ᐅ How can MALM dressers be repainted without blistering?

Annikakau schrieb:
Water-based varnishes might be better because they have less of a chemical smell.

Yes, water-based acrylic varnishes have the advantage of smelling less harsh and drying faster. They are well suited for painting if the surface has been properly sanded and primed beforehand.

Adhesion can vary slightly, but the quality of water-based varnishes today is very good. It is important not to apply too thickly and to patiently sand between coats.

For furniture, however, I would recommend using a furniture or multi-purpose varnish with a special care formula, optimized for MDF or particleboard. This way, you treat the dresser for long-lasting durability and avoid issues.

Annikakau schrieb:
I was also wondering if water-based varnishes might be better

Yes, water-based varnishes are great for indoor work because they dry quickly and don’t affect air quality. But make sure to sand the dresser well so the varnish adheres properly. Otherwise, you might get small bubbles or peeling at any time. Also, as mentioned, don’t apply too thick a layer. It can be quite nerve-wracking! :-)

I really appreciate how detailed your tips are here – they’re very helpful for my own projects as well. Perhaps one more thought about the environment: I have noticed that overly dry air during painting can also cause bubbles because the paint dries too quickly. A humidifier can work wonders in dry heated air. Of course, this is just a small additional idea, but sometimes these details make all the difference.

Alberto51 schrieb:
too dry air can also cause bubbles when varnishing

Exactly, that’s true! In winter, I often keep a bowl of water in the room. This helps prevent the varnish layer from drying out too quickly. Combined with thin coats and proper preparation, you can achieve a really nice finish. 🙂

Thank you all for your valuable tips! To summarize, I will: carefully sand with 120 grit before priming, use alkyd or high-quality acrylic primer for better adhesion, then do a fine intermediate sanding with about 220 to 320 grit, apply thin coats rather than thick ones, and preferably use water-based (acrylic) paints due to lower odor and faster drying. Additionally, I will pay attention to the environment (temperature, humidity) and allow sufficient drying time.

If I have any questions before painting, I will gladly reach out again. Thanks again for the great, diverse insights and the relaxed atmosphere in this thread! :-)