ᐅ Which paint colors are suitable for painting Ikea Hemnes furniture?

Hello everyone,

I am currently planning to paint my Ikea Hemnes furniture and I have a question: Which types of paint are best suited for painting Ikea Hemnes, especially regarding durability, appearance, and application?

I am not looking for a short-term solution, but one that lasts in the long run and also looks good without the furniture becoming cracked or uneven afterward.

Does anyone have experience with specific types of paint (e.g., chalk paint, acrylic, alkyd) or even particular shades that work especially well on Hemnes?

Thanks in advance for the tips!

Hello onjofa,

I understand your question well. Hemnes furniture is usually made of painted or veneered wood, which requires certain considerations regarding the paint.

My advice would be to use an alkyd resin paint or high-quality water-based acrylic paints, as they adhere well, are relatively durable, and create a smooth finish. Chalk paint is trendy but tends to be less durable and definitely needs sealing with wax or a clear coat.

Important points to keep in mind:
- Sand and clean the furniture before painting
- Use a primer, especially on veneered surfaces
- Apply at least two coats of paint

Color choice is a matter of personal taste, but light shades like white, light gray, or pastel colors suit Hemnes well, since the furniture has a rather classic design.

If the furniture is frequently touched (kitchen, children’s room), I also recommend a water-resistant sealant.

Additional Information:

For Ikea Hemnes furniture, it is important to consider the type of surface. Hemnes pieces are often made from solid wood or have MDF fronts with foil coating.

- For solid wood, an alkyd or acrylic paint is recommended, preferably with a matte or satin finish.
- For MDF and foil fronts, special adhesion primers should be used before applying the topcoat.

Regarding colors:
- RAL or NCS colors are practical if you want to match a specific shade or maintain uniform design standards.
- Pastel shades or neutral colors are also advantageous, as they blend well with various interior styles.

Technically, solvent-based paints offer better abrasion resistance, but water-based paints are more environmentally and health-friendly. The choice depends on the intended use.

fredle schrieb:
Chalk paint is trendy, but it is often less durable and definitely requires sealing with wax or clear varnish.

That’s an important point! Chalk paint provides a very attractive, matte vintage look that is currently very popular. However, it’s important to remember that Hemnes furniture can be subjected to more wear and tear depending on its location and frequency of use – for example, in the hallway or living room.

If you choose to use chalk paint, be sure to use a high-quality sealer designed for furniture to protect the surface from scratches and stains.

One more tip: avoid using finger paint or wall paint, as they do not offer the necessary adhesion and durability.

fredle schrieb:
Alkyd resin paint or high-quality water-based acrylic paints, because they adhere well, are relatively durable, and create a smooth surface.

It's interesting that standard paints are always recommended here. But honestly, isn’t the appeal of customizing IKEA furniture to try something unusual? Why not go for matte black or dark green tones? It not only looks modern but also creates clear accents.

Of course, you’ll need particularly good preparation and sealing, otherwise such colors can quickly become patchy or dull. But with a bit of courage, you definitely stand out from the crowd.

KAULIS schrieb:
For MDF and foil-faced fronts, special adhesion primers are recommended before applying the actual paint.

Thank you for the important tip, KAULIS. Could you or someone else provide more details on which adhesion primers are reliable? I have Hemnes cabinets with white fronts that seem to be foil-coated.

And one more question: Does it make sense to sand between each coat of paint, or could that be counterproductive? I want to avoid an uneven finish but have heard that sanding too much can be a problem.