Hello everyone, I own several IKEA Malm furniture pieces that I actually like in terms of design, but I would like to enhance their color to make them more individual and modern. I am thinking about paint, lacquer, or maybe some decorations. My specific question is: How can I update the color of Malm furniture, which materials and techniques work well, and what should I keep in mind to ensure the result looks good long-term while keeping the furniture functional? I look forward to tips, experiences, or creative ideas!
I’m happy to add a simple step-by-step approach:
1. Thoroughly clean the furniture to remove any grease and dust.
2. Lightly sand the surface with 220-grit sandpaper—just enough to roughen it, without damaging the material.
3. Remove the sanding dust very thoroughly.
4. Apply a suitable primer, especially designed for coated surfaces.
5. After drying, apply a thin and even coat of acrylic or furniture paint by brush or spray, preferably in several thin layers.
6. Optional: Apply a clear varnish for a protective layer, especially if the furniture will be subject to heavy use.
Common mistakes include painting over the surface without primer and applying paint too thickly, which can lead to uneven finishes and peeling. Also, make sure each layer is fully dry before applying the next one.
1. Thoroughly clean the furniture to remove any grease and dust.
2. Lightly sand the surface with 220-grit sandpaper—just enough to roughen it, without damaging the material.
3. Remove the sanding dust very thoroughly.
4. Apply a suitable primer, especially designed for coated surfaces.
5. After drying, apply a thin and even coat of acrylic or furniture paint by brush or spray, preferably in several thin layers.
6. Optional: Apply a clear varnish for a protective layer, especially if the furniture will be subject to heavy use.
Common mistakes include painting over the surface without primer and applying paint too thickly, which can lead to uneven finishes and peeling. Also, make sure each layer is fully dry before applying the next one.
What I personally really like is the combination of paint with small decorative elements like self-adhesive films or even wallpaper inside drawers as an accent. 🙂 It creates a nice surprise when you open them and is easy to do without having to experiment with paint permanently. I did this myself, and it’s really fun because it adds a little highlight. I think especially for people who are undecided, this can be a cool addition.
Interesting how everyone is so careful when it comes to sanding. I believe that if you’re not afraid of changes, you can sand a Malm dresser down to the raw material and then repaint it. Yes, it takes more work, but the result is much more durable and elegant—almost like a new piece of furniture.
I agree with that. In my opinion, however, being overly cautious is often unnecessary if you prepare properly. Although the IKEA material is not real wood, with good tools you can achieve excellent results.
nera59 schrieb:
Typical mistakes are painting without primer and applying the paint too thickly
I agree with that. In my opinion, however, being overly cautious is often unnecessary if you prepare properly. Although the IKEA material is not real wood, with good tools you can achieve excellent results.
I understand that some people prefer to work thoroughly and expose new material. Sometimes it feels like a ritual to truly ‘recreate’ the furniture. However, personally, with my first Malm project, I only did light sanding, priming, and then painting, and I was surprised at how good the result turned out. Sometimes it’s better not to aim too high and simply enjoy small progress. 🙂
Both approaches are valid. Depending on the goal and time available, you can choose to work minimally invasively or to fully renovate. It is important not to underestimate the material properties: Malm is MDF with a melamine coating, so paint will only adhere poorly without preparation. Proper priming and sanding are almost always necessary. For a perfect finish, it is also recommended to mask off the edges, as paint tends to chip more easily there due to mechanical stress.
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