IKEA furniture is popular for its affordability and simple, functional design. But what if you want to personalize your IKEA pieces to better suit your style and decor? Chalk painting is an easy and inexpensive way to transform basic IKEA furniture into custom, one-of-a-kind pieces that perfectly complement your home.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about chalk painting IKEA furniture, from the best furniture and paint to use to step-by-step instructions and design inspiration. Whether you‘re a DIY beginner or a seasoned pro, you‘ll find valuable tips and techniques to help you achieve a beautiful, professional-looking finish on your IKEA furniture makeover.
Benefits of Chalk Painting IKEA Furniture
There are many reasons to consider chalk painting your IKEA furniture:
1. Affordable customization: IKEA furniture is very budget-friendly, but it can look generic or basic. Chalk paint allows you to inexpensively add a custom color and finish to create a higher-end, unique look.
2. Eco-friendly upcycling: Instead of getting rid of old IKEA furniture and buying new pieces, chalk painting enables you to reuse and repurpose what you already have. This reduces waste and is a more sustainable option.
3. Changes the look and style: Whether your decor style has changed or you‘re just ready for a different look, a fresh coat of chalk paint can completely transform a piece of IKEA furniture to work with your current aesthetic and color scheme.
The Best IKEA Furniture to Chalk Paint
Many types of IKEA furniture respond well to chalk paint, including:
- Dressers and chests
- Bookshelves
- Side tables and coffee tables
- Dining chairs and tables
- Cabinets and sideboards
- Bed frames and headboards
- Desks
In general, IKEA furniture made of solid wood, wood composites, or fiberboard with a non-glossy finish will work best for chalk painting. These materials are porous enough for the paint to adhere well.
Some popular IKEA furniture series that chalk paint well include HEMNES, TARVA, RAST, IVAR, BILLY, and BEKVAM. However, you can successfully chalk paint just about any IKEA piece made of a paintable material.
IKEA Furniture Not Suitable for Chalk Paint
Some IKEA furniture is more difficult to chalk paint due to the material it‘s made of. Furniture with a laminate, veneer, lacquer, or melamine coating is non-porous, so chalk paint cannot properly stick to it.
IKEA furniture lines that are tricky to chalk paint include MALM, KALLAX, LACK, and EXPEDIT. These pieces are made with a smooth, glossy surface that requires extra sanding and priming for chalk paint to adhere. While it is possible to chalk paint this type of furniture, it takes more time and effort to get good results.
Before starting your project, check what material your IKEA furniture is made of. Look for solid wood, untreated wood, or a matte/non-glossy surface for best results with chalk painting.
Choosing the Right Chalk Paint for IKEA Furniture
When it comes to chalk paint, you have two main options: 1) purchase a commercially-made chalk paint or 2) make your own chalk paint by adding Plaster of Paris or baking powder to regular latex paint.
For IKEA furniture, I recommend using a commercial chalk paint from a trusted brand. This will give you the most consistent results and best adhesion. Some of the best chalk paint brands for furniture include:
- Annie Sloan Chalk Paint
- Rust-Oleum Chalked Ultra Matte Paint
- Behr Chalk Decorative Paint
- Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines Chalk Style Paint
- Retique It Chalk Furniture Paint
These paints are specifically formulated for furniture and have excellent coverage and durability. They come in a range of colors, sheens, and can be easily distressed for an aged look.
When choosing a color, consider the overall style you want to achieve. Neutrals like white, gray, and beige are popular for a farmhouse or shabby chic look. Bold colors like navy, green, and pink add a fun, modern twist. You can also combine colors for an ombre or striped effect.
How to Chalk Paint IKEA Furniture: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you‘ve selected your IKEA furniture piece and chalk paint, it‘s time to get started! Follow these steps for a flawless chalk paint finish:
Step 1: Disassemble and Clean
If possible, take the furniture apart for easier painting. Remove any hardware, drawers, shelves, etc. Give the piece a good cleaning with a degreaser or all-purpose cleaner to remove any dirt and oils.
Step 2: Repair Damage
Fill any holes, cracks, or gouges with wood filler. Sand the filler smooth once dry.
Step 3: Sand
Lightly sand the entire surface of the furniture with 150-220 grit sandpaper. This will roughen the surface slightly to help the paint stick better. Wipe away any dust.
Step 4: Prime (Optional)
While chalk paint can adhere to furniture without primer, applying a coat of primer first may give you better coverage and a smoother finish, especially if you‘re painting a dark piece of furniture white or a light color. Let the primer dry completely.
Step 5: Paint
Using a brush or roller, apply a thin, even coat of chalk paint to the furniture. Let it dry, then add a second coat for full coverage. Add a third coat if needed.
Step 6: Distress (Optional)
If you want an aged, distressed look, gently sand the corners and edges of the painted furniture with fine sandpaper once the paint is dry. This will remove some paint to let the original finish peek through.
Step 7: Seal
Protect your beautifully chalk painted furniture with a coat or two of clear sealer. You can use a wax or a water-based polyurethane in a matte finish. A sealer will prevent chips and add durability.
Step 8: Reassemble and Cure
Put your furniture back together and add any new hardware. Let the piece cure for 3-7 days before use to allow the paint and sealer to fully harden and set.
Tips for a Smooth, Even Finish
Chalk paint is forgiving, but there are a few things you can do to ensure the best finish:
- Use a high-quality brush or roller designed for chalk paint
- Thin the paint with a little water for a smoother application
- Apply thin coats rather than thick coats
- Sand lightly between coats for an ultra-smooth finish
- Take your time and don‘t rush the process
Design Inspiration for Chalk Painted IKEA Furniture
One of the best things about chalk painting IKEA furniture is the ability to customize it to your exact style and space. Here are some ideas to spark your creativity:
- Paint a TARVA dresser white and add black iron drawer pulls for a modern farmhouse look
- Give a RAST bedside table a bright pop of color like coral or teal
- Paint a BEKVAM step stool in a soft pastel shade for a shabby chic vibe
- Create an elegant bar cabinet with a chalk painted IVAR cabinet in deep navy or charcoal gray
- Add a decorative stencil design to a chalk painted BILLY bookcase back panel
- Paint a HEMNES chest two-toned with white and natural wood
- Use chalk paint to turn a plain LACK table into a unique coffee table with a geometric pattern or faux marble finish
The possibilities are endless! Browse Pinterest and Instagram for even more real-life examples of stunning chalk painted IKEA furniture makeovers.
FAQs About Chalk Painting IKEA Furniture
1. Can I chalk paint over a previously painted, stained or varnished IKEA furniture piece?
Yes, you can chalk paint over an already finished piece of IKEA furniture. Just be sure to sand it first for better adhesion and coverage. Note that the existing color may affect the final color of the chalk paint.
2. How much chalk paint do I need for an IKEA furniture piece?
The amount of chalk paint needed depends on the size of your furniture, but in general, one quart will cover a dresser or shelving unit. Smaller pieces like end tables or chairs may only need a half quart or sample pot.
3. How long does chalk paint take to dry on IKEA furniture?
Most chalk paint dries to the touch within 30 minutes to an hour and can be recoated in 1-2 hours. However, it‘s best to let the paint dry overnight before adding a sealer and wait at least 3 days before using the furniture.
4. What is the best top coat or sealer to use over chalk paint on IKEA furniture?
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Wax is a popular choice for a rustic look, but a water-based polyurethane is more durable and offers better protection against wear and tear. Choose a matte finish for a chalky appearance.
5. How do I clean chalk painted IKEA furniture?
Dust regularly with a soft cloth and avoid harsh cleaners. For a deeper clean, wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid oversaturating the furniture. Touch up any scratches or chips with paint as needed.
Conclusion
Chalk painting IKEA furniture is an easy and affordable way to transform basic pieces into custom works of art. With the right tools, techniques, and inspiration, anyone can achieve a beautiful, professional-looking chalk painted finish.
Whether you‘re refreshing an old IKEA dresser or giving a brand new bookshelf a personalized touch, chalk paint offers endless possibilities for creativity and style. So why not give it a try and see how you can elevate your IKEA furniture with chalk paint?
Happy chalk painting!
