ᐅ IKEA BESTA – Can I Paint the Surface Myself, and How?

Hello everyone, I have some Besta units from IKEA that I like in terms of design and functionality, but the surface color and texture don’t quite fit with my living room. Therefore, I’m considering painting the surface of the Besta units myself to customize them.

My specific question is: Is it technically feasible to paint the surface of IKEA Besta furniture myself, and if so, what preparation steps should I follow to achieve a durable, high-quality result? Are there particular types of paint or methods that work especially well on this furniture?

I understand that IKEA often uses melamine-coated surfaces or laminate foil – is this a significant disadvantage when it comes to painting?

I’d appreciate any tips, especially from those with experience regarding durability and the final appearance after painting. Thank you!

carsten55 schrieb:
Is it technically possible to paint the surface of IKEA Besta furniture yourself, and if so, what preparation steps should I follow to achieve a long-lasting good result?

Yes, it is generally possible, but it requires patience and the right steps; otherwise, the finish can quickly become uneven or prone to wear. I understand the frustration when something just doesn’t turn out as expected—especially with furniture that is already pretty good to begin with.

The most important part is thorough preparation:
- First, clean the furniture well to remove grease and dirt.
- Sanding is essential, especially because Besta is often coated with melamine or laminate. Without sanding, the paint won’t adhere properly.
- After that, dust off the surface and, if necessary, apply a suitable primer designed for smooth surfaces.

Personally, I’ve had good results using acrylic or spray paints specifically formulated for furniture. The durability also depends a lot on how the piece is used, but with the right preparation, the finish stays attractive for a long time.

For me, it’s always important not to rush and to apply several thin coats rather than one thick one. What about you, carsten55, do you already have a type of paint in mind?

Always sand melamine coatings first; otherwise, the paint will not adhere.

Use a primer, then apply the paint in thin layers.

Spray paints are simple and effective. Afterwards, apply a clear coat for protection.

Dustin schrieb:
Spray paints are simple and effective.

Exactly, I want to emphasize that! Especially with the smooth Besta surfaces, an even spraying technique is really beneficial.

What also helped me was masking off edges and areas that shouldn’t be painted to prevent drips and keep everything looking clean.

It’s important to work in well-ventilated spaces and allow some patience between coats.

How do you assess the durability of the paint on Besta, Dustin? Or do you have specific recommendations for paint brands?