Category: Top Tips

3 Quick & Easy Tips for Painting Furniture

Kayleigh Sherbourne

DIY Specialist
Title

Painting flat-pack furniture, like IKEA pieces, is a brilliant way to add personality to your home. Whether you're aiming for a perfect colour match, a bold statement piece, or just want to breathe new life into something that’s a bit tired, a lick of paint can totally transform it. Before you grab your brush, check out these tips for a pro-finish.

1. Preparation is key

I can't stress this enough: always prep! While IKEA furniture may look pristine out of the box, it often has a smooth, sometimes slightly waxy, surface that paint won't adhere well to without proper preparation. Without cleaning and sanding, your paint is far more likely to chip and peel, meaning you'll have to redo the whole thing (nobody wants that!).

 

Start by giving your piece a thorough clean. Sugar soap is a fantastic degreaser that will remove any dust, grime, fingerprints, and lingering residue. Even though it's new, cleaning is essential. 

Once the piece is dry, grab some 120-grit sandpaper and lightly sand the entire surface. You're not trying to strip the existing finish; you just want to create a "key" for the paint to adhere to. Be careful not to over-sand. After sanding, wipe away all the dust with a clean, damp cloth. 


What I've used

Frenchic Sugar Soap

2. Less is more

When it comes to applying the paint, remember, less is more. It's tempting to slather on thick layers, thinking it will give you quicker coverage, but thick coats are prone to drips, runs and visible brushstrokes. My personal preference is to opt for thinner, even coats. This will give you a smoother, more professional finish. You might need to apply more coats this way, but the result will be worth it. Think of it like building up the colour gradually, rather than trying to achieve full coverage in one go.

Try using:

Flat Brush - 50mm

Salt of the Earth Wall Paint

Funky Dora Lazy Range

3. Sand between coats

For a smooth and flawless finish, I like to lightly sand between coats of paint. Use a 240-grit sandpaper and gently go over the surface. This step removes any imperfections and creates a better surface for the next coat to adhere to. You don't need to apply a lot of pressure; just a light sanding by hand is enough. 

 

Again, remember to wipe away any dust with a damp cloth (once the coat is fully dry) before applying the next coat of paint. This extra step might seem like a lot of work, but it makes a huge difference in the final look of your painted furniture.

 

So, there you have it – my top three tips for painting flat-pack furniture, including IKEA pieces. Remember to prep thoroughly, apply thin coats and sand between coats. Follow these tips, and you'll be well on your way to transforming your furniture and creating a piece you'll love.

Read more like this
Title

Share

Sign up for ideas, tips and offers!

* indicates required

The information you have provided will be used to send you information about products and offers. Checking this box indicates that you have read and agreed to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Please read these terms to understand how we protect and manage your data.

Excellent Star Rating

Trustpilot
Browse Furniture Paints By Colour

Creative Web Co