ᐅ Kallax Doors Repainted – Paint Remains Sticky for Months!

Created on: 6 Jan 2016 08:47
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Sinflorent
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Sinflorent
6 Jan 2016 08:47
Hello everyone,

I recently repainted the doors of my Kallax shelves because I wasn’t completely satisfied with the color. The problem is that the paint is still sticky in some areas despite following the recommended drying times – and this has been going on for several months! I applied multiple coats, using paint from different manufacturers (acrylic and alkyd water-based paint) and always ensured good ventilation.

My questions are: Is it normal for the paint to remain sticky for such a long time? Are there any environmental factors or application errors that could cause this? Maybe it has to do with the material of the doors themselves? I’m also unsure if I properly prepared the surfaces beforehand.

Does anyone have experience with repainting Kallax doors? I’m particularly interested in how to ensure the paint fully cures without remaining sticky. Thanks in advance!
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gekira
6 Jan 2016 09:56
Hello Sinflorent,

If paint remains sticky for months, this usually indicates incomplete curing. For water-based paints, this can be caused by inadequate drying due to high humidity or low temperatures. Applying too thick a layer of paint also significantly hinders proper drying.

Another common mistake is insufficient degreasing or cleaning of the surface before painting, which can affect adhesion and curing. For MDF doors, like those often used in Kallax units, a suitable primer should be applied before painting, as the material is very absorbent.

My advice: Check the indoor climate conditions at the time of painting, apply thinner coats, and use an appropriate primer if necessary. Cleaning and sanding before painting are essential. If the paint is already sticky, the usual solution is to sand it off completely and repaint under optimized conditions.
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zartra
6 Jan 2016 10:12
Sticky paint usually results from applying layers that are too thick or from inadequate ventilation. It is better to apply thinner coats and work in well-ventilated rooms.
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Midra
6 Jan 2016 11:23
It is important to know exactly which type of paint is being used. Alkyd paints often require significantly more time to cure than acrylic paints and are sensitive to environmental conditions. If the doors are made of MDF, the material can absorb moisture from the paint, which may delay drying.
gekira schrieb:
For MDF doors, a suitable primer should be applied before painting, as the material is very absorbent.

I can confirm this. Another important point is to never apply the paint too thickly. Usually, multiple thin coats result in a better finish.

My advice: If it is alkyd paint, store it for at least three weeks at room temperature, preferably with slight ventilation. If that is not sufficient, the only solution is to sand down and try again.
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Teonon
6 Jan 2016 15:07
Oh man, that’s really frustrating! 🙂 I had a similar problem once, but in my case, it was because I stacked the doors too early. This prevented the paint from drying properly at the contact points and it became sticky.

Maybe you can let the doors air out again, preferably not in a damp basement or anything like that. A warm, well-ventilated room really helps! Fingers crossed the paint cures properly soon :-)
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Dwight49
7 Jan 2016 07:58
It is also important to know the type of surface that has been treated. Raw MDF absorbs paint very strongly, which can lead to uneven drying.
Midra schrieb:
If it is alkyd paint, store it at room temperature for at least three weeks

This aligns with the manufacturer's recommendations. Additionally, insufficient air circulation can negatively affect the process.

If the paint remains tacky, it usually indicates an oxidation problem. In this case, a product with a higher cure rate is recommended. A matte clear coat as a final layer might help protect the surface and stabilize sticky areas.