I recently sprayed an IKEA KALLAX shelf with paint, but unfortunately, the result is uneven and looks very blotchy. The paint was not applied smoothly as intended; some areas have a thicker coating while others are very thinly covered. Now I am wondering what the best approach is to repaint the shelf cleanly and evenly.
I am particularly interested in advice on how to proceed when reworking painted MDF surfaces like those on the KALLAX after a failed spray painting attempt.
Should I sand down the entire surface first? If so, what grit sandpaper is recommended? What type of primer works well on KALLAX MDF? Are there any special tips for the final paint application to achieve a smooth, even, and blemish-free finish?
It would also be helpful to know if there are recommended products (for example, specific paints, primers, or spraying techniques) that work especially well for this type of furniture.
I hope you can assist me with your experience and tips!
I am particularly interested in advice on how to proceed when reworking painted MDF surfaces like those on the KALLAX after a failed spray painting attempt.
Should I sand down the entire surface first? If so, what grit sandpaper is recommended? What type of primer works well on KALLAX MDF? Are there any special tips for the final paint application to achieve a smooth, even, and blemish-free finish?
It would also be helpful to know if there are recommended products (for example, specific paints, primers, or spraying techniques) that work especially well for this type of furniture.
I hope you can assist me with your experience and tips!
Hello kijofe,
first of all, it sounds like the paint spraying technique didn’t work optimally for you, which is quite normal if you don’t have professional equipment or much experience. The KALLAX surface is MDF-coated, which allows the paint to adhere well – but it does require some preparation.
The most important step is thorough sanding, especially if the surface appears uneven or blotchy. I would recommend starting with sandpaper of 120 grit to gently remove the irregular paint. Then, follow up with 180 or 220 grit sandpaper for fine sanding until the surface is smooth. Be careful not to press too hard to avoid damaging the MDF coating.
After that, you should apply a suitable primer. For MDF, I suggest using an acrylic or wood primer that seals the material well and provides an even surface for the topcoat. Priming also helps to balance the absorbency of the MDF.
For the finish, an acrylic furniture paint works best, applied in several thin layers. Sand lightly between coats using fine sandpaper, around 320 grit. This will help you achieve a smooth look.
Instead of using a paint sprayer, you can also use a good roller (a paint roller with a fine nap) or a high-quality brush if spraying doesn’t work well. Or, if you want to keep spraying, practice the spray pattern on a similar surface first.
If you like, I can send you some product recommendations!
Best regards and good luck!
first of all, it sounds like the paint spraying technique didn’t work optimally for you, which is quite normal if you don’t have professional equipment or much experience. The KALLAX surface is MDF-coated, which allows the paint to adhere well – but it does require some preparation.
The most important step is thorough sanding, especially if the surface appears uneven or blotchy. I would recommend starting with sandpaper of 120 grit to gently remove the irregular paint. Then, follow up with 180 or 220 grit sandpaper for fine sanding until the surface is smooth. Be careful not to press too hard to avoid damaging the MDF coating.
kijofe schrieb:
Should I sand it completely first, and if so, which grit sandpaper should I use?
After that, you should apply a suitable primer. For MDF, I suggest using an acrylic or wood primer that seals the material well and provides an even surface for the topcoat. Priming also helps to balance the absorbency of the MDF.
For the finish, an acrylic furniture paint works best, applied in several thin layers. Sand lightly between coats using fine sandpaper, around 320 grit. This will help you achieve a smooth look.
Instead of using a paint sprayer, you can also use a good roller (a paint roller with a fine nap) or a high-quality brush if spraying doesn’t work well. Or, if you want to keep spraying, practice the spray pattern on a similar surface first.
If you like, I can send you some product recommendations!
Best regards and good luck!
Hello kijofe,
I want to address the detailed questions you asked to provide you with the most thorough guidance possible.
First, regarding sanding: Since MDF has a very fine texture, you should never use coarse sandpaper, as this can quickly cause unsightly scratches or fraying. A 120-grit paper is a good starting point to remove unevenness and thick paint residues. Make sure not to sand one spot for too long to avoid creating indentations. Afterward, smooth the surface with 180- or preferably 220-grit sandpaper so the new primer adheres well.
KALLAX is melamine-coated MDF. Therefore, I recommend a bonding primer specifically designed for smooth surfaces or plastic and melamine. This ensures optimal paint adhesion. Alternatively, you can use an isolating primer (block primer) if the old paint has strong discolorations.
As for paint, acrylic paint works best, especially if you apply it with a brush or roller. Spraying is great but requires skill and a good spray gun with the appropriate pressure. Apply only very thin coats on recesses to avoid spots or runs. Lightly sand between each layer with 320-grit fine sandpaper.
This step is one of the most important. It ensures the next coat bonds mechanically and doesn’t peel off.
One more tip: Clean and dust the surface before painting, preferably with a tack cloth or a damp microfiber cloth. Dust is the most common cause of blotchy results.
May I ask which paint you used and whether you cleaned the surface thoroughly beforehand?
Best regards!
I want to address the detailed questions you asked to provide you with the most thorough guidance possible.
First, regarding sanding: Since MDF has a very fine texture, you should never use coarse sandpaper, as this can quickly cause unsightly scratches or fraying. A 120-grit paper is a good starting point to remove unevenness and thick paint residues. Make sure not to sand one spot for too long to avoid creating indentations. Afterward, smooth the surface with 180- or preferably 220-grit sandpaper so the new primer adheres well.
kijofe schrieb:
Which type of primer is suitable for KALLAX MDF?
KALLAX is melamine-coated MDF. Therefore, I recommend a bonding primer specifically designed for smooth surfaces or plastic and melamine. This ensures optimal paint adhesion. Alternatively, you can use an isolating primer (block primer) if the old paint has strong discolorations.
As for paint, acrylic paint works best, especially if you apply it with a brush or roller. Spraying is great but requires skill and a good spray gun with the appropriate pressure. Apply only very thin coats on recesses to avoid spots or runs. Lightly sand between each layer with 320-grit fine sandpaper.
Julien schrieb:
Lightly sand in between with fine sandpaper, 320-grit
This step is one of the most important. It ensures the next coat bonds mechanically and doesn’t peel off.
One more tip: Clean and dust the surface before painting, preferably with a tack cloth or a damp microfiber cloth. Dust is the most common cause of blotchy results.
May I ask which paint you used and whether you cleaned the surface thoroughly beforehand?
Best regards!
I can understand how frustrating it must be to start a nice project and then end up with such a result. It happens to all of us sometimes, and it can be a blow to your confidence.
But you shouldn’t let it discourage you. Especially with furniture like the KALLAX, which is made of MDF and often coated with melamine, painting can definitely be challenging.
I can confirm that – I recently experienced how even tiny dust particles or uneven application can make a surface look inconsistent under close inspection. That’s why I think the advice to do a light sanding between coats is very important. And take your time; it’s not a race.
I might also suggest switching to a simple roller at first if the paint sprayer is causing problems. You shouldn’t lose the fun in the process 🙂
I hope you get it right soon and feel really satisfied with your KALLAX afterwards! If you like, feel free to keep us posted on how it goes.
But you shouldn’t let it discourage you. Especially with furniture like the KALLAX, which is made of MDF and often coated with melamine, painting can definitely be challenging.
TYRELL schrieb:
Dust is the most common cause of a blotchy finish.
I can confirm that – I recently experienced how even tiny dust particles or uneven application can make a surface look inconsistent under close inspection. That’s why I think the advice to do a light sanding between coats is very important. And take your time; it’s not a race.
I might also suggest switching to a simple roller at first if the paint sprayer is causing problems. You shouldn’t lose the fun in the process 🙂
I hope you get it right soon and feel really satisfied with your KALLAX afterwards! If you like, feel free to keep us posted on how it goes.
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