Hello everyone, I’m planning to repaint a Kallax shelf unit because I no longer like the original surface. Since Kallax has a melamine-coated surface, I’m wondering what the best way is to roughen it up so the new paint will adhere well and not just peel off again.
Does anyone have tips for preparing the surface? Is sanding with fine sandpaper enough, or should more aggressive methods be used? Are special primers necessary? I’m aiming for a long-lasting result.
I look forward to your experiences and advice!
Does anyone have tips for preparing the surface? Is sanding with fine sandpaper enough, or should more aggressive methods be used? Are special primers necessary? I’m aiming for a long-lasting result.
I look forward to your experiences and advice!
A
Alberto5129 Dec 2021 21:12I want to emphasize again that sanding can really be annoying, especially on light-colored surfaces where it’s hard to tell if you’ve roughened the surface enough.
What helped me was simply rubbing the surface with a dry kitchen towel after sanding. If it feels rough and no longer smooth, it’s usually good.
Don’t get discouraged, the result is definitely worth it 100%! 🙂
What helped me was simply rubbing the surface with a dry kitchen towel after sanding. If it feels rough and no longer smooth, it’s usually good.
Don’t get discouraged, the result is definitely worth it 100%! 🙂
Timofa schrieb:
Used fine sandpaper, worked really well to start withExactly, that's the right approach—better to sand in several stages than to sand too aggressively with coarse paper right away.
olivernu schrieb:
Test on an inconspicuous spotThat's a great tip! Especially with melamine-coated furniture, you need to be careful because if the coating is too thin, it can be sanded right through.
Summary: Use 100-120 grit sandpaper, remove dust, apply a bonding primer, then paint.
E
effendideo30 Dec 2021 09:04Thanks already for the detailed and diverse tips!
I plan to do it with sandpaper (grit 120 and then finer), the surface actually feels quite smooth, and I’m a bit worried about sanding through with a too coarse grit.
I will probably try a water-based paint; do you have any recommendations for a suitable primer? Should it be solvent-based or water-based?
Edit: Also happy to receive advice on how to apply the primer properly to avoid unsightly drips.
I plan to do it with sandpaper (grit 120 and then finer), the surface actually feels quite smooth, and I’m a bit worried about sanding through with a too coarse grit.
I will probably try a water-based paint; do you have any recommendations for a suitable primer? Should it be solvent-based or water-based?
Edit: Also happy to receive advice on how to apply the primer properly to avoid unsightly drips.
Water-based paints are often easier and gentler to apply, but you should pay attention to their compatibility with the primer.
Typically, there are primers specifically designed for water-based systems, which also tend to have less odor.
When applying the primer, I recommend thin, even coats and, if necessary, lightly sanding after the first coat (for example, with very fine sandpaper or sanding fleece). This helps prevent drips and results in a smooth surface.
Make sure to sand between coats before applying the final paint.
Typically, there are primers specifically designed for water-based systems, which also tend to have less odor.
When applying the primer, I recommend thin, even coats and, if necessary, lightly sanding after the first coat (for example, with very fine sandpaper or sanding fleece). This helps prevent drips and results in a smooth surface.
Make sure to sand between coats before applying the final paint.
effendideo schrieb:
I’m planning to do it with sandpaper (120 grit, then finer)That’s exactly how I did it as well! I really liked that the primer (acrylic-based in my case) dried very quickly. By the way, I used a foam roller, which worked quite well.
Good luck with the painting, it’s going to look great! 🙂
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