ᐅ How can I paint Ikea Hemnes furniture myself without ending up with poor results?

Good morning everyone, I am currently planning to paint my Ikea Hemnes furniture myself and am looking for well-structured methods to achieve a truly good result. Since the surface of the Hemnes series usually consists of lacquered or veneered wood, I am especially wondering which preparation steps are absolutely necessary to achieve a durable and smooth finish without unsightly spots or peeling. I am also interested in tips on the proper sanding technique and how to choose the right type of paint – whether acrylic, polyurethane, or acrylic enamel, which makes the most sense here? Additionally, I would like to know how to avoid typical beginner mistakes and whether spray application or brush/foam roller is better suited. Has anyone had experience with painting Ikea Hemnes furniture themselves that they could share? I would appreciate detailed advice on the workflow, material selection, and final treatment to ensure I am not disappointed and that the result looks as professional as possible.

sinfu schrieb:
Since the surface of the Hemnes series is mostly made of lacquered or veneered wood, I am mainly wondering which preparation steps are absolutely necessary to achieve a durable and smooth finish without unsightly spots or peeling.

Hey, great question! I would definitely start with thorough sanding—use fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit or finer) to lightly roughen the old surface so the new coat adheres well. Very important: after sanding, remove all dust completely, preferably with a damp cloth or a dusting brush.

About the paint: I’ve had excellent experiences with acrylic paints—they are easy to apply, low in odor, and dry relatively quickly. Really great for furniture! Spraying looks fantastic but requires equipment and some practice. For a simpler method, use a brush or a good foam roller—avoid stiff bristles, as that can cause unevenness.

Common mistakes to avoid:
- Applying too thick a coat, which leads to dripping and running paint.
- Not allowing enough drying time between coats.
- Neglecting preparation—without proper adhesion, the finish will chip later.

My advice: better to apply several thin coats than one thick one. Patience pays off! Keep at it, and you’ll be surprised by the result. Good luck, and feel free to share how it goes! 🙂

sinfu schrieb:
I’m also interested in tips for proper sanding and choosing the right type of paint – whether acrylic, PU, or acrylic-based paint, what makes sense here?

Preparation is crucial for achieving a good finish and durable coating on Hemnes furniture. First, gently sand the furniture surface with sandpaper grit between 180 and 220 to roughen the existing paint layer. It is important not to use too coarse grit to avoid damaging the veneer. Then, thoroughly remove all dust.

Regarding the paint: acrylic paints are usually the best choice for DIYers because they have low odor and provide a good base for adhesion. PU paints (polyurethane) are tougher and more durable but can be more difficult to apply and contain stronger solvents. For Hemnes furniture, a high-quality acrylic paint with a matte or satin finish would be ideal.

For application, a fine paint roller or a high-quality brush is recommended; with experience, a spray gun can also be used. Between each paint layer, allow sufficient drying time and lightly sand with grit 320 to ensure a smooth surface.

Avoid applying thick coats or changing colors suddenly to prevent runs or blotches. Also, keep the temperature and humidity moderate during painting (between 18 and 22°C (64 and 72°F)) to ensure optimal drying conditions.

If you have questions about specific steps or experiences, I’m happy to help.

retau schrieb:
Really great for furniture! Spraying looks awesome but requires equipment and practice. If you want something easier, use a brush or a good foam roller – no stiff bristles, otherwise it will be uneven.

Oh yes, I totally agree – the paint roller makes a big difference, especially if you’re not spraying for the first time 🙂

A small additional tip: try doing a test coat on an old board or a small piece of furniture beforehand. This way, you get a feel for the material and can practice how much paint per coat works best.

And please remember to thoroughly remove dust after sanding and before painting – nothing more annoying than tiny dust particles under the paint!

Finally: don’t be discouraged if the first attempt isn’t perfect. When it comes to painting, practice is key. You’ll get more confident with each try and then be able to customize your Hemnes furniture just the way you want. Good luck and have fun! 😊