ᐅ How can I refinish Malm furniture by painting it afterwards?
Created on: 24 Mar 2017 19:27
A
adinlenHello everyone,
I have some Malm furniture from Ikea and I’m considering repainting it to give it a more modern look. However, I’m unsure about the best way to do this since the furniture already has a smooth, painted surface.
My question is: How can I professionally and permanently repaint Malm furniture without the paint peeling or becoming uneven over time?
I’m especially interested in which preparation steps are necessary (e.g., sanding, priming), which types of paint work best, and what to keep in mind during application to achieve a long-lasting and attractive result.
I would really appreciate tips from people who have experience with this or who know a lot about furniture refinishing. Thank you in advance!
I have some Malm furniture from Ikea and I’m considering repainting it to give it a more modern look. However, I’m unsure about the best way to do this since the furniture already has a smooth, painted surface.
My question is: How can I professionally and permanently repaint Malm furniture without the paint peeling or becoming uneven over time?
I’m especially interested in which preparation steps are necessary (e.g., sanding, priming), which types of paint work best, and what to keep in mind during application to achieve a long-lasting and attractive result.
I would really appreciate tips from people who have experience with this or who know a lot about furniture refinishing. Thank you in advance!
To prepare, you should first thoroughly clean the surface, preferably with a mild cleaning agent, to ensure no oils or grease remain. Next, it is important to lightly sand the smooth surface. Fine sandpaper with a grit of 220 or higher is recommended to improve the adhesion of the new paint layer.
For priming, an adhesion primer suitable for plastics or coated furniture is recommended, since melamine resin is commonly used to coat Malm furniture. This primer helps the paint adhere properly later on.
For the paint, you can use acrylic paint, as it provides good coverage and is suitable for furniture. Make sure to apply the paint in several thin layers, allowing each layer to dry thoroughly to avoid runs.
All of this should be done in a dust-free environment. After the final paint layer, a clear coat can be applied as protection. This increases durability and gives a higher quality finish.
For priming, an adhesion primer suitable for plastics or coated furniture is recommended, since melamine resin is commonly used to coat Malm furniture. This primer helps the paint adhere properly later on.
For the paint, you can use acrylic paint, as it provides good coverage and is suitable for furniture. Make sure to apply the paint in several thin layers, allowing each layer to dry thoroughly to avoid runs.
All of this should be done in a dust-free environment. After the final paint layer, a clear coat can be applied as protection. This increases durability and gives a higher quality finish.
M
minKarson24 Mar 2017 21:47DRAKE70 schrieb:
Afterwards, it is important to lightly sand the smooth surface.Yes, sanding is key. Without sanding, the new paint layer will not adhere properly.
DRAKE70 schrieb:
A primer suitable for plastics or coated furniture works well.Exactly, not a regular primer. A bonding primer is essential.
One more tip: it’s best to use spray paint for a more even finish.
Hello adinlen,
I have personally painted Malm furniture and can confirm that cleaning, proper sanding, and using a primer are crucial. It is important to thoroughly remove the dust after sanding—ideally with a damp cloth followed by a lint-free cloth.
Many people also underestimate the drying time between each coat of paint. I would plan for at least 4-6 hours, preferably longer depending on humidity. Additionally, I recommend placing the furniture in a well-ventilated area before painting.
If you are applying the paint with a brush, make sure to use high-quality brushes to avoid streaks. Spray paint can of course create a smoother finish but requires some practice.
One more tip: if you have visible edges, sand them slightly; otherwise, the paint can chip more easily at the edges.
I hope this helps you 🙂
I have personally painted Malm furniture and can confirm that cleaning, proper sanding, and using a primer are crucial. It is important to thoroughly remove the dust after sanding—ideally with a damp cloth followed by a lint-free cloth.
Many people also underestimate the drying time between each coat of paint. I would plan for at least 4-6 hours, preferably longer depending on humidity. Additionally, I recommend placing the furniture in a well-ventilated area before painting.
If you are applying the paint with a brush, make sure to use high-quality brushes to avoid streaks. Spray paint can of course create a smoother finish but requires some practice.
One more tip: if you have visible edges, sand them slightly; otherwise, the paint can chip more easily at the edges.
I hope this helps you 🙂
I would like to add one more point: The choice of paint should also depend on its intended use. For furniture that is frequently touched or used, a durable acrylic paint with a high acrylic content is recommended, as it is more scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant.
Additionally, when working with Melamine resin-coated furniture like Malm pieces, it is crucial to use a primer suitable for difficult-to-adhere surfaces. This is the only way to achieve a lasting good result.
Regarding sanding: Often, it is sufficient to lightly roughen the surface to improve paint adhesion. Over-sanding can damage the surface.
One more tip: If you are working on multiple pieces of furniture, label the back or use masking tape so you can clearly see which areas have been painted and which have not.
Finally, I recommend allowing the finished painted furniture to cure properly for at least one week before subjecting it to heavy use.
Additionally, when working with Melamine resin-coated furniture like Malm pieces, it is crucial to use a primer suitable for difficult-to-adhere surfaces. This is the only way to achieve a lasting good result.
Regarding sanding: Often, it is sufficient to lightly roughen the surface to improve paint adhesion. Over-sanding can damage the surface.
One more tip: If you are working on multiple pieces of furniture, label the back or use masking tape so you can clearly see which areas have been painted and which have not.
Finally, I recommend allowing the finished painted furniture to cure properly for at least one week before subjecting it to heavy use.
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