Hello everyone, I am currently considering the idea of customizing my Ikea Pax wardrobe doors by painting them to give them a more personalized look. My question is: What is the best way to prepare and paint the surfaces of the Pax doors to prevent the paint from peeling or becoming uneven over time? I have heard that there are differences depending on whether the doors have smooth MDF surfaces or possibly a foil coating. Which types of paint are suitable, how should the substrate be treated, and are there practical tips for the painting process to achieve a really good result? I am interested in any experiences and recommendations, especially regarding long-lasting durability and appearance.
Kemimo schrieb:
How can I best prepare and paint the surfaces of the Pax doors so that the paint doesn’t peel off later or become uneven and unattractive? Hey, great topic! I’ve painted my Pax doors myself and I can tell you: preparation is absolutely crucial!
- First, sand any old veneers or smooth surfaces, preferably with fine sandpaper (grit 240 or higher).
- Then thoroughly degrease to remove any grease or dust residues.
- I always use a primer designed for plastic, which helps the paint adhere better.
- For the paint, I recommend using an alkyd enamel, which is durable and offers excellent coverage.
Don’t worry, it’s really enjoyable once you commit to it! 😃👍 I’m sure you’ll achieve a great result!
Khalil schrieb:
I have always used a primer for plastics, which helps the paint adhere better. That is a good approach; however, it is definitely important to ensure that the primer used is compatible with the topcoat paint. Just because it is labeled as a "primer for plastics" does not automatically guarantee that every type of paint will adhere properly.
Additionally, I question whether the paint intended for furniture with heavy wear (e.g., cabinet doors in daily use) offers sufficient scratch resistance. A specialized furniture paint might be a better option.
Furthermore, the question arises: which application method is recommended to achieve an even finish? Spraying, rolling, or brushing? Drying times and intermediate sanding could also be crucial factors here.
I’d like to give a brief overview of how I would approach painting Ikea Pax doors, based on my experience with similar projects:
1. Preparation:
- Remove the doors from the cabinets
- Lightly sand the surface (240-grit sandpaper)
- Thoroughly clean with a degreaser, such as denatured alcohol or a specialized cleaner
2. Priming:
- Apply a suitable bonding primer (make sure it is compatible with the paint!)
- After drying, sand lightly again to achieve a smooth surface
3. Painting:
- Use acrylic paint or polyurethane (PU) paint for optimal durability
- Apply several thin coats (at least 2–3), allowing time to dry between coats
- Spray painting is ideal, but well-adjusted paint rollers can also work
4. Finish:
- After the final coat, gently sand again and, if needed, apply a clear coat for extra protection
Common mistakes include applying paint too thickly, skipping intermediate sanding, and insufficient preparation.
Hope this helps!
1. Preparation:
- Remove the doors from the cabinets
- Lightly sand the surface (240-grit sandpaper)
- Thoroughly clean with a degreaser, such as denatured alcohol or a specialized cleaner
2. Priming:
- Apply a suitable bonding primer (make sure it is compatible with the paint!)
- After drying, sand lightly again to achieve a smooth surface
3. Painting:
- Use acrylic paint or polyurethane (PU) paint for optimal durability
- Apply several thin coats (at least 2–3), allowing time to dry between coats
- Spray painting is ideal, but well-adjusted paint rollers can also work
4. Finish:
- After the final coat, gently sand again and, if needed, apply a clear coat for extra protection
Common mistakes include applying paint too thickly, skipping intermediate sanding, and insufficient preparation.
Hope this helps!
tolokau schrieb:
Typical mistakes are applying paint too thickly, skipping intermediate sanding, and insufficient surface preparation. This is really important, hats off to you! And to keep things from getting too dry: I definitely recommend having some fun while sanding and painting, plus a good dose of patience. 😄
You can also easily use sanding pads instead of sandpaper when you want to lightly roughen the surface between coats to preserve the loft-style finish.
Oh, and I’ve tried it on two Pax doors using spray cans (yes, DIY deluxe 😉), and it works great if you paint in well-ventilated rooms or outdoors and spray from a proper distance.
Good luck to all aspiring paint artists!
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