truly resilient, you can apply a clear protective topcoat afterward.

If you have more questions, feel free to ask! 🙂

I also painted my KALLAX. Important: Always sand first, otherwise the paint won’t adhere. Don’t forget the primer! I used acrylic paint, which has been holding up well for months. The surface feels smooth and is easy to maintain.

lubla schrieb:
Don’t forget the primer! I used acrylic paint, and it has held up well for months.

Of course, primer is basically the bodyguard for your paint; without it, things usually go wrong. 🙂

I once painted a KALLAX for a small project – first I sanded it thoroughly, then painted it with exterior wall paint (yes, it sounds odd!) because I wanted the great color variety. It wasn’t perfect since the paint was a bit thicker and not specifically made for furniture wood, but for the price and the result, it was good enough.

Important: Always apply several thin coats for a smooth, even finish. And definitely allow enough drying time – patience pays off!

Oh, and for those who like it colorful: tinting paints to mix your own shade can work wonders, giving you a personalized hue.

GiRoyce schrieb:
Using a spray gun gives you the best finish

I agree with that. For a KALLAX shelf, I also recommend using spraying techniques, especially if you want an exceptionally smooth finish. Even for DIY quality, good compressor sets or electric spray devices are now available that make application much easier. Another important point: sanding between coats is crucial, preferably with a fine sanding fleece.

Regarding the material: KALLAX is made of melamine resin-coated particleboard. Without sanding and priming, no paint will adhere well because the surface is very dense.

Finally, a tip for the environment: choose low-emission and solvent-free products—this is not only healthier but also more pleasant to work with.

luziadu schrieb:
Has anyone here had any experience with this?

A few months ago, I painted a KALLAX – just lightly sanding it isn’t enough; you need to be thorough. I started by roughening the surface with coarse sandpaper, then applied several layers of primer, and finally finished with acrylic paint. The coating has held up surprisingly well, even though the shelf is used frequently. It’s important to apply the paint in well-ventilated areas and allow each layer to dry completely. Applying a clear sealant afterwards will also help extend the lifespan of the finish.