Good morning everyone, I am currently looking into how to improve the durability of Malm paint. Specifically, it concerns the IKEA Malm that I want to repaint. The problem is that the paint often peels off or shows unattractive signs of wear after some time, even though I have applied several thin layers. I am especially interested in recommendations for surface preparation, primers, types of paint, or sealants that can make the surface particularly durable and resistant to scratches, moisture, or UV exposure. Are there any proven products or techniques for Malm paint? What experiences have you had? I look forward to detailed tips and also advice on what to avoid.
I would also like to add that surface preparation is a crucial factor. Especially with MDF like the Malm, even a slightly too humid environment or an insufficiently dried substrate can ruin the paint finish.
Here is my tip in brief:
1. Clean and degrease the surface
2. Lightly sand (grit 120-150)
3. Remove all dust completely
4. Use a primer to balance the absorbency of the MDF
5. Let each coat of paint dry for 24 hours
6. Sand between coats with 280 grit sandpaper
This way, the paint can adhere optimally and achieve a smooth, durable finish.
From my experience, water-based paints have become very advanced and are now absolutely suitable for indoor furniture. They are especially great for normal wear and tear.
Here is my tip in brief:
1. Clean and degrease the surface
2. Lightly sand (grit 120-150)
3. Remove all dust completely
4. Use a primer to balance the absorbency of the MDF
5. Let each coat of paint dry for 24 hours
6. Sand between coats with 280 grit sandpaper
This way, the paint can adhere optimally and achieve a smooth, durable finish.
Klashaya35 schrieb:
What about water-based vs. solvent-based paints?
From my experience, water-based paints have become very advanced and are now absolutely suitable for indoor furniture. They are especially great for normal wear and tear.
K
Klashaya357 Oct 2020 13:01Thank you for the detailed answers!
I have another question about primers: Is there a significant difference between inexpensive primers from DIY stores and more expensive professional products? And is it advisable to use special MDF primers for the painting process, or would a standard wood primer be sufficient?
It is important to me that the primer really improves smoothness and provides additional moisture protection, so the paint layers are less likely to be damaged quickly.
Does anyone have a specific product recommendation or personal experience?
I have another question about primers: Is there a significant difference between inexpensive primers from DIY stores and more expensive professional products? And is it advisable to use special MDF primers for the painting process, or would a standard wood primer be sufficient?
It is important to me that the primer really improves smoothness and provides additional moisture protection, so the paint layers are less likely to be damaged quickly.
Does anyone have a specific product recommendation or personal experience?
P
praWarre697 Oct 2020 14:15Hey, I would also recommend allowing the paint to cure thoroughly. Using the furniture too early can lead to scratches and chips.
Exactly, patience definitely pays off here! 😊
Also, if you like, you can lightly sand the final clear coat with a fine abrasive pad before applying one last top layer. This makes the surface wonderfully smooth and even more durable.
Oh, and take your time with the intermediate steps—getting a feel for the paint and its drying process never hurts 😉 Good luck!
nera59 schrieb:
Let each coat of paint dry for 24 hours
Exactly, patience definitely pays off here! 😊
Also, if you like, you can lightly sand the final clear coat with a fine abrasive pad before applying one last top layer. This makes the surface wonderfully smooth and even more durable.
Oh, and take your time with the intermediate steps—getting a feel for the paint and its drying process never hurts 😉 Good luck!
Hello, I find your tips very helpful and wanted to share that I had a bad experience with my Malm wardrobe because I used it too quickly after painting. The surface scratched easily, which was quite frustrating.
It really helps to give the paint enough time to fully cure – and also to smooth the surface again after a while with very fine sandpaper.
I also appreciate when people are willing to invest a bit more effort to achieve a solid result. Thanks to everyone who shares their tricks!
It really helps to give the paint enough time to fully cure – and also to smooth the surface again after a while with very fine sandpaper.
I also appreciate when people are willing to invest a bit more effort to achieve a solid result. Thanks to everyone who shares their tricks!
Hello, I would like to add some points regarding the environment during painting:
- Dust-free, clean working conditions are very important
- Ideally, humidity should be below 65%, otherwise drying time will be extended
- Temperature should be between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius (64 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit)
Using a good brush or a fine roller also makes a big difference. When applying the paint with a brush, avoid applying layers that are too thick. Otherwise, it may crack or peel more quickly.
If these points are observed, it significantly improves the durability of the Malm paint.
- Dust-free, clean working conditions are very important
- Ideally, humidity should be below 65%, otherwise drying time will be extended
- Temperature should be between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius (64 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit)
Using a good brush or a fine roller also makes a big difference. When applying the paint with a brush, avoid applying layers that are too thick. Otherwise, it may crack or peel more quickly.
If these points are observed, it significantly improves the durability of the Malm paint.
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