ᐅ How can I easily paint IKEA PAX doors myself?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to paint the doors of my IKEA PAX wardrobe myself because I want to change the color and improve the surface a bit. It is important to me that the result is "easy" to achieve – meaning without complicated professional equipment or advanced technical skills.

My specific questions are:
- What preparation work is really necessary for the PAX doors (e.g., sanding, priming)?
- Which types of paint are best suited for the relatively smooth surface?
- Are there practical tips to achieve an even finish, even without a spray gun?
- Is regular painting with a brush or roller enough, or is it better to use special equipment?

I would appreciate any experiences and recommendations, ideally from people who have worked on these kinds of doors themselves.

Thank you for your help!

Hello babo8,

I understand that you’re looking for the easiest way to paint your PAX doors. The most important thing is to properly prepare the surface.

- Sanding: The doors usually have a very smooth surface, often with a melamine or foil coating. Because of this, paint won’t adhere well without preparation. Lightly sanding with fine sandpaper (grit 220–320) or using a random orbital sander creates a better surface for the paint to stick to.
- After sanding, be sure to remove all dust thoroughly!

For the paint, I recommend using acrylic or two-component polyurethane paints. These are relatively easy to apply and durable.

You don’t necessarily need a spray gun; a fine foam roller or a good quality paintbrush can achieve very good results, especially if you apply even strokes and thin layers.

A tip: You can also use a primer before painting to improve adhesion.

Patience is key, with several thin layers instead of one thick one. This helps avoid drips and results in a smooth finish.

If you have any further questions, I’m happy to help!

I mostly agree with VINKU but would like to add the following:

- For melamine-based surfaces (usually on PAX doors), it is essential to apply a good primer first; this makes a significant difference.
- If you are only rolling the paint, I recommend using a fine foam roller instead of a traditional textured roller to keep the surface as smooth as possible.
- After sanding, you can also clean the surface with a degreaser (e.g., isopropanol) to improve paint adhesion.

By the way, are you painting in a well-ventilated area? Some paints have strong odors and require good air circulation as well as optimal temperatures (at least 18°C (64°F)).

I recently painted my PAX doors myself with a two-component (2K) paint, and it worked really well with a brush and roller, as long as you are patient and allow sufficient drying time between coats.

VINKU schrieb:
A fine sanding (grit 220–320) with sandpaper or an orbital sander provides a better adhesive surface.

This is the crucial point – a smooth, sealed surface definitely requires this intermediate step. Without a slightly roughened surface, the paint will not adhere permanently.

Matthewt48 schrieb:
After sanding, you can also clean the surface with a degreaser (e.g., isopropanol) to improve paint adhesion even further.

Cleaning is indeed a frequently underestimated step.

Here is a structured suggestion:

- Remove doors and take off handles
- Sand with 220 to 320 grit sandpaper, gently and evenly
- Thoroughly remove dust from the surface
- Wipe down with an appropriate degreaser
- Apply 1 to 2 coats of polyurethane-based primer
- Apply paint in thin layers (acrylic or 2-component polyurethane paint)
- Lightly sand between coats with very fine sandpaper, up to 400 or 600 grit
- Allow the final coat to dry thoroughly

This process should help you achieve a durable and attractive finish.

One more tip for painting: if available, use a paint stick or edge to remove excess paint; this helps create smooth surfaces when using brushes or rollers.

Short and to the point:
- Sand with 320-grit
- Clean (degreaser)
- Use a primer
- Apply the paint thinly in several coats
- Paint with a fine roller or brush

That's enough. You don't need a spray gun.

Additionally, I would like to discuss the types of paint that work best for PAX doors:

- Acrylic paints: Water-based, low odor, and well suited for indoor use. While not quite as durable as 2K paints, they are easier for beginners to apply.
- 2K polyurethane paints: Offer significantly higher scratch and impact resistance but are somewhat more demanding to apply and have a stronger smell.

Both products are available in matte, satin, or glossy finishes, depending on the desired effect.

As a general rule, I recommend applying paint in well-ventilated rooms with low humidity and temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit).

If you prefer not to use a spray gun, fine foam rollers are recommended for large surfaces, and high-quality paintbrushes for edges and corners.

Another important tip: Avoid brushes with animal hair, as they can shed fibers that worsen the finish.

If using brushes or rollers, be sure to apply several thin coats and follow the manufacturer’s drying times carefully.

To summarize:
- Sand and prepare the surface for adhesion
- Apply a suitable primer
- Use appropriate paint (acrylic or 2K)
- Apply thin, even, multiple coats
- Use good tools (foam roller + brush)
- Be patient with drying times

Following these steps should result in a long-lasting, satisfactory finish.