Hello everyone,
I have bought some Malm furniture from IKEA and I’m thinking about how to refresh and neatly repaint it myself. I’m particularly interested in the process from sanding to priming and finally painting. Which materials are suitable for the paint, what preparation steps are absolutely necessary, and how can I prevent the surface from peeling or becoming uneven later on? It would be great if someone could share their experience, especially regarding which tools and types of paint have worked well, as well as any tips about drying times and intermediate sanding.
Thank you in advance!
I have bought some Malm furniture from IKEA and I’m thinking about how to refresh and neatly repaint it myself. I’m particularly interested in the process from sanding to priming and finally painting. Which materials are suitable for the paint, what preparation steps are absolutely necessary, and how can I prevent the surface from peeling or becoming uneven later on? It would be great if someone could share their experience, especially regarding which tools and types of paint have worked well, as well as any tips about drying times and intermediate sanding.
Thank you in advance!
Hello Karlafi,
To repaint MALM furniture yourself, I recommend the following steps:
1. Preparation: Thoroughly clean the furniture, possibly using a mild cleaner, and lightly sand off any old paint residues (grit 120-180).
2. Primer: Use a special plastic primer, as MALM furniture often has melamine-coated surfaces or powder-coated wood.
3. Intermediate sanding: After priming, sand the surface smoothly with fine sandpaper (grit 220) for optimal adhesion.
4. Paint: Acrylic or water-based acrylic paint is best, as it dries with low odor and is durable.
5. Drying time: At least 12 hours depending on indoor humidity; remember to sand lightly between each coat.
Avoid cheap automotive paints or spray paints, as these tend to peel off on this type of furniture. Tools: A good paintbrush, foam roller for smooth surfaces, and sanding block are recommended.
This is a proven approach that delivers good results.
To repaint MALM furniture yourself, I recommend the following steps:
1. Preparation: Thoroughly clean the furniture, possibly using a mild cleaner, and lightly sand off any old paint residues (grit 120-180).
2. Primer: Use a special plastic primer, as MALM furniture often has melamine-coated surfaces or powder-coated wood.
3. Intermediate sanding: After priming, sand the surface smoothly with fine sandpaper (grit 220) for optimal adhesion.
4. Paint: Acrylic or water-based acrylic paint is best, as it dries with low odor and is durable.
5. Drying time: At least 12 hours depending on indoor humidity; remember to sand lightly between each coat.
Avoid cheap automotive paints or spray paints, as these tend to peel off on this type of furniture. Tools: A good paintbrush, foam roller for smooth surfaces, and sanding block are recommended.
This is a proven approach that delivers good results.
I’d like to add a brief tutorial to Joshbe’s post:
1. Disassemble furniture: Individual parts are easier to work on.
2. Sanding: Start with coarse sandpaper (grit 120), progressing carefully to avoid damaging the surface.
3. Remove dust: Wipe thoroughly with a damp cloth after sanding.
4. Primer: Use a melamine-based adhesion primer to improve paint adhesion.
5. First coat of paint: Use a high-quality foam roller to prevent streaks.
6. Intermediate sanding: After drying, lightly sand with very fine sandpaper (grit 320).
7. Second coat of paint: Repeat this step if you want a thicker, more even paint layer.
8. Let dry: Ideally, allow at least 24 hours before carefully reassembling the furniture.
Common mistakes: Insufficient sanding and skipping the adhesion primer often cause later paint peeling. Also, ensure good ventilation while painting.
1. Disassemble furniture: Individual parts are easier to work on.
2. Sanding: Start with coarse sandpaper (grit 120), progressing carefully to avoid damaging the surface.
3. Remove dust: Wipe thoroughly with a damp cloth after sanding.
4. Primer: Use a melamine-based adhesion primer to improve paint adhesion.
5. First coat of paint: Use a high-quality foam roller to prevent streaks.
6. Intermediate sanding: After drying, lightly sand with very fine sandpaper (grit 320).
7. Second coat of paint: Repeat this step if you want a thicker, more even paint layer.
8. Let dry: Ideally, allow at least 24 hours before carefully reassembling the furniture.
Common mistakes: Insufficient sanding and skipping the adhesion primer often cause later paint peeling. Also, ensure good ventilation while painting.
Hey, painting is quite some work, but if you do it properly, the MALM pieces really become eye-catchers! 🙂 A tip from me: don’t use the cheapest paint from the hardware store, it pays off in the long run. I once tried with spray cans – it looked okay, but brushing gives a cleaner and more durable finish. And yes, sanding is the savior of your soul when painting! I also removed the parts beforehand, which makes the process much more relaxed. Have fun with your project!
One important point I would like to add: Since MALM furniture is often coated with a melamine foil, the key factor is how well the paint adheres.
It is essential not only to sand and prime thoroughly but also to allow proper drying time between steps. Additionally, applying several thin layers of paint is more effective than a few thick ones to prevent cracking and blistering.
I also recommend ensuring the environment is dust-free and ideally maintaining a room temperature around 20°C (68°F).
It is essential not only to sand and prime thoroughly but also to allow proper drying time between steps. Additionally, applying several thin layers of paint is more effective than a few thick ones to prevent cracking and blistering.
I also recommend ensuring the environment is dust-free and ideally maintaining a room temperature around 20°C (68°F).
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