ᐅ How can IKEA Hemnes furniture be repainted to a lighter color?
Created on: 28 Feb 2022 09:37
S
sar_sauHello everyone, I am planning to lighten my Hemnes furniture from IKEA, as the current dark brown feels a bit too heavy for my living room. Unfortunately, during my research, I found out that the surface of the Hemnes series is specially treated, so I am unsure about the best way to proceed without damaging the furniture or causing the finish to peel later on.
My specific question is: How can I best paint or stain the Hemnes furniture to achieve an even and long-lasting lighter color? Are there particular preparations or materials that work best? I would appreciate advice on sanding methods, suitable primers and paints, as well as tips on mistakes to avoid.
My specific question is: How can I best paint or stain the Hemnes furniture to achieve an even and long-lasting lighter color? Are there particular preparations or materials that work best? I would appreciate advice on sanding methods, suitable primers and paints, as well as tips on mistakes to avoid.
Hemnes furniture is usually coated with lacquer or melamine, which makes refinishing somewhat more challenging.
First, thorough sanding is essential to roughen the surface. Sandpaper with a grit of 120-180 is recommended, depending on how smooth the surface currently is. After sanding, a primer should be applied, ideally a bonding primer specifically designed for lacquered or melamine surfaces, to ensure a lasting adhesion of the subsequent paint layer.
For the paint, I recommend acrylic or water-based furniture paint, as these remain flexible and do not yellow. It is important to apply several thin coats and lightly sand in between (grit 220-320) to achieve a smooth finish.
Avoid aggressive abrasives or solvents that might damage the surface, as well as paints that do not adhere well to smooth surfaces. For a particularly durable result, PU lacquer could also be considered, although it is more difficult to work with.
If anyone has specific experience with Hemnes, examples of their approach would add practical insight.
First, thorough sanding is essential to roughen the surface. Sandpaper with a grit of 120-180 is recommended, depending on how smooth the surface currently is. After sanding, a primer should be applied, ideally a bonding primer specifically designed for lacquered or melamine surfaces, to ensure a lasting adhesion of the subsequent paint layer.
For the paint, I recommend acrylic or water-based furniture paint, as these remain flexible and do not yellow. It is important to apply several thin coats and lightly sand in between (grit 220-320) to achieve a smooth finish.
Avoid aggressive abrasives or solvents that might damage the surface, as well as paints that do not adhere well to smooth surfaces. For a particularly durable result, PU lacquer could also be considered, although it is more difficult to work with.
If anyone has specific experience with Hemnes, examples of their approach would add practical insight.
I would like to add to RETRAVIS's post and go into some technical details to improve the chances of achieving a perfect result.
Exactly, this coating is typically melamine or a special PU lacquer, making the surface very smooth and hard. This significantly reduces paint adhesion, so sanding must be done very carefully. I recommend sanding with an orbital sander and 150 to 180 grit sandpaper. Pay special attention to the edges, as paint tends to peel there later.
It is important that the primer is specifically suitable for such smooth surfaces. Epoxy or two-component primer systems are often the best choice since they cure mechanically and provide excellent adhesion. Alternatively, adhesion promotors such as diamond primer or adhesion primers explicitly designed for high-gloss surfaces can be used.
For paint, I recommend acrylic paints in satin or matte finish, as they slightly reveal the wood grain and look less heavy than opaque colors.
> A tip: Before painting, remove all furniture parts or carefully mask them to avoid problems with drips and splashes.
Finally, make sure to sand between coats with fine sandpaper (220-320 grit) to create a uniform and scratch-resistant surface. A final water-based clear coat provides additional protection and can add gloss or matt finish depending on preference.
RETRAVIS schrieb:
Hemnes furniture usually has a lacquer or melamine coating, which makes treatment somewhat more challenging.
Exactly, this coating is typically melamine or a special PU lacquer, making the surface very smooth and hard. This significantly reduces paint adhesion, so sanding must be done very carefully. I recommend sanding with an orbital sander and 150 to 180 grit sandpaper. Pay special attention to the edges, as paint tends to peel there later.
RETRAVIS schrieb:
Afterwards, a bonding primer should be applied, ideally one designed specifically for lacquered or melamine-hard surfaces to ensure a durable bond with the subsequent paint layer.
It is important that the primer is specifically suitable for such smooth surfaces. Epoxy or two-component primer systems are often the best choice since they cure mechanically and provide excellent adhesion. Alternatively, adhesion promotors such as diamond primer or adhesion primers explicitly designed for high-gloss surfaces can be used.
For paint, I recommend acrylic paints in satin or matte finish, as they slightly reveal the wood grain and look less heavy than opaque colors.
> A tip: Before painting, remove all furniture parts or carefully mask them to avoid problems with drips and splashes.
Finally, make sure to sand between coats with fine sandpaper (220-320 grit) to create a uniform and scratch-resistant surface. A final water-based clear coat provides additional protection and can add gloss or matt finish depending on preference.
So, if you want to brighten up your Hemnes, I can only say: patience is your best friend! 😅
Very important, as already mentioned, sand thoroughly – this is practically the key to success. I once painted a Hemnes shelf white myself, and the difference turned out really great! It’s best to use a primer designed specifically for smooth surfaces, followed by several thin layers of white paint. Always sand lightly between coats – this way everything becomes really smooth and professional.
And hey, don’t be afraid of a bit of effort! The result will make your living room feel much fresher and more inviting. Also, make sure to cover the piece well and allow enough drying time between coats. Then, nothing will stand in the way of your brighter Hemnes. Good luck!
Very important, as already mentioned, sand thoroughly – this is practically the key to success. I once painted a Hemnes shelf white myself, and the difference turned out really great! It’s best to use a primer designed specifically for smooth surfaces, followed by several thin layers of white paint. Always sand lightly between coats – this way everything becomes really smooth and professional.
And hey, don’t be afraid of a bit of effort! The result will make your living room feel much fresher and more inviting. Also, make sure to cover the piece well and allow enough drying time between coats. Then, nothing will stand in the way of your brighter Hemnes. Good luck!
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