Painting IKEA furniture

[Giggling Squid]

Bit of a random one...

I’ve finally decided that my kitchen table is not a long term option for wfh, so I’m looking to buy a desk. Our options are limited due to the size of the space we could put a desk... I’ve found a desk I like from IKEA, which is the wrong colour.


Can I paint it? And if so, how would I go about doing so? I am assuming I’d need some form of primer, sand it down but I am not a DIY person and I haven’t the first clue where to start.

Any advice?

For reference this is the desk

LOMMARP light beige, Desk, 90x54 cm - IKEA UK

LOMMARP light beige, Desk, 90x54 cm. This storage series is inspired by traditional carpentry, combining style and functions for today's urban lifestyles. Use it wherever you need storage ― and mix with other furniture for a personal look.

www.ikea.com

 

[Penelope Strawberry]

I've successfully painted some IKEA furniture with Annie Sloane chalk paint - no primer required!

 

[Giggling Squid]

I've successfully painted some IKEA furniture with Annie Sloane chalk paint - no primer required!

I’ve never heard of chalk paint! I’m going to have to do some research. It won’t chip off or anything?

 

[Penelope Strawberry]

I’ve never heard of chalk paint! I’m going to have to do some research. It won’t chip off or anything?

I painted my bedside tables with chalk paint about 6 years ago now and they've worn well. You don't need to prime the surface, but you will need to seal it with one of the chalk paint range finishes so that it doesn't chip/get water stains/etc. I used a wax finish for my bedside tables which was a bit sticky/waxy for the first few weeks, but I think they have different types of finishes that may be better suited for a work surface.

 

[Valentina]

If you don't want to use chalk paint, have a look at the Zinsseruk website. There's lots of information about primers etc.

 

[elloelloello]

I've successfully painted some IKEA furniture with Annie Sloane chalk paint - no primer required!

I second Annie Sloane chalk paint! It works wonders! I painted my fabric foot stool with it and it came out perfect

 

[Unagi]

Have a look at frenchic paint. I’ve used it on furniture and know a few that have painted their kitchen units with it

 

[HoGi]

Zinsser all coat is probably your best bet

 

[Giggling Squid]

Thank you all! Now trying to decide between attempting to make one ourselves and getting the IKEA one and painting it... super good to know it’s possible though!

 

[jazyblu]

You need to use the Zinsser shellac primer and then you can just paint on top.

 

[Nursty]

You need to use the Zinsser shellac primer and then you can just paint on top.

100% this. We used two coats of this to paint an IKEA wardrobe.

 

[Penelope Strawberry]

100% this. We used two coats of this to paint an IKEA wardrobe.

Yeah, I've just seen that crack_the_shutters on Instagram uses a shellac primer on Ikea furniture and then paints over with any old paint.

 

[Lulu Goss]

Just saw this on Instagram, it’s got the details of what was used on the post too

 

[Emsie]

Frenchic! I've used this a lot to paint furniture. There is a fan page on Facebook where yiy can get loads of tips and inspo.