Hello everyone,
I have several pieces of furniture from the IKEA Malm series, and I’ve been wondering: Is there a way to change the color of Malm furniture without affecting its function or stability? Specifically, I want to focus on surface treatment—whether these pieces can be sanded, painted, or refinished with other materials.
I’m especially interested in the best approach for the particleboard surface finish. Which products are suitable for a long-lasting color change, and how complex is the process?
I look forward to your opinions, experiences, and tips—especially if anyone has gone through a similar modification process with Malm furniture!
I have several pieces of furniture from the IKEA Malm series, and I’ve been wondering: Is there a way to change the color of Malm furniture without affecting its function or stability? Specifically, I want to focus on surface treatment—whether these pieces can be sanded, painted, or refinished with other materials.
I’m especially interested in the best approach for the particleboard surface finish. Which products are suitable for a long-lasting color change, and how complex is the process?
I look forward to your opinions, experiences, and tips—especially if anyone has gone through a similar modification process with Malm furniture!
Hello Urban,
first of all, a very good and precisely formulated question! The Malm series from IKEA is known for its simple construction and melamine-coated particleboard, which presents some challenges regarding color changes.
In principle, sanding and repainting is possible, but it requires careful preparation. The surfaces usually consist of a thin melamine or foil coating that is very resistant to scratches and wear, but at the same time difficult to dissolve. Conventional sanding down to the wood is generally not possible because underneath there is only particleboard, which is easily damaged.
In my experience, the best approach is:
1. Lightly sand with fine-grit sandpaper (e.g., grit 220) to slightly roughen the surface.
2. Clean and dust thoroughly, as dust particles interfere with paint adhesion.
3. Use a primer specifically designed for plastics or melamine to ensure good bonding.
4. Paint with water-based acrylic or acrylic lacquer, which remains flexible and does not crack.
Several thin layers should be applied and allowed to dry well. It is also important to paint the furniture in a well-ventilated area and lightly sand between layers.
I am curious how exactly you intend to use the furniture—are there special stresses or surface requirements? That could influence the choice of coating.
Perhaps as an additional note: an alternative could be applying a vinyl wrap if you want a method that is as residue-free as possible and gentle on the material. It does take a bit more time and money but yields nice results.
I hope this helps you!
first of all, a very good and precisely formulated question! The Malm series from IKEA is known for its simple construction and melamine-coated particleboard, which presents some challenges regarding color changes.
In principle, sanding and repainting is possible, but it requires careful preparation. The surfaces usually consist of a thin melamine or foil coating that is very resistant to scratches and wear, but at the same time difficult to dissolve. Conventional sanding down to the wood is generally not possible because underneath there is only particleboard, which is easily damaged.
In my experience, the best approach is:
1. Lightly sand with fine-grit sandpaper (e.g., grit 220) to slightly roughen the surface.
2. Clean and dust thoroughly, as dust particles interfere with paint adhesion.
3. Use a primer specifically designed for plastics or melamine to ensure good bonding.
4. Paint with water-based acrylic or acrylic lacquer, which remains flexible and does not crack.
Several thin layers should be applied and allowed to dry well. It is also important to paint the furniture in a well-ventilated area and lightly sand between layers.
I am curious how exactly you intend to use the furniture—are there special stresses or surface requirements? That could influence the choice of coating.
Urban schrieb:
Zu den Oberflächenbehandlung und Farbveränderung von Malm-Möbeln
Perhaps as an additional note: an alternative could be applying a vinyl wrap if you want a method that is as residue-free as possible and gentle on the material. It does take a bit more time and money but yields nice results.
I hope this helps you!
Hey Urban, it’s great that you want to change the color of your Malm furniture! :-)
I tried this myself a few months ago and can tell you: it works really well if you use the right materials! I painted my dresser with chalk paint because it has excellent coverage and doesn’t require complicated preparation.
First, I lightly sanded the surface so the paint would adhere better. The laminate coating is quite durable, but just a little sanding makes a big difference. Then simply apply the chalk paint with a wide brush—preferably in several thin layers. Let it dry and smooth out any unevenness with sandpaper in between. Finally, seal it with wax or a clear varnish, and you’re done!
The best part is that you don’t need to be a professional, it’s really fun, and you end up with a truly personalized piece of furniture. 🙂
That’s true, but if you want something less time-consuming, just try chalk paint! I’m really happy with the result and can definitely recommend it. Good luck, and feel free to share how it goes for you!
I tried this myself a few months ago and can tell you: it works really well if you use the right materials! I painted my dresser with chalk paint because it has excellent coverage and doesn’t require complicated preparation.
First, I lightly sanded the surface so the paint would adhere better. The laminate coating is quite durable, but just a little sanding makes a big difference. Then simply apply the chalk paint with a wide brush—preferably in several thin layers. Let it dry and smooth out any unevenness with sandpaper in between. Finally, seal it with wax or a clear varnish, and you’re done!
The best part is that you don’t need to be a professional, it’s really fun, and you end up with a truly personalized piece of furniture. 🙂
minan schrieb:
The best approach is sanding, priming, and then painting
That’s true, but if you want something less time-consuming, just try chalk paint! I’m really happy with the result and can definitely recommend it. Good luck, and feel free to share how it goes for you!
Hi Urban,
To keep it short: Yes, you can change the color of Malm furniture.
Tip: Lightly roughen the surface with scouring pads or 240-grit sandpaper, then prime it with an adhesion primer designed for smooth surfaces, and finally paint it with acrylic or lacquer paint.
Avoid sanding too aggressively, as this can damage the particleboard beneath. Pay attention to drying times, and applying several thin coats of paint is better than one thick layer.
Alternatively, you can have the furniture wrapped if you want to avoid solvents or don’t have time for the painting process.
Good luck!
To keep it short: Yes, you can change the color of Malm furniture.
Tip: Lightly roughen the surface with scouring pads or 240-grit sandpaper, then prime it with an adhesion primer designed for smooth surfaces, and finally paint it with acrylic or lacquer paint.
Avoid sanding too aggressively, as this can damage the particleboard beneath. Pay attention to drying times, and applying several thin coats of paint is better than one thick layer.
Alternatively, you can have the furniture wrapped if you want to avoid solvents or don’t have time for the painting process.
Good luck!
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