ᐅ Painting IKEA MALM Furniture – DIY or Professional?

Created on: 12 Dec 2018 08:43
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Piet-fra58
Hello everyone, I am planning to paint my IKEA Malm furniture to make the surfaces more durable and personalized. My question is whether painting a Malm sideboard or bed frame is more of a DIY project that can be successfully done with some basic craftsmanship skills and the right materials, or if, in terms of quality and effort, it is better to have it done by a professional. I am particularly interested in which preparatory work is needed (sanding, priming, etc.), how demanding the painting process really is, and whether a DIY paint job can achieve a long-lasting result. Another important point for me is: roughly how do the costs and time required compare to hiring a specialist company? I look forward to your experiences and professional assessments!
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Dwight49
13 Dec 2018 14:12
From a professional perspective, it should be noted that the original coated IKEA Malm furniture requires special treatment.

1. Preparation: The melamine or foil coating is very smooth and resistant, so thorough sanding between coats and the use of a specially formulated primer are absolutely necessary.

2. Paint: A durable polyurethane-based furniture paint is ideal because it is abrasion-resistant and long-lasting.

3. Process: A professional paint shop has spray booths that ensure even application of the paint, and through sanding between layers and multiple coats can achieve a perfect, uniform finish.

4. Cost/Benefit: For smaller pieces or individual items, DIY can be cost-effective. For extensive painting projects, hiring a professional is advantageous due to time savings and quality.
bupar schrieb:
Material costs are relatively low, especially if you already own the tools.

I agree with this. At the same time, many underestimate the time required, which can add up to significant expenses overall.
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SINEL
14 Dec 2018 09:38
Short and clear: DIY is doable if you’re not too picky. Professionals are more expensive, but the result is better and will last longer.

My advice: If you have only one piece, try it yourself. If you have several pieces of furniture, it’s better to hire professionals.