ᐅ Which type of paint is suitable for painting IKEA Hemnes furniture?

Hello everyone,

I want to repaint my IKEA Hemnes furniture and am unsure which paint would be best suited for this. It is important to me that the paint adheres well to the often slightly smooth surface, is durable for everyday use, and results in an attractive finish that does not chip or yellow quickly.

Does anyone have experience with specific types of paint that work particularly well for Hemnes? I would also appreciate tips on the preferred finish (matte, satin, glossy) and on how to prepare the wood beforehand.

Which paint would you recommend, and are there any differences depending on whether you are painting dressers, shelves, or beds?

Thanks for your support!

Mahmut schrieb:
Does anyone have experience with specific types of paint that are especially suitable for Hemnes furniture?

Hey Mahmut, great question! A few months ago, I painted my Hemnes dresser with a high-quality acrylic enamel paint and I’m really impressed with the result!

- Adhesion: Excellent. I lightly sanded the furniture beforehand and thoroughly dusted it.
- Durability: No chipping so far, even though the dresser is used daily.
- Finish: I chose a satin finish, which I like a lot because it’s not too shiny but still very durable.

Go for it, the results are really rewarding! The same applies for shelves and beds, though for beds I would recommend using low-VOC or non-toxic paint, since you come into direct contact with the surface.

Hello Mahmut,

I want to share my practical experience so you can make the best choice for your project.

1. Preparation: It is essential to thoroughly sand the surface of the Hemnes furniture first, preferably with fine sandpaper (grit 220). This creates a rougher surface for the paint to adhere well.

2. Primer: Use a high-quality wood primer specifically designed for paints. This prevents peeling later and provides a smooth base.

3. Paint choice:
- Acrylic paint is recommended because it is water-based, low odor, and durable.
- Alkyd paint is more robust but has a longer odor.
- Chalk paint is trendy and adheres well but requires sealing (e.g., wax).

4. Finish:
- Matte looks modern but is more sensitive to stains.
- Satin is a great compromise.
- Glossy is very durable but not everyone’s preference.

In summary: I recommend a good acrylic or alkyd paint with a satin finish, combined with proper preparation, to achieve the best result for Hemnes.

Good luck with your painting!

usron schrieb:
I painted my Hemnes dresser a few months ago with a high-quality acrylic lacquer paint and am absolutely thrilled with the result!

I can only confirm that acrylic lacquer is excellent. Just sand lightly, prime, then apply two coats. Done.

taudi schrieb:
Chalk paint is trendy, adheres well, but requires sealing (e.g., wax).

I’d like to add a comment here: I find the use of chalk paint on Hemnes furniture questionable if durability is a priority. Chalk paint has a nice matte finish and creates an attractive shabby look, but it is prone to wear and stains, even with a wax topcoat.

It is also uncertain how well this paint adheres to the often smooth, MDF-like surface of Hemnes furniture. I experienced issues with chipping at the edges and can only recommend carefully checking IKEA’s guidelines for surface treatments – the warranty or return policy might be affected by using chalk paint.

For a regularly used piece of furniture, I would recommend opting for more durable lacquers, even if the design is somewhat more traditional.

Jamalli schrieb:
A question is also how well this paint adheres to the often smooth MDF-like surface of the Hemnes.

I agree with you, Jamalli! Preparation is everything!

I recommend that anyone interested in alternative paints like chalk paint should definitely roughen the surface beforehand and, if necessary, use a special primer. Otherwise, you can quickly run into problems.

Mahmut schrieb:
I would also prefer a tip regarding the finish (matte, satin, glossy)

I stick with satin because it is less prone to showing dirt than matte but not as reflective as glossy. Of course, that’s a matter of personal preference!