ᐅ Is it possible to change the color of Brimnes furniture from Ikea after purchase?
Created on: 26 Mar 2015 18:13
A
arantauHello everyone,
I am considering changing the color of my already purchased Brimnes furniture from Ikea, as I no longer like the current white appearance. Since these pieces are usually made of coated wood or particleboard, I wonder: Is it generally possible and advisable to change the surface color afterward—for example, by painting, staining, or applying adhesive coverings? What preparations are necessary to ensure good adhesion, and what should I pay special attention to so that the furniture does not look damaged afterward or function is not impaired?
Has anyone had practical experience with changing the color of Brimnes furniture or can offer tips on which methods work well and which do not? I look forward to your comments and advice!
I am considering changing the color of my already purchased Brimnes furniture from Ikea, as I no longer like the current white appearance. Since these pieces are usually made of coated wood or particleboard, I wonder: Is it generally possible and advisable to change the surface color afterward—for example, by painting, staining, or applying adhesive coverings? What preparations are necessary to ensure good adhesion, and what should I pay special attention to so that the furniture does not look damaged afterward or function is not impaired?
Has anyone had practical experience with changing the color of Brimnes furniture or can offer tips on which methods work well and which do not? I look forward to your comments and advice!
Hello arantau,
I would like to address your question in more detail because there are some important points and potential pitfalls. Brimnes furniture is often made of particleboard with a melamine or foil coating. These surfaces, due to their smooth and hard texture, are not ideal for simple color changes through painting or staining.
That is exactly the crucial point. To achieve good adhesion, you should first lightly sand the surface – using very fine sandpaper (e.g., grit 220) – otherwise the new paint won’t properly stick. After that, thorough cleaning to remove dust and grease is important.
Synthetic resin-based paints or special primers designed for coated furniture can help create an even better base afterwards. Unfortunately, staining does not work well because the coating does not bond with the wood underneath. Covering the surface with adhesive films or special furniture foils can be an alternative if you don’t want to paint.
It is also practical to remove doors and parts to work on them separately in order to avoid damaging the furniture piece later.
One more question: Do you want to change the color of the entire surface or only individual elements? That will affect the effort involved.
I hope this helps you already, feel free to let me know!
I would like to address your question in more detail because there are some important points and potential pitfalls. Brimnes furniture is often made of particleboard with a melamine or foil coating. These surfaces, due to their smooth and hard texture, are not ideal for simple color changes through painting or staining.
MOBALI schrieb:
If the furniture has a melamine coating, adhesion needs to be tested.
That is exactly the crucial point. To achieve good adhesion, you should first lightly sand the surface – using very fine sandpaper (e.g., grit 220) – otherwise the new paint won’t properly stick. After that, thorough cleaning to remove dust and grease is important.
Synthetic resin-based paints or special primers designed for coated furniture can help create an even better base afterwards. Unfortunately, staining does not work well because the coating does not bond with the wood underneath. Covering the surface with adhesive films or special furniture foils can be an alternative if you don’t want to paint.
It is also practical to remove doors and parts to work on them separately in order to avoid damaging the furniture piece later.
One more question: Do you want to change the color of the entire surface or only individual elements? That will affect the effort involved.
I hope this helps you already, feel free to let me know!
Hello arantau,
I’m adding to benonon’s explanations with some practical tips on how to successfully change the color of your Brimnes furniture.
- Step 1: Disassemble the furniture, as it is easier to work on and paint all parts separately.
- Step 2: Lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper (grit 180-220).
- Step 3: Carefully remove dust, for example with a microfiber cloth and isopropanol or spirits.
- Step 4: Use a good primer that is suitable for melamine coatings – I recommend an adhesion primer specifically designed for plastic coatings.
- Step 5: Then you can paint with a solvent-based paint or a high-quality acrylic paint, either spray or brush application.
Tip: Lightly sand between paint layers and allow each coat to dry thoroughly.
- Step 6: Make sure the furniture edges and corners are well covered, so the paint does not cause the furniture to swell later.
- Step 7: After painting, applying a protective topcoat (e.g. clear varnish) is recommended to keep the surface durable and washable.
I can confirm this – staining is really not suitable for this type of furniture.
If you want more details about any step, feel free to ask!
I’m adding to benonon’s explanations with some practical tips on how to successfully change the color of your Brimnes furniture.
- Step 1: Disassemble the furniture, as it is easier to work on and paint all parts separately.
- Step 2: Lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper (grit 180-220).
- Step 3: Carefully remove dust, for example with a microfiber cloth and isopropanol or spirits.
- Step 4: Use a good primer that is suitable for melamine coatings – I recommend an adhesion primer specifically designed for plastic coatings.
- Step 5: Then you can paint with a solvent-based paint or a high-quality acrylic paint, either spray or brush application.
Tip: Lightly sand between paint layers and allow each coat to dry thoroughly.
- Step 6: Make sure the furniture edges and corners are well covered, so the paint does not cause the furniture to swell later.
- Step 7: After painting, applying a protective topcoat (e.g. clear varnish) is recommended to keep the surface durable and washable.
benonon schrieb:
Staining unfortunately does not work well, as the coating does not bond with the wood underneath.
I can confirm this – staining is really not suitable for this type of furniture.
If you want more details about any step, feel free to ask!
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