Can you Paint
Ikea Furniture?

We’re glad you asked! Not only can you paint Ikea furniture, but painting laminate is actually a less time-consuming process than learning how to paint wood furniture! Since Ikea furniture is typically made from laminate covered particle board, learning how to paint Ikea furniture and learning how to paint laminate furniture are one and the same.


Photo courtesy of Posh Pennies

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How to Paint Ikea Furniture

Before we begin, it’s important to note that while a large majority of the furniture at Ikea is made from laminate wood, not every piece is. To be sure your product is laminate and not solid wood or metal, look for a sticker somewhere on the piece of furniture to see if the product material is listed. If not, you can likely find the furniture listed on Ikea’s website and can check materials there.


Here's what you need: 

  • Laminate or a shellac-based primer

  • (3) mini foam rollers & (3) paint trays
  • Paintbrushes for detail work/hard to reach corners. Zibra’s Paintbrush Finder can quickly tell you the best paintbrushes for your project.
  • Medium grit sanding sponge (optional)
  • Paint & mixing sticks
  • Topcoat & Topcoat Paintbrush
  • Speed Drop or Drop cloths
  • Particle mask and well-ventilated area
Step 1: Prep

To start, place your piece down on a drop cloth to protect your floors from paint drips or spills. Put on your particle mask to help minimize the amount of dust, particles, primer, or paint fumes you inhale, and try to paint in a well ventilated area. 


Remove any hardware, pulls, or knobs you can. To ensure your newly painted piece will not chip or peel, we recommend a light scuff sand with a medium grit sanding sponge. Wipe down your piece with water and a damp cloth to remove any dust, grime, or dirt that may be on it. Let this dry completely before moving on to step 2.
Step 2: Prime

Now that your furniture is clean and dry, you’re ready to prime! Mix your primer and pour it into the paint tray. You won’t need a lot, so it’s best to start with a little, then pour in more if needed.


Use your foam roller to quickly prime the large surface areas, and a detail brush to get the nooks and crannies. The Palm Pro Paintbrush is a perfect paintbrush to use for priming and painting hard to reach areas and surface painting. Typically only one thin coat is needed, but if you feel it needs a second priming coat, go for it! Just be sure to wait for the first coat to dry completely based on the instructions on the can before adding a second coat.

Photo courtesy of Blue I Style

Step 3: Paint

Because laminate furniture really does not require sanding, you get to skip right over this step and move right onto painting! If, however, you see some imperfections or paint drips you’d like to buff out before you start painting, go for it! A medium grit sanding sponge is best for this situation. When you’re ready to paint, mix and pour your paint into a clean tray.


When painting Ikea furniture, it’s best to do multiple coats, so try not to go overboard on the first coat with too much paint. Paint your piece and allow it to dry completely before moving on to a second or third coat. If there are paint drips you wish to buff out, feel free to do so in between coats, just be sure the paint is completely dry first!


Photo courtesy of a happy Zibra customer!

Step 4: Topcoat

Now that your laminate furniture is completely painted and dried, you’re ready to add your protective topcoat! Mix and pour your topcoat into a paint tray. Using a foam roller apply your top coat, going over it slowly to prevent bubbles. You can also use a Zibra Top Coat Paintbrush. Let this dry completely and follow the instructions on the topcoat you choose for best results.

Step 5: Reassemble & Enjoy!

Once your top coat is dry and you’re happy with your piece, go ahead and reattach knobs, pulls, and hardware and enjoy your revamped laminate furniture!


Photo courtesy of Jewels at Home


Whether you’re a diehard DIYer or a newbie to the furniture painting world Zibra makes it easy to find the inspiration, Paintbrush Kits, and Painting Accessories which you need to master how to paint furniture and all future paint projects. Shop today and discover the Zibra Difference!


Great for detail work
Furniture Paintbrush Kit - 4 Piece

Furniture Paintbrush Kit - 4 Piece

$47.95
Shop Now
Perfect for broader strokes
Top Coat Paintbrush

Top Coat Paintbrush

$12.95
Shop Now

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