ᐅ How can I modify an Ikea Besta unit to allow for a new paint finish?

Hello everyone,

I am currently planning to modify my Ikea Besta system in order to repaint it. The construction of Besta is quite modular and mainly consists of melamine-coated panels. My goal is to prepare the cabinet frame and doors so that the new paint adheres well and lasts as long as possible.

I have several questions:
- How can I best disassemble the Besta system without damaging the surfaces?
- What preparations are necessary, especially regarding stripping or sanding the melamine-coated panels?
- Are there specific primers or paints that work particularly well on plastic or coated panels?
- What challenges should I expect when reassembling the components, especially concerning the fittings and stability?

I understand that a project like this requires time and patience, but I want to approach it as organized as possible and follow the right steps. I would really appreciate any tips, experiences, or tricks. Thanks in advance!

Hello renalp,

I’m happy to provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your Ikea Besta system for repainting.

1. Disassembly: First, remove all doors, drawers, and back panels if possible. Screws are usually found in holes about 3-4mm (0.1-0.15 inches) in size, so proceed carefully with the appropriate tools to avoid damaging the wood. Keep the fittings (e.g., hinges and mounting brackets) safe, as you will need them again later.

2. Surface Preparation: Since Besta uses melamine-coated boards, sanding is not straightforward because the surface is very smooth and hard. It’s best to start with fine sandpaper (320 grit) and lightly scuff the surface so the primer adheres well. If the surface is very glossy, you can first clean it with an alcohol-based cleaner to remove grease.

3. Priming: Be sure to use a primer specifically designed for plastic or melamine-coated furniture. This ensures adhesion and prevents the paint from chipping.

4. Painting: After priming, you can apply acrylic paint or a special furniture paint. Spray paint often works best for an even finish.

5. Reassembly: When putting the system back together, make sure all screws are tight but not over-tightened, as the material is relatively soft. Check all fittings for a secure fit; you might need to clean or slightly adjust them before reinstalling.

Common mistakes I see are insufficient surface preparation and applying paint layers that are too thick, which can cause cracking. If you need more details on any of the steps, feel free to ask!

Good luck!

LOGEMIN schrieb:
It’s best to start with a fine sandpaper (320 grit) and lightly sand the surface so the primer bonds well.

I would like to chime in here: Is sanding the melamine-coated surface really effective for ensuring adhesion? Some say melamine is so durable that sanding hardly makes a difference and that special adhesion promoters are more necessary.

Also, I wonder whether a primer is generally the best choice or if there are primers that increase elasticity to prevent cracks caused by temperature changes. This seems particularly important for furniture that is also subjected to mechanical stress.

I would appreciate hearing more well-founded experiences here, not just general procedures. How durable is the paint finish really? And who has tips based on scientific or at least empirically proven findings?

Hello everyone,

I’m happy to join the discussion and want to explain in detail how to best approach the renovation of an Ikea Besta furniture piece to prepare it optimally for painting.

First of all: The melamine-coated panels of Besta are indeed a challenge because the surface is very smooth and hard, which makes it difficult for paint to adhere properly.

Step 1: Disassembly
- Carefully remove all doors, drawers, and coverings.
- When removing the back panels, gently take out the nails or staples used there.
- Label the parts with masking tape so everything goes back to its place during reassembly.

Step 2: Surface preparation for painting
- Melamine is hard to sand. It is sufficient to lightly roughen the surface. I recommend sandpaper with a grit of about 320 to 400, but sand very gently, preferably using circular, light motions.
- Afterwards, clean the surfaces thoroughly with a strong degreasing cleaner (isopropanol or denatured alcohol work well).

Step 3: Priming
- Choose a primer that is specifically designed for non-porous surfaces, for example, a polyurethane-based bonding primer.
- This primer not only ensures adhesion but is also slightly elastic to prevent stress cracks.
- Apply several thin coats, allowing each to dry well.

Step 4: Painting
- For the best results, spray paint or a paint that you apply very finely with a roller is recommended.
- Choose an acrylic paint or polyurethane paint that covers these surfaces well and is durable.
- After applying the first coat, lightly sand (very fine sandpaper, e.g., grit 800) to remove dust particles and improve adhesion of subsequent coats.
- A total of 2 to 3 thin paint layers provides the best outcome.

Step 5: Finishing and reassembly
- After the last coat, wait at least 48 hours, preferably longer, to allow proper curing.
- Then carefully reassemble the furniture. Be careful not to overtighten screws, as this can damage the chipboard.

Lastly, one question: Which paint color and finish (matte, satin, glossy) are you planning? This can influence the type of paint I would recommend.

I hope this helps you further!