ᐅ How can I easily repaint IKEA Hemnes furniture with minimal effort?

Hello everyone, I plan to repaint my IKEA Hemnes furniture piece – specifically a white bedside table from the series – with as little effort as possible to give it a fresh look. What I have in mind is a simple but durable and as smooth as possible finish. Less time and material effort would be great, and the method should be suitable for hobby DIYers without a professional workshop. Are there any recommendations for suitable paints, surface preparation (such as sanding or priming), and tips on how to achieve a good result without much hassle? I look forward to your advice!

Hello sarchao, your project is definitely doable if you keep a few things in mind. Here’s a step-by-step guide that will help you achieve a nice result with minimal effort:

- First: Furniture from the IKEA Hemnes series is usually painted, not veneered. Therefore, make sure to lightly sand the surface so the new paint adheres better. Usually, using 120 or 150 grit sandpaper is enough.

- After sanding, thoroughly dust off the surface; do not use any moisture!

- For low effort, I recommend water-based acrylic paint. It dries quickly, has less odor, and is easier to work with.

- Priming is optional, but if the wood color or old paint layer shows through strongly, I would use a bonding primer, which improves the final result.

- Apply the paint in thin layers using a foam or sponge brush rather than a traditional bristle brush—to avoid visible brush strokes.

- Lightly sand between coats with fine 220 grit sandpaper to ensure a smooth surface.

- Usually, 2 to 3 coats of paint are sufficient.

Common mistakes include rough sanding, applying paint too thickly, and not allowing enough drying time between coats.

If you buy your paint at a building supply store, make sure it is specifically marked for wood and furniture use.

I hope this gives you a good basic framework to start with!

LOJOPAR schrieb:
For minimal effort, I recommend water-based acrylic paint. It dries quickly, has less odor, and is easier to apply.

Sure, acrylic paint is ideal. Just lightly sand, remove the dust, and paint. No primer needed if the surface is smooth.

I recently painted my Hemnes dressers myself, and it turned out great! 😄 Just sand them gently, apply two thin coats of paint, and you’re done – I was really impressed by how quickly it went and how great the result looks! 👏 If you feel up to it, this is a fantastic DIY project and quite fun too!

Hello sarchao, I understand that you are looking for a simple solution. One important point is sanding: you don’t need to remove all the old paint completely, but the surface should be slightly roughened to ensure the new paint adheres properly. I recommend thoroughly removing all dust residues after sanding (preferably with a damp cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment). If you plan to use spray paint – which requires the least effort – make sure to work in a well-ventilated area and protect surrounding surfaces. Another tip: applying a matte clear coat as a sealant on especially stressed areas can be beneficial, as it significantly increases durability.

Rashadmeo schrieb:
I recently painted my Hemnes dressers myself, and it worked out great! 😄

Exactly! It’s really not rocket science. The most important thing is to take your time and avoid applying the paint too thickly. Taking a short break between coats also helps to stay patient 😉 So, go for it and enjoy the process!