Hello everyone, I am currently planning to redesign my Ikea Besta furniture with wallpaper and am looking for as many specific tips and tricks as possible on how to proceed best.
I am especially interested in which types of wallpaper are suitable, how to apply the wallpaper best to the smooth surfaces, and whether I should prime or sand beforehand. I am also unsure if I should cover entire doors and carcasses or if it is better to only apply wallpaper to individual panels or back panels to achieve a harmonious result.
Does anyone have experience with creating a durable, clean, and visually appealing surface on the Besta units? It would also be helpful if you have tips regarding tools or preparation. Thanks in advance!
I am especially interested in which types of wallpaper are suitable, how to apply the wallpaper best to the smooth surfaces, and whether I should prime or sand beforehand. I am also unsure if I should cover entire doors and carcasses or if it is better to only apply wallpaper to individual panels or back panels to achieve a harmonious result.
Does anyone have experience with creating a durable, clean, and visually appealing surface on the Besta units? It would also be helpful if you have tips regarding tools or preparation. Thanks in advance!
Hello kedirk68, this is a great project! I can understand your uncertainty, as the smooth surfaces of Ikea Besta units are not ideal for wallpaper. A few basics upfront:
- Sanding is necessary but only lightly with fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit). This creates a slightly rough surface for better adhesion.
- Priming with an adhesion primer or a special furniture primer is very important. The primer ensures that the adhesive sticks better and that the wallpaper is not damaged immediately.
- When choosing wallpaper, it’s best to use thinner, non-woven wallpapers or paper wallpapers with a matte finish. Vinyl wallpapers are more difficult and harder to glue onto furniture.
- When applying, it helps to press the wallpaper gently with wallpaper paste suitable for furniture, using a sponge or a soft roller. You can smooth out air bubbles using a plastic sheet and a wallpaper smoother.
Regarding covering entire surfaces or just parts: personally, I recommend only covering visible and low-wear areas, such as doors or back panels. Be more cautious with drawer fronts, as they are frequently moved and the wallpaper could get damaged.
Tools needed: sponge, wallpaper smoother, fine sandpaper, tape measure, spirit level for straight lines, utility knife, and possibly a cutting mat.
I hope this helps you get started!
- Sanding is necessary but only lightly with fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit). This creates a slightly rough surface for better adhesion.
- Priming with an adhesion primer or a special furniture primer is very important. The primer ensures that the adhesive sticks better and that the wallpaper is not damaged immediately.
- When choosing wallpaper, it’s best to use thinner, non-woven wallpapers or paper wallpapers with a matte finish. Vinyl wallpapers are more difficult and harder to glue onto furniture.
- When applying, it helps to press the wallpaper gently with wallpaper paste suitable for furniture, using a sponge or a soft roller. You can smooth out air bubbles using a plastic sheet and a wallpaper smoother.
Regarding covering entire surfaces or just parts: personally, I recommend only covering visible and low-wear areas, such as doors or back panels. Be more cautious with drawer fronts, as they are frequently moved and the wallpaper could get damaged.
Tools needed: sponge, wallpaper smoother, fine sandpaper, tape measure, spirit level for straight lines, utility knife, and possibly a cutting mat.
I hope this helps you get started!
Annedeo schrieb:
I personally recommend only sticking surfaces that are visible and not heavily used, such as doors or back panels.This is a very important tip. Additionally, I would recommend removing all metal or plastic parts (handles, hinges) before starting work to ensure the surface is smooth and no adhesive residue forms on those components. It can also be useful to apply a clear acrylic varnish after wallpapering to protect the wallpaper from moisture and wear.
lis64 schrieb:
I would first lightly sand the furniture surfaces so the wallpaper adheres better.Thank you for the sanding tip. I always thought wiping the surface would be enough. Now I see that a fine sanding is really important.
CHENNE schrieb:
remove all metal or plastic parts (handles, hinges) before starting workI planned to do that exactly because I was worried the wallpaper might get damaged or not fit properly otherwise.
I’m still wondering whether it’s best to use traditional wallpaper paste for the adhesive or if there are special adhesives made specifically for furniture? I want a solution that’s as durable as possible and can withstand everyday moisture.
Are there any specific recommendations or personal experiences in this regard?
Regarding your question about adhesive selection:
- Traditional wallpaper paste generally works well only for paper or non-woven wallpapers indoors but is not ideal for smooth furniture surfaces.
- Special spray adhesives for furniture films or contact adhesives can be more durable but are harder to remove.
- I recommend using a furniture or synthetic resin adhesive that is flexible enough to adhere to smooth surfaces and offers some water resistance.
It is very important to follow the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions and to test on an inconspicuous area beforehand.
Additionally, a clear varnish or protective film can be applied to pre-covered surfaces to repel scratches and dirt.
- Traditional wallpaper paste generally works well only for paper or non-woven wallpapers indoors but is not ideal for smooth furniture surfaces.
- Special spray adhesives for furniture films or contact adhesives can be more durable but are harder to remove.
- I recommend using a furniture or synthetic resin adhesive that is flexible enough to adhere to smooth surfaces and offers some water resistance.
It is very important to follow the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions and to test on an inconspicuous area beforehand.
Additionally, a clear varnish or protective film can be applied to pre-covered surfaces to repel scratches and dirt.
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