Category: FAQ

“I want to upcycle a KALLAX unit, but where do I start?"
 

Kayleigh Sherbourne

DIY Expert
Title

Question

How do I turn my KALLAX unit into a showstopper piece of furniture that's both practical and stylish?

Answer

Firstly, great choice. The KALLAX is one of the first pieces I upcycled, which went viral, and it holds a special place in my heart. It’s just ridiculously versatile; whether you need a storage unit, a kitchen island, a coffee table, or a bookcase, the KALLAX does it all. Its clean lines and sturdy build make it the perfect blank canvas. It’s a great way of adding both practicality and personality to your space without breaking the bank. Here’s the lowdown on how to get started...

It's all about the prep

The most important part of furniture painting is the prep. Skipping this “boring” step increases the chances of the paint chipping. Start by giving the KALLAX unit a good clean with sugar soap. This is an excellent degreaser that will get rid of all the dirt and grime. If the KALLAX unit is brand new, then this stage isn’t necessary. 


Once dry, use a 120-grit sandpaper to give the whole unit a light “buff sand.” This can be done manually or with an electric sander —just enough to scuff the surface so the paint bonds properly. Without sanding, the paint is more likely to chip. After you’ve sanded it all down, wipe away any dust with a damp cloth before painting.  

What I've used:

Frenchic Sugar Soap

Flat Brush - 50mm

How to choose your colour

If you’re like me and indecisive then this part might be the trickiest of them all! Especially, since there’s 159 amazing shades to choose from. Some of the go-to shades that I’ve used on pretty much all of my projects are the neutral, earthy tones of Salt of the Earth, the mid-olive tone browns of Olivia, and the sophisticated shades of Blackjack. 

 

Handily, any colour will be fine to paint a KALLAX in, in any range - the Al Fresco range, the Lazy range and the Trim paint are all great. I personally love the Al Fresco range because it’s so versatile.

What you’ll need

Salt of the Earth Lazy Range

Olivia Trim Paint

Blackjack Wall Paint (was Black Tie)

Techniques for an even coat

One of the many things I love about Frenchic Paint is that it’s self-levelling, meaning the paint naturally smooths itself out as it dries, reducing the appearance of brush strokes. Saying that, you still need to be mindful of drip lines. I always find that ‘’less is more’’ when it comes to painting. 

 

This may require more coats, but you’re left with more of even coverage and fewer chance of drips. In between coats, I lightly sand down the KALLAX unit with a 240-grit sandpaper, this is to help with any brush marks or dust that has settled on the paint and give a better finish. Don’t forget to wipe off dust off with a damp cloth between coats. 

How long should you let it dry?

In between coats, you should ideally let it dry for one to two hours before applying another coat. Once you’ve finished all the painting, I would suggest leaving it to cure (which means the paint has fully hardened and reached its maximum durability) for 24 hours before applying any sealer. If I’ve used the Al Fresco Range or the Lazy Range, my preference is to use the Tuff Topcoat to add an extra layer of protection and water resistance or the Finishing Coat, which gives a light sheen. 

What you’ll need

Tuff Top Coat

Finishing Coat

Finishing touches and styling ideas

To give your KALLAX unit an extra wow factor after you've finished painting, consider adding a wooden top. The best way to attach it is with wood glue, and screw either through the wood to the KALLAX or vice versa. I also love incorporating a bit of greenery into my styling—a plant can make a big difference in bringing the space to life. 

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