ᐅ KALLAX coating worn off – is it possible to repaint?

Hello everyone,
some time ago I got a KALLAX shelf from IKEA, which I actually like very much. Unfortunately, the finish has worn off in several places to the point where the light wood underneath is visible. This is especially noticeable on the edges and front surfaces.

Now my question: Is it possible to touch up the finish on a KALLAX shelf without the result looking unattractive or unprofessional? Are there specific paints or techniques recommended to restore the surface to a nice and durable condition?

I would prefer not to sand down and repaint the entire shelf, but rather do spot repairs. Does anyone have experience with this or can advise me? Thanks in advance!

Pimati schrieb:
Is it possible to repaint a KALLAX shelf without the result looking messy or unprofessional?

Hello Pimati,
depending on how much the paint has worn off, spot repainting is definitely possible. The best option is to use a water-based acrylic paint, as it adheres very well to the melamine-coated surfaces of the KALLAX and is relatively odorless. It’s important to lightly sand the affected areas beforehand (e.g., with 240-grit sandpaper) to improve adhesion.

Since the original finish is semi-gloss, you should choose a paint with a matching finish to avoid noticeable color differences. Minor color variations can sometimes be concealed by applying several thin layers.

Also, it’s advisable to be patient: allow about 4–6 hours of drying time between coats.

If you need recommendations for brands or tools, I’d be happy to suggest a few 🙂

Josan schrieb:
For this, it’s best to use a water-based acrylic paint, as it adheres very well to the melamine-coated surfaces of the KALLAX

I would like to emphasize the adhesion aspect here: melamine coatings are often very smooth and quite resistant to paint. So, the claim that paint simply adheres well is a bit overstated.

I would rather recommend lightly sanding the areas with fine sandpaper before painting, and then applying a suitable primer designed specifically for plastics or melamine-type surfaces. This priming step is what actually creates a proper bond between the surface and the paint.

Also, it’s important that the paint used matches the substrate exactly — for example, a wood paint doesn’t always adhere well to melamine.

Therefore, my question to Pimati: How heavily have the areas been rubbed? Is it just surface-level wear, or has the coating been completely removed? This makes a difference in preparation and choice of materials.

Phoenix30 schrieb:
So my question to Pimati is: How severely are the areas worn down?

Good question! I’d like to share a brief step-by-step guide on how I would approach repainting a KALLAX shelf if the finish is worn in some spots:

1. Surface assessment: Is it just the clear coat lightly sanded off, or is the paper veneer underneath already visible? The approach varies depending on the condition.

2. Preparation: If wear is light, fine sanding with 240-320 grit sandpaper and cleaning with a slightly damp cloth is sufficient.

3. Primer: Since IKEA furniture is often melamine-coated, I recommend using an adhesion primer. There are spray primers available in specialist stores designed specifically for wood and plastic surfaces.

4. Paint selection: Water-based acrylic paints are the best choice. They can be applied with a brush or airbrush, dry quickly, and have low odor.

5. Paint application: Apply several thin layers. Lightly sand and allow drying between coats.

6. Finish: After the final coat, you may gently smooth the surface with a very fine polishing compound.

My tip: Always start in an inconspicuous spot to test whether the paint adheres well and the color matches. This helps prevent disappointment.

I hope this is helpful! If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Repainting is possible, but definitely sand first. Use nylon or 240-grit sandpaper, then apply primer, followed by paint. Otherwise, the paint will not adhere properly and will appear blotchy.