ᐅ Which types of paint are best suited for custom-made fronts for Ikea Besta units?
Created on: 28 Jul 2020 08:17
J
jesan
Good morning everyone, I am planning to build new fronts for my Ikea Besta shelving unit myself and then paint them with lacquer. I am wondering which types of lacquer are best suited to achieve a durable, visually appealing, and as resistant as possible finish. It is important to me that the lacquer does not peel off quickly or get scratched easily. Also, the surface should ideally have low gloss, more matte or satin finish. Has anyone had experience with specific types of lacquer, such as acrylic lacquer, alkyd lacquer, or would PU lacquer be a better choice? Which brands and application methods do you recommend? Any tips on preparation, priming, or intermediate treatments would be much appreciated. I look forward to your advice and experience reports!
How great that you’re tackling this! I painted my Besta fronts with matte acrylic paint and am very happy with the results. Important: be patient while drying and apply several thin coats instead of one thick layer. The fronts feel really high-quality and are very durable. If you’d like, I can gladly share the exact products I used. 🙂
Hannes schrieb:
For Besta fronts, I recommend 2K PU lacquer. It is very resistant to scratches and moisture.I agree with that. Two-component PU lacquer provides very high abrasion resistance, which is especially beneficial for kitchen cabinets or frequently used fronts. Using a suitable primer is crucial to optimize adhesion. If the surface does not need to be perfectly smooth, a microporous primer is sufficient to prepare the surface for the lacquer.
In addition to the technical tips, I want to say that it is completely understandable to feel nervous about painting—especially when building fronts yourself for the first time. It can help to practice beforehand on a small leftover piece to get a feel for the technique and realistically estimate drying times. Sometimes you only really know which paint you prefer visually and to the touch after trying it. How have you handled priming or sanding so far?
Le_kin schrieb:
Your question about application methods: The best option is a spray gun with a compressor, as it produces very even layers. Brushes tend to leave visible textures, which can affect the appearance. A thin, perfectly distributed layer results in fewer cracks and is gentler on the paint.Thanks for the detailed post! I will actually be spraying the paint. The panels are made of MDF, prepared smooth accordingly. The panels are located in a living area without humidity and subject to normal use. Therefore, I think a 2K polyurethane (PU) finish could be a good fit. However, I’ve also considered whether acrylic paint with a good clear coat as a sealant would be an acceptable alternative. What do you think, is the extra effort of 2K paint really worth it for normal everyday use?
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