ᐅ Kallax Inserts Yellowing Over Time – Repaint or Replace?

Created on: 7 May 2020 19:03
M
Meosin
Hello everyone,

I have had these Kallax shelves from Ikea for several years now, along with the matching inserts (drawers, boxes). Unfortunately, I have noticed that the white plastic and MDF inserts are yellowing quite noticeably, which makes the overall look in the room appear somewhat untidy. I am now considering whether I should paint these inserts to cover the yellow tint and refresh the surface, or if it would be more practical in the long term to replace them entirely.

What do you think? Is painting even a viable solution, especially regarding durability and appearance? How well does paint adhere to the different materials? And is the financial and time investment worth it compared to buying new ones?

I am very interested in your experiences and opinions!
T
trevor
8 May 2020 11:07
Two years ago, I painted a few Kallax inserts – yes, it was a bit of work, but with the right paint and some patience, they now look almost like new.

A little tip: spray paint for plastic is very convenient and usually quite scratch-resistant. Plus, you can experiment with colors instead of just using white, which makes the shelves feel much more lively.

And if you ever feel like trying something different – maybe move away from the "white standard" and go for something original. 🙂
L
Le-so
8 May 2020 14:43
If you decide to go with painting, make sure to use the right type of paint: acrylic paint for MDF, plastic paint for plastic.

Otherwise, replacement is usually the simpler option, especially for heavily yellowed parts.