ᐅ Mixing Your Own Touch-Up Paint for BILLY Shelves – Any Tips?

Hello everyone, I am currently facing the task of touching up my wooden Billy shelf with a paint pen, as some areas have small scratches and scuffs. Since the original BILLY paint pens are often no longer available and an exact color match is important, I am considering mixing such a paint pen myself. Does anyone have experience with this? What should be considered when mixing, and which materials are recommended—especially regarding color tone and compatibility with the original finish? I would appreciate tips on mixing ratios, recommended types of paint (acrylic, nitrocellulose, etc.), and also on mixing methods. Thank you in advance!

You should use an acrylic paint as a base because it dries quickly and works well on wood. Mix small amounts in a mixing container and test the color first on an inconspicuous spot. Minor scratches can be touched up with a fine brush.

I have often touched up my BILLY shelves using homemade paint markers, so here is a brief guide:

1. Choose the base: Acrylic paints are ideal because they have low odor and are easy to work with.

2. Determine the color shade: The tone can vary slightly depending on the lighting and the age of the shelf. Therefore, first make a small sample on a hidden spot. It is important to use a well-measured pigment—powder pigments from craft supplies work well.

3. Mixing: It is best to mix in a small container using a wooden stick or pipette. Gradually add pigment to the paint and stir thoroughly each time to avoid clumps.

4. Application: Use fine brushes for small scratches; for larger areas, consider refilling a paint pen or felt-tip marker yourself.

Common mistakes are applying layers that are too thick, making them visible or failing to maintain a consistent color tone. It is better to use less pigment and gradually apply additional layers as needed.

Don’t stress about nitrocellulose or acrylic paints. Acrylic paints are the better choice, especially because they are more compatible with wood. Remember: always carefully document color mixtures in case you need to do touch-ups.

I find it absurd that people still try to fix polyurethane finishes themselves instead of simply buying a new BILLY shelf, which costs 40 euros and is perfectly painted. The idea of mixing a paint pen yourself sounds like a time-consuming and costly DIY project that hardly matches the original in the end.

Santi schrieb:
Mix small amounts in a mixing container and first test in an inconspicuous spot

What good is the best mixing process if the furniture experience is ruined by vintage hypersensitivity?

But well, if someone insists on sticking to it, good luck!

Interesting perspective, kemeo68. However, there are valid reasons to preserve original furniture rather than replace it—sustainability and maintaining value are important factors.

kemeo68 schrieb:
The idea of mixing a touch-up paint yourself sounds like a time-consuming and costly hobby

I think that’s an oversimplification. A homemade touch-up paint can be precisely matched to the color and grain, which industrial products often cannot achieve.

Additionally, it should be considered that exact replacements for original touch-up paints are often not available on the market. Although the process requires patience, it is very worthwhile for a clean repair.