ᐅ Is it possible to cover Ikea Besta units with acrylic films?

Good morning everyone,

I am considering refinishing my IKEA Besta furniture with acrylic films to improve its appearance and make the surface more durable. My question is whether anyone has experience with effectively applying acrylic films to the Besta cabinet surface (that is, the plastic coating on the wood panels) without bubbles forming or the film peeling off after a short time.

I am especially interested in advice on suitable preparation steps, adhesive compatibility, or alternative methods (e.g., primers), and whether the material adapts well to corners and edges.

I would appreciate any tips, especially long-term experiences!

Basically, acrylic films can be used, but the surface must be really clean and free of grease. It is best to clean it with alcohol. With IKEA Besta, the film is often a bit smooth, so lightly sanding it with fine sandpaper can help.

The adhesive strength depends largely on the quality of the acrylic film. Cheap films tend to peel off quickly. More expensive, self-adhesive films with plasticizers perform better. The temperature during application should also be room temperature.

Interesting approach, but I would be cautious: It’s known that the Besta fronts and sides are coated with melamine resin, which can sometimes cause adhesion issues.

BELLA34 schrieb:
With IKEA Besta, the laminate is often a bit smooth, so lightly sanding it with fine sandpaper can help.

That’s correct, but be careful: sanding too aggressively can damage the surface and release moisture from the wood, which may lead to problems over time.

Here is a brief guide:

- Cleaning: Use isopropanol to remove all grease.
- Abrading: Lightly sand with 400-grit sandpaper, avoid coarse grits.
- Choosing the film: Use self-adhesive acrylic film, preferably a quality brand with good adhesion.
- Applying: Work at room temperature, ideally in a dust-free environment.
- Edges: Warm with a hairdryer to make the film flexible and improve adhesion around corners.

Common mistakes: Insufficient cleaning, applying too much pressure on the film, or attaching it too quickly without proper adjustment.

It is important to mention that IKEA Besta is often coated with melamine laminate. This laminate may not be compatible with certain adhesives. Therefore, I recommend testing a small piece of film in an inconspicuous area beforehand to check for compatibility.