---
title: "How to Paint IKEA Furniture"
description: "If your IKEA furniture has seen better days or no longer matches your home's decor, paint may be all you need to bring it up to date."
date: "2014-10-14"
modified: "2024-10-21"
authors:
  - name: "Donna Boyle Schwartz"
    job_title: "Contributing Writer"
    link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/donna-boyle-schwartz/"
  - name: "Bob Vila"
    job_title: "Founder"
    link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/bob-vila/"
url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-paint-ikea-furniture/"
categories:
  - "DIY"
  - "Furniture & Design"
  - "Painting & Finishing"
tags:
  - "How To"
---

# How to Paint IKEA Furniture

![Woman using a roller to paint a piece of white MDF a shade of green.](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/how-to-paint-mdf_IKEA.jpg>)
*Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com*

Years ago, you purchased particleboard furniture at IKEA. Maybe it's begun to show its age, or maybe you simply no longer like the color. Either way, you can—contrary to popular belief—renew your furniture's lease on life with a fresh coat of paint.

The work demands a certain amount of preparation; paint projects always do. Ahead, you'll find our advice about how to paint IKEA furniture to get the best results. Successfully following these steps can help you transform the LACK table or BILLY bookcase you're still not (or never will be?) ready to part with.

### Tools & Materials

Bobvila.com may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

- [Cotton cleaning rags](</asearch?q=Cotton%20cleaning%20rags>)
- [4-inch paintbrush](</asearch?q=4-inch%20paintbrush>)
- [Water-based paint](</asearch?q=Water-based%20paint>)

- [Fine-grit sandpaper](</asearch?q=Fine-grit%20sandpaper>)
- [Medium-grit sandpaper](</asearch?q=Medium-grit%20sandpaper>)
- [Oil-based primer](</asearch?q=Oil-based%20primer>)
- [Dishwashing detergent](</asearch?q=Dishwashing%20detergent>)

### Step 1: Start disassembling your IKEA furniture.

![Cropped shot of young woman assembling furniture with a screwdriver.](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/woman-IKEA-furniture.jpg>)
*Photo: d3sign / Getty Images*

When you set out to paint IKEA furniture, start by pulling off all the removable pieces. That includes such things as shelves and doors (components that are easier to paint separately) and hardware, such as hinges and knobs. Label each piece as you set it aside so that once finished, you'll know what goes where.

### Step 2: Clean any dirt and grime that has collected on the furniture.

Next, use a clean cloth to wipe down all surfaces with a mixture of warm water and a small amount of dishwashing detergent. The aim here is to eliminate any built-up grit. As you clean the particleboard, be very careful not saturate the material. Clean only the laminate portions of the furniture, not the pressed wood. Once you've finished, go over the piece with a dry cloth to remove any lingering soap residue.

### Step 3: Sand all sides to be painted.

Having allowed the IKEA furniture enough time to dry completely, proceed to sand the surface with 120- or 140-grit sandpaper. Here, scuff the laminate enough so that the [first primer coat](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-many-coats-of-primer/>) can adhere. Steer clear of sanding too aggressively, which can leave the surface uneven or cause the particle board to deteriorate.

### Step 4: Cover with oil-based paint primer.

When you've finished sanding, wipe the sanding dust off the furniture and vacuum the work area so that the dust doesn't find its way back. Now, with a quality paintbrush, apply a coat of oil-based primer and let it dry.

### Step 5: Apply a second coat of primer and wait for it to dry completely.

Sand the furniture a second time, this time with 400-grit [sandpaper](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/2145-quick-tip-choosing-sandpaper/>). Clean the sawdust off the furniture and work area before applying the second coat of primer. Before you proceed to the next step, be sure to wait a few days—or as long as a week—for the primer to fully cure.

### Step 6: Lightly sand and paint the IKEA furniture.

Lightly scuff the primed surfaces with medium-grit sandpaper, wipe away the sanding dust, then apply the first coat of paint in the color of your choice. Do so in a thin layer, allowing a day or two of drying time.

### Step 7: Apply a second coat of paint and reassemble the furniture.

Lightly sand the first coat of paint, wipe away the sanding dust, then brush on the second, final coat. Give it a couple of days to dry, reassemble the furniture, replace the hardware, and you're all done.

## Author
Donna Boyle Schwartz is an avid writer with years of experience covering the home and garden beat in addition to out-of-home topics such as sports and local events. These days, she researches and writes editorial and advertising features on a vast range of home-related topics, including housewares, furniture, home fashions, flooring, remodeling, construction, antiques, art, garden, collectibles, and color/design trends.