ᐅ How can IKEA HEMNES furniture be customized with different colors?

Hello everyone,

I am currently considering customizing the color of some of my IKEA Hemnes furniture and am looking for practical and actionable advice. My focus is not only on the color itself but also on the proper preparation of the wooden furniture, suitable paints, and surface treatments to ensure the pieces remain both visually appealing and durable. What methods have you used to alter the classic Hemnes look without completely losing the wood’s texture? Are there specific types of paint (e.g., chalk paint, acrylic paint, or oils) that work particularly well, especially regarding ease of application, durability, and compatibility with the MDF construction and painted surface? I look forward to your experiences and recommendations!

isabelledo schrieb:
My concern is not only about the choice of colors but also about properly preparing the wooden furniture, selecting suitable paints, and applying appropriate surface treatments to ensure the furniture remains both aesthetically pleasing and durable.

This is exactly the challenge with HEMNES furniture: the surface is usually sealed with clear varnish, which makes direct painting difficult. I therefore recommend first lightly sanding the piece with fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit or finer) to promote adhesion of the new paint. It is important to do this carefully to avoid damaging the wood grain and only roughen the top layer.

isabelledo schrieb:
Are there specific types of paint (e.g., chalk paints, acrylic lacquers, or oils) that are particularly suitable?

Chalk paints are often recommended because of their good coverage and matte appearance, but they usually lack suitable protective coatings, which can reduce durability. Acrylic paints combined with a subsequent clear coat (water-based, matte or satin finish) work especially well when you want to preserve both sheen and protection. Oils, in my experience, are not ideal here, as they need to penetrate the wood surface, which is difficult due to the existing varnish.

In short: sanding for preparation, then applying acrylic paint, followed by a clear coat for sealing is, as far as I know, the best approach. It is more work than simply painting, but necessary for lasting results.

Hey Isabelledo, a few months ago I painted HEMNES dressers myself using chalk paint, and I can really recommend giving it a try! 😊

For me, the result was really cool, especially because the surface became a bit rougher through light sanding, which helps the paint stick well and makes the furniture look very individual. It was important for me to apply a wax finish after painting – this protects the paint and gives the furniture a nice, velvety look.

Here are a few tips from my experience:
- Sand gently, otherwise the wood grain won’t show as well
- Chalk paints are easy to apply, even for beginners
- Be sure to apply and buff in the wax after the paint has dried, otherwise everything stays very delicate

I would definitely do it again and can only recommend it if you want to create something unique!

Good morning,

I would like to add a more detailed guide to BLAKEO’s post to help achieve a successful paint finish on HEMNES furniture, even without much prior experience:

- Preparation: First, remove all hardware and thoroughly clean the furniture parts to eliminate grease and dust. Then, lightly sand the surface using sandpaper with a grit of 180-220. For painted areas, it is best to sand gently to avoid damaging the texture.

- Paint choice: Chalk paints are ideal for a matte, vintage look and adhere well to lightly sanded surfaces. Alternatively, water-based acrylic paints with a clear protective topcoat offer greater resistance against moisture and scratches.

- Application: Apply the paint in thin layers using a good-quality brush or foam roller. After drying, sand lightly if necessary and apply a second coat.

- Protection: For chalk paints, it is essential to apply a sealant, either wax or a special clear lacquer. For acrylic paints, at least a final clear lacquer coat is recommended for protection.

- Common mistakes: Excessive sanding can damage the surface, and applying paint too thickly can lead to uneven results.

In summary: With proper preparation, the right choice of paint, and a final protective seal, nothing stands in the way of creating your own unique HEMNES look. I hope this helps.