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angelika6028 Dec 2023 09:37Hello everyone,
I am currently considering whether it is possible to have the well-known IKEA Pax wardrobe custom painted to better match the colors of my apartment. I have read that Pax wardrobes are actually offered with painted surfaces in various colors, but I am specifically interested in whether it is possible to apply a custom paint finish after purchase without compromising the quality of the surface or the wardrobe’s functionality.
My question is this: Is a custom paint finish on a Pax wardrobe feasible that is durable and visually appealing? If so, what approach or types of paint would you recommend? I would appreciate any advice regarding preparation, suitable paint types, and whether professional treatment might be necessary.
Best regards!
I am currently considering whether it is possible to have the well-known IKEA Pax wardrobe custom painted to better match the colors of my apartment. I have read that Pax wardrobes are actually offered with painted surfaces in various colors, but I am specifically interested in whether it is possible to apply a custom paint finish after purchase without compromising the quality of the surface or the wardrobe’s functionality.
My question is this: Is a custom paint finish on a Pax wardrobe feasible that is durable and visually appealing? If so, what approach or types of paint would you recommend? I would appreciate any advice regarding preparation, suitable paint types, and whether professional treatment might be necessary.
Best regards!
Hello angelika60,
You’ve asked a very good question that many people consider before purchasing PAX wardrobe solutions. Basically, it is possible to paint a PAX wardrobe individually, but there are some important things to keep in mind.
First of all: The surfaces of PAX wardrobes are often coated with melamine resin or foil, which can make direct painting difficult because paints do not adhere well. Good preparation is therefore essential.
I recommend the following:
- Thoroughly clean the surface and, if necessary, lightly sand it (with very fine sandpaper) to improve paint adhesion.
- Use a special primer designed for plastic or foil surfaces.
- Acrylic paints or spray paints suitable for furniture work best for painting.
- Apply several thin layers to achieve a smooth and even finish.
If you want a truly professional and durable result, using a spray-painting service is an option. There, the surface will be carefully prepared and painted very evenly.
I hope this helps you already. If you have further questions about the exact techniques, I’d be happy to provide more details.
You’ve asked a very good question that many people consider before purchasing PAX wardrobe solutions. Basically, it is possible to paint a PAX wardrobe individually, but there are some important things to keep in mind.
First of all: The surfaces of PAX wardrobes are often coated with melamine resin or foil, which can make direct painting difficult because paints do not adhere well. Good preparation is therefore essential.
I recommend the following:
- Thoroughly clean the surface and, if necessary, lightly sand it (with very fine sandpaper) to improve paint adhesion.
- Use a special primer designed for plastic or foil surfaces.
- Acrylic paints or spray paints suitable for furniture work best for painting.
- Apply several thin layers to achieve a smooth and even finish.
If you want a truly professional and durable result, using a spray-painting service is an option. There, the surface will be carefully prepared and painted very evenly.
I hope this helps you already. If you have further questions about the exact techniques, I’d be happy to provide more details.
klo61 schrieb:
I recommend:
- Thoroughly clean the surface and, if needed, lightly sand it (with very fine sandpaper) to ensure the paint adheres properly.
- Use a special bonding primer designed for plastic or laminate surfaces.
- For painting, acrylic paints or spray paints suitable for furniture work best.
- Apply several thin coats to achieve an even finish.Great tips, thanks klo61! 😊 From my experience, especially with PAX furniture, you might want to consider using a paint that brightens your room or adds a bit of a wow factor right from the start. After all, the effort is only worth it if you end up with a truly stylish piece.
One more thing: If you’re not completely sure, try painting a small inside section or the back panel first. This way, you can avoid unpleasant surprises! Sometimes the color fresh out of the can looks different on the furniture.
Last but not least – I think homemade always looks best, but if you want to save time, there are professionals who do this. They know exactly how to prepare the surface so the paint sticks perfectly. 😉
Very well summarized so far.
To add:
PAX is usually made of chipboard or MDF with a melamine resin or foil coating. These surfaces are generally challenging for paint adhesion because their smooth, non-porous nature offers little absorbency.
The individual steps for a proper paint finish should be:
- Lightly sanding the surface with 240-320 grit sandpaper to create some texture.
- Cleaning the surface with suitable cleaners, such as acetone or alcohol, to remove grease and dust.
- Applying a special primer designed for laminated or foiled surfaces.
- Choosing a high-quality acrylic (water-based) paint or polyurethane paint suitable for furniture.
- Applying several thin, even coats of paint, sanding lightly between coats.
Important: It is advisable not to apply coats that are too thick, as this can lead to cracks caused by adhesive layers or movement.
A professional paint shop usually uses spray equipment, which guarantees an even and durable finish. For amateurs, spray cans can be a practical alternative — however, good ventilation and multi-layer application are essential.
Conclusion: Custom painting of PAX is technically feasible but requires careful preparation and the right choice of materials to ensure a durable and attractive surface.
To add:
PAX is usually made of chipboard or MDF with a melamine resin or foil coating. These surfaces are generally challenging for paint adhesion because their smooth, non-porous nature offers little absorbency.
The individual steps for a proper paint finish should be:
- Lightly sanding the surface with 240-320 grit sandpaper to create some texture.
- Cleaning the surface with suitable cleaners, such as acetone or alcohol, to remove grease and dust.
- Applying a special primer designed for laminated or foiled surfaces.
- Choosing a high-quality acrylic (water-based) paint or polyurethane paint suitable for furniture.
- Applying several thin, even coats of paint, sanding lightly between coats.
Important: It is advisable not to apply coats that are too thick, as this can lead to cracks caused by adhesive layers or movement.
A professional paint shop usually uses spray equipment, which guarantees an even and durable finish. For amateurs, spray cans can be a practical alternative — however, good ventilation and multi-layer application are essential.
Conclusion: Custom painting of PAX is technically feasible but requires careful preparation and the right choice of materials to ensure a durable and attractive surface.
angelika60 schrieb:
Is it possible to have a custom finish on PAX that is durable and visually appealing, and if so, what method or types of paint would you recommend?Yes, definitely! I painted my PAX myself last summer and I’m really happy with the result! Admittedly, I was a bit hesitant at first because I thought it wouldn’t work. But with the right preparation and paint, it really turns out great!
What helped me:
- Lightly sanding with very fine sandpaper (220 grit)
- Primer for adhesion, bought at a hardware store
- Spray paint in the desired color (suitable for furniture)
- Then a clear matt lacquer as a protective topcoat
The result looks brand new and I had no issues with chipping or wear!
My recommendation: Just go for it and take your time. It’s really enjoyable to customize your furniture in this way.
If you want, I can share the exact paint color and brand I used.
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