ᐅ What is the best way to paint Ikea Platsa furniture?

Created on: 25 Nov 2020 18:37
M
mikemeo
M
mikemeo
25 Nov 2020 18:37
Hello everyone,

I recently purchased several Ikea Platsa furniture pieces and would like to paint them, as I'm not entirely happy with the surface finish. My specific concern is how to best prepare and paint the Platsa furniture to achieve a durable and even result.

I'm particularly interested in:
- What type of sandpaper is best for preparation?
- Do I need a primer, and if so, which one would be suitable?
- Which types of paint work well for the surface of Platsa shelves (melamine-coated particleboard)?
- Are there any pitfalls to watch out for during application or drying?

I have done some reading, but the information is often vague or contradictory. It would be great if someone with experience or good tips could advise me specifically regarding Ikea Platsa. Thanks in advance!
C
chenfi
25 Nov 2020 19:02
Hello! You should start by lightly sanding the surface with 220-grit sandpaper. Then, use a bonding primer specifically designed for melamine-coated surfaces. Ready-to-use spray paints for plastic/melamine are suitable. Important: Sand lightly between primer and apply several thin coats of paint.
D
Dirkmin
25 Nov 2020 21:16
For painting Ikea Platsa furniture made of melamine-coated particleboard, the following procedure is recommended:

- Preparation: Sand the surface with 220-grit sandpaper to roughen the smooth finish.
- Primer: Use a special adhesion primer (e.g., for plastic or melamine-coated surfaces), as regular primers do not adhere well enough.
- Paint: Water-based acrylic or polyurethane paints are suitable. Ensure good working conditions (dust-free, temperature around 20°C (68°F)).
- Application: Apply thin layers of paint, allow each layer to dry thoroughly, and sand lightly between coats.
- Notes: Melamine can react, so it is advisable to test the process on an inconspicuous area first.

This approach helps minimize risks such as peeling or uneven adhesion.
T
TYRELL
26 Nov 2020 08:43
I would like to go into more detail about painting Platsa furniture, as some important details need to be considered:

1. Material structure:
Platsa furniture, as mentioned, is made from melamine-coated particleboard. The melamine surface is ultra-hard, smooth, and very scratch-resistant – which makes paint adhesion difficult without proper preparation.

2. Preparation:
- Sanding: I strongly recommend light sanding with fine sandpaper (at least grit 220, preferably up to 320). You must not sand too hard, as this can damage the melamine coating.
- Cleaning: After sanding, remove dust with a synthetic cloth or a slightly damp cloth.

3. Priming:
- Adhesion primers specifically made for plastics and melamine-coated surfaces are essential. They create the necessary bonding layer.
- Don’t hesitate to apply several thin layers of primer, lightly sanding between coats.

4. Painting:
- 2K urethane paints or high-quality acrylic paints are recommended. They provide a durable and long-lasting surface.
- For hobby users, spray paint is a good option. Make sure the room is well ventilated and apply thin layers.

5. Drying and curing time:
- Paint not only needs drying time but also a longer curing period (e.g., 7 days) before the furniture can be fully used.

Finally, my question to you: Do you plan to paint the entire piece of furniture or only certain parts? Are you familiar with airbrushing or spray paint? This will significantly influence the method.
M
mikemeo
26 Nov 2020 10:11
TYRELL schrieb:
Finally, my question to you: Do you want to paint the entire piece of furniture or just certain parts? Are you familiar with airbrushing or spray paint? This greatly affects the method.

Thank you for the detailed information. I plan to paint mainly the outer surfaces and doors completely, but not necessarily the interior. I have used spray paint occasionally before and feel skilled enough to achieve a clean finish. I do not use airbrush. I have a well-ventilated room where I could do the work. Would you recommend spray or roller application? And how important is sanding between primers when using spray paint?
N
naujon
26 Nov 2020 11:27
A brief guide for painting Platsa furniture, especially with spray paints:

- Preparation: As already mentioned, always sand lightly (220-320 grit), then remove the dust.
- Primer: Use a special plastic primer for adhesion. After the first coat, let it air dry for about 30 minutes, then very carefully sand lightly with 400-grit sandpaper to remove small bumps.
- Painting: Apply spray paint in thin layers and allow 15-30 minutes drying time between each coat.
- Intermediate sanding: This is very important because without it, the next layer will not sand properly, resulting in uneven surfaces.

A common mistake is applying too much paint at once, which leads to drips and an uneven finish.

In summary: Intermediate sanding after priming and after each paint layer makes the difference for a professional result.