ᐅ How can I repaint or refinish Malm furniture to change its color?

Hello everyone, I am currently considering how to change the color of my IKEA Malm furniture without affecting its stability or functionality. The surface is usually veneered or laminate-coated, which can make direct painting more difficult. What are the best preparation methods for a durable paint application? Are there any specific primers or paints you would recommend, especially if you want to completely change the furniture’s color? Which techniques have proven effective for achieving an even, long-lasting result? I look forward to your tips and experiences!

It is best to lightly sand the surface to improve paint adhesion. Then, apply a primer specifically designed for smooth surfaces. After that, you can paint with acrylic paint or wood lacquer in the desired color.

Hello dakla, I can go into quite a bit of detail because I recently refinished some Malm dressers myself. The most important thing is preparation: the surface of Malm furniture is usually coated with a melamine resin, which is very smooth and hardly accepts paint. Therefore, I recommend lightly sanding the surface first with fine sandpaper (grit 220 to 320) – this is enough to improve the adhesion of the primer. Be sure to thoroughly remove any dust residues afterwards, for example with a cloth and some alcohol.

Evamo schrieb:
It’s best to lightly sand the surface to help the paint adhere better.

Exactly, that is the first and most important step. After that, a bonding primer designed specifically for plastics or laminate surfaces should be applied. I’ve had very good experiences with bonding primer sprays, which are easier to apply than with a roller and cleaner than a brush.

Afterwards, you can use either wood paint or acrylic paint, depending on how much wear the surface will be subjected to. Spray paint gives a particularly even finish, but with some practice you can also use paint and a brush.

One more question: Do you plan to use the furniture for heavy-duty purposes later on, for example as a wardrobe or drawers? This affects the choice of paint and final sealant.

Johnathon schrieb:
One more question: Will the furniture be heavily used later on, for example as a wardrobe or drawers?

Yes, these are mainly dressers with drawers that will be used daily. I want the finish to be protected against scratches and to avoid unsightly wear marks after a short period. Are there any specific sealants or coatings that you would recommend?

For high wear resistance, I recommend a matte or satin-finish 2-component PU sealant, which is often used in furniture manufacturing. It is very durable and resistant to scratches and abrasion. It is important that all paint layers are thoroughly dried and sanded beforehand to ensure optimal adhesion of the sealant. Pay attention to the correct mixing ratio for 2-component paints, as incorrect ratios can negatively affect durability.

Alternatively, you can use acrylic paint with a clear coat as a finish. Although it is not as durable as two-component (2K) paint, it is easier to apply and provides good scratch resistance when applied in multiple solid layers.