ᐅ How do I properly repair chipped paint on an IKEA Hemnes piece?

Hello everyone,

I have noticed paint chipping in several areas on my IKEA Hemnes cabinet. Since I would like to restore the cabinet to a uniform condition, I am wondering about the best way to repair these spots without the painted surface looking uneven or untidy.

Specifically, I am interested in the procedure: What tools do I need, and how should I thoroughly prepare the chipped areas so that the new paint adheres well and lasts over time? Are there any special considerations for IKEA furniture in general due to their particular finishing?

Also, if anyone has recommendations for suitable products (e.g., types of paint or touch-up pens) that blend well with the original surface, that would be very helpful.

Thanks in advance for your tips and experiences!

Mu_ma61 schrieb:
My question is specifically about the method: What tools do I need, and how do I thoroughly prepare the chipped areas so that the new paint adheres well and lasts long-term?

Hi! That’s a really good question, as repair projects like this can often be more enjoyable than expected. 😄 To start: fine sandpaper (grit 220 to 320) helps to gently roughen the edges around the chipped area – this improves paint adhesion.

After that, the area should be dust-free; it’s best to wipe it down with a damp cloth and let it dry completely. A small brush and a suitable paint or touch-up pen (sometimes available specifically for IKEA colors at hardware stores) are your best tools for the touch-up.

If the surface is a bit uneven, a thin layer of acrylic filler can help to smooth it out. Sand it again afterward to ensure nothing sticks out.

Mu_ma61 schrieb:
Are there any special considerations for IKEA furniture in general because of their specific coating?

IKEA usually uses melamine-coated or lacquered surfaces, which are fairly durable but can be sensitive to aggressive solvents. So, when cleaning or prepping, it’s better to use mild products to avoid causing any damage.

Good luck, you got this!

dijan schrieb:
To start with: a fine sandpaper (grit 220 to 320) helps to gently roughen the edges around the chipped area – this ensures better paint adhesion.

This is a very important point, and I would approach it exactly the same way. To achieve the best possible result, I would like to describe the procedure a bit more systematically:

- First, remove any loose paint flakes from the chipped area using a sharp cutter or scalpel. This prevents fresh paint from not adhering later on.
- Then, carefully smooth the edge with sandpaper. Important: Do not sand too aggressively to avoid further damaging the surrounding paint layer.
- Be sure to remove dust with a lint-free cloth, or even better, with a cloth soaked in isopropanol to dissolve any grease – this greatly improves adhesion.
- Next, choose the paint according to its type. Since Hemnes furniture is often treated with acrylic or polyurethane finishes, an acrylic or PU paint should be used as well.
- A small tip: before applying the paint, test it on the back or an inconspicuous area to ensure it matches both in color and surface texture.
- Apply the paint in thin layers, as thick layers can cause an uneven surface. Allow each layer to dry thoroughly before applying the next.

If the damage is larger, using a filler might be advisable to restore a smooth base.

Finally: what exactly does the chipped area look like? Are these just minor scratches, or is the wood surface possibly damaged as well?

lorena schrieb:
Lastly: What exactly does the chipped area look like? Are they just small scratches, or is the wood material possibly damaged as well?

Thank you for asking. The chipped spots are mostly on corners and edges. The paint has come off over relatively large areas, revealing the light wood underneath, but the wood itself is neither damaged nor scratched.

These are matte white painted surfaces, not deep scratches—more like small flakes of the paint layer missing.

I don’t think I need to use filler since the wood surface is even. What I’m still unsure about is how to best match the paint color—are there any good tips for matching the color exactly to the IKEA finish?

Also, should I lightly sand the chipped areas, even though I’m starting to doubt whether that might make the transitions more noticeable?

Mu_ma61 schrieb:
I’m still not sure how to get the color shade just right – are there any good tips on precisely matching the color to the IKEA surface?

There are several ways to match the color:

- You can use color matching devices available at well-stocked home improvement stores. Some specialty stores also offer to mix the right paint color based on a color sample.
- IKEA color shades are often not exactly represented in standard RGB or RAL color systems. Therefore, it’s advisable to bring a small sample piece from the furniture (e.g., from an inconspicuous area).
- Alternatively, pre-made touch-up pens or paint sticks for IKEA Hemnes are quite rare, but acrylic paints in RAL or NCS shades close to matte white are easily adjustable.
- Use a mixing palette and experiment with small test areas. Always let the paint dry completely, as wet paint can look different.

Mu_ma61 schrieb:
Should I slightly roughen the chipped areas, even though I now doubt whether this might make the transitions more noticeable?

Roughening is still advisable. The goal is not to aggressively roughen the edges but to gently sand the transitions, which improves paint adhesion and reduces the risk of chipping after repair.

Be careful to sand very lightly to avoid creating uneven levels. Afterwards, clean the surface and let it dry thoroughly.

In summary: Fine sanding and careful color testing are the most important steps.