ᐅ Has anyone ever painted the Kallax?

Hello everyone,
I am considering buying a Kallax shelving unit from IKEA and painting it myself. Has anyone here had experience with painting or refinishing a Kallax unit on their own? I am especially interested in the preparation process (sanding, priming), which type of paint works best, and how to make the surface durable after painting. Are there any special tips or precautions to ensure the result not only looks good but also lasts a long time? I would appreciate any advice or personal experiences!

Hi Bauju! I have painted my Kallax twice already – once with chalk paint and once with acrylic paint. Sanding the surface well is really important for the paint to adhere properly. Also, it’s best to use a matte finish paint, as glossy finishes often show streaks later on. 🙂 And be patient while drying – two coats are a must! Have fun!

Sanding, priming, then two coats of acrylic paint. Don’t forget to sand lightly between coats.

I can easily understand your concerns about durability – especially for furniture that gets a lot of use, this is important. I painted my Kallax in the kids' room and at first, I was worried that the paint would chip. That was probably due to insufficient sanding and a too thin initial coat of primer. Since then, I take more time, and sanding between coats really helps a lot!

Hello Bauju,

Regarding your question: The Kallax shelf has a melamine resin-coated surface, so painting it without preparation is difficult. I strongly recommend sanding the surface well first, for example with 180-grit sandpaper, to help the paint adhere better. After that, use a suitable primer for plastics or smooth surfaces. Acrylic or water-based acrylic paints are a good choice because they have low odor and are easy to work with. Also, keep in mind to apply several thin coats and allow each to dry thoroughly. For protection, you can apply a matte clear coat after drying, which noticeably increases durability. If you have any questions about the exact procedure, feel free to ask.

That's great that you want to paint your Kallax! 🙂 I sprayed mine about six months ago – way easier than I expected! The important thing is to do it outside or in a well-ventilated area. If you use spray paint, make sure to shake the can well and spray from a distance of about 20cm (8 inches). The result is super smooth and really durable!