Ikea furniture is loved for being affordable, durable, and easy to assemble. However, there are always ways to make it more stylish, including adding a fresh coat of paint. As you know, some surfaces require sanding before you can paint them. But can you paint Ikea furniture without sanding it first? We’ve done the research to explain how to do it.
As long as the Ikea furniture you’re painting is made from laminate and particle board, you can paint it without sanding it. Here’s how to do it:
- Disassemble the furniture.
- Wipe down the surface.
- Prime each furniture piece.
- Apply your chosen paint.
- Add a coat of sealer.
The process is pretty easy, but you must follow these steps so that the paint doesn’t peel or bubble on the finished product. It’s also essential that you use the right tools and materials. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about painting Ikea furniture without sanding it first. Continue reading to learn more.
How To Paint Ikea Furniture Without Sanding It
If your Ikea furniture is made from laminate and particle board, it is not necessary to sand it first. However, it is made from solid wood, and it’s worth noting that it is recommended to sand it to create a smooth and even surface.
The furniture made from laminate and particle board does not need to be sanded because the surface is already pretty consistent. The particleboard is essentially covered in a layer of plastic. Paint will stick to it easily as long as you use the right kind.
If you’re unsure what your Ikea furniture is made of, check the instruction booklet that came with your furniture or look on the Ikea website. Under the materials section, laminate furniture will have particleboard and clear acrylic lacquer listed.
See more: What Is Ikea Furniture Made Of? Is It Real Wood?
Tools And Materials
- Clean lint-free cloth
- Primer
- Paint
- Drop cloth
- Paint roller/brushes
- Paint tray
- Sealer
Disassemble The Furniture
It's best to paint Ikea furniture before assembling it. But, if you've had the furniture for a while and have just decided to paint it, it is recommended to disassemble it first. You don't have to, but the furniture will be easier to paint in flat pieces. That way, you can ensure a more even coat and won't have to paint at any awkward angles.
Wipe Down The Surface
Once the furniture is disassembled, wipe the surface of each piece down with a clean, lint-free cloth. This will help to remove any dust or dirt that has accumulated on the furniture if you've had it for a while.
Even if the furniture is brand-new out of the box, it's still a good idea to wipe down the surface. Pieces of cardboard, styrofoam, or other packing materials may find their way onto the surface of the furniture.
Prime Each Furniture Piece
This is the most critical step when it comes to painting laminate furniture. Since you will not be sanding each piece before you paint it, primer is key to ensuring that your paint goes on smoothly and evenly.
Choosing The Right Primer
For best results, choose a primer that is designed to work on laminate or glossy surfaces. One of the best types of primer to use is a shellac-based primer. Shellac-based primers will work on any surface and with any type of paint.
Click here to see this shellac primer on Amazon.
If you don't use shellac primer, you will need to use a primer that matches the type of paint you are using. For example, if you are using an oil-based paint, you will need to use an oil-based primer. If you water-based paint, it is better to use a water-based primer.
Click here to see this water-based primer on Amazon.
How To Use Primer
The first thing you will want to do is pour a little primer into your paint tray. Then, use a paint roller to apply the primer to any surface you are going to paint. If you're going to paint both sides of the furniture pieces, be sure to apply primer to the first side and let it dry completely before priming the second side.
Once all of the pieces have been primed and allowed to dry, inspect them thoroughly. Look for any areas that are covered unevenly, and apply additional primer to those areas. You want the coat of primer to be as even as possible. Otherwise, your paint won't be even either.
When you're done with the primer, be sure to rinse out your roller and paint tray thoroughly. It's also a good idea to go over each surface again with the lint-free cloth after the primer has dried to remove any dust that may have settled onto the furniture before painting.
Apply Your Chosen Paint
After priming, it's time to paint. Remember that unless you used a shellac primer, your paint needs to match the type of primer you used. Otherwise, it may not adhere properly and could be streaky or start to peel.
Apply your paint the same way that you applied the primer. Begin by pouring the paint into the paint tray, then use your roller to apply the paint to the larger surfaces. Using a roller will cover more area so that you can apply paint quickly and as evenly as possible.
For the edges of the furniture that are thinner, you will want to use either a foam paintbrush or a bristle paintbrush. Both of these are better for smaller surfaces because you can be more accurate with applying the paint so that you aren't wasteful. Foam brushes are better at eliminating brush strokes, but bristle brushes are more durable.
As with a primer, be sure to let the paint on one side dry completely before painting the other side. After the paint has dried completely, you may need to apply a second coat or touch up certain areas.
Add A Coat Of Sealer
The last thing you will want to do is apply a coat of sealer to all pieces of the furniture. A sealer will help the paint last longer by preventing chips and peeling and creating a barrier to keep dirt and moisture out.
The best sealer to use is a urethane sealer. It's more durable and great to use for furniture that gets a lot of heavy-duty use, such as furniture with shelving or drawers. Urethane sealers also come in different finishes, such as glossy or matte, so you can give your furniture a sheen once it's finished.
Apply the sealer the same way that you applied the primer and paint. If you go with a urethane sealer, usually, one coat is enough. Just let the sealer cure for at least a day or two before putting the furniture back together.
Can You Paint Straight Onto Ikea Furniture?
You can paint straight onto Ikea furniture, but you may not get the results you want if you don't prime the surface first. You should use a primer if you want a smooth and consistent surface. Sanding is not necessary if the furniture is made from laminate or metal, but sanding it first is recommended if it is made from solid wood.
What Kind Of Paint Do You Use On Laminate Wood?
You can use pretty much any kind of paint on laminate furniture as long as you first prime the surface. Remember that unless you used shellac primer, the type of paint you use should match the type of primer. Water-based paint, oil-based paint, and chalk paint can all work on laminate and will give you good coverage.
Can I Use Spray Paint On Laminate Furniture?
You can use spray paint on laminate furniture. If you apply it properly, it will give good coverage. However, buying cans of spray paint can be expensive, depending on the size of the furniture that you're painting.
Can Ikea Billy Bookcases Be Painted?
You can paint an Ikea Billy bookcase. These bookcases are made from laminate, so you should have no trouble painting them as long as you prime the surface first.
See more: How To Paint An Ikea Billy Bookcase
Can I Paint Ikea Hemnes Furniture?
Yes, you can paint Ikea Hemnes furniture. The Hemnes line is made from solid pine wood, but it does have a clear acrylic lacquer over the wood. Remember that clear acrylic lacquer means that the furniture is laminate, so you should be able to paint the Hemnes furniture by following the steps on this guide.
In Closing
We hope this guide helped teach you how to paint your Ikea furniture without sanding. As long as the furniture is made from laminate, all you have to do is prime the furniture's surface, and then you can paint it without any problems. Thanks for reading!