Transform your IKEA KALLAX furniture into a striking design piece – a beginner's guide

We are really excited to share techniques, tips, and ideas that will make your home look luxurious and personal even on a small budget. 

Creative DIY and recycled interior design are completely within everyone's reach – you just need the right tools, a touch of Frenchic Paint, and a “Can do” attitude!

1. Why choose Ikea's Kallax as a painting target? 

The IKEA KALLAX shelving unit is an ideal starting point for a DIY painting project. Its clean lines and durable structure offer a perfect “blank canvas” for a personalized look.

Whether the goal is a new storage solution, a bar cabinet, or a modern wall shelf, painting a KALLAX shelf or other laminate-surfaced furniture transforms it into a practical and stylish piece on a budget.

You can implement both small and larger 'build in'-type element solutions with these instructions and finish the installation by painting for a unified look overall. 

2. Start here: Cleaning and surface sanding are important in preparing a smooth laminate furniture surface

1. Cleaning: Wash the surface from dirt and grease with Sugar Soap detergent or a similar effective degreaser. This removes dust, dirt, and greasy fingerprints. Finally, wipe off the detergent from the ikea furniture surface.

2. Drying: Let the surface dry completely. If KALLAX is new and unused, still do washing and surface roughening. 

3. Sanding: Use 120-grit sandpaper for light “micro-sanding” - surface roughening. The goal is to make the surface slightly rough and dull so the paint gets the best possible adhesion surface. A sanding machine is fast, but the work can also be done by hand with a sanding sponge or sandpaper. 

4. Dust binding: Wipe sanding dust off with a damp cloth before painting.

3. Color selection – the hardest and most wonderful step! Kallax can be your favorite color.

The Frenchic Paint collection has four paint series suitable for painting KALLAX: Each series has its own shades, gloss level, and container size. 

• Al Fresco, matte. 250ml and 750ml

• Lazy Range, matte. 250ml and 750ml

• Trim Paint, satin. 500ml

• Wall paint, ultramatte. 2.5 liters.

Shade suggestions: 

• Salt of the Earth (casual neutral) 

  

• Olivia (warm olive-brown) 

  

• Earthy (genuine terracotta, beautiful red clay shade) 

  

• You can conveniently access the shades from here. 

4. Tools and accessories

• Sugar Soap - detergent

• Brush - size S or small roller

• 120 and 240 grit sanding tools

• Your chosen Frenchic Paint (Al Fresco, Lazy or Trim Paint)

• Tuff Topcoat or Finishing Coat (protective and finishing layer)

5. Painting techniques – smooth surface without drips

1. First paint or primer layer: Apply a thin, even layer. Less paint → fewer splashes and streaks. Choose a gray primer if there is a big color difference between the base and the chosen shade (e.g., from black to white, etc.). Let the layer dry according to instructions. 

2. Light sanding if desired: Sand lightly with 240-grit paper about an hour after drying. Remove dust with a damp cloth.

3. Second and optionally third layer: Repeat the same instructions. Thanks to the paint's “self-levelling” property, it evens out beautifully as it dries. 

4. Drying time between layers: check the instructions of the series you are using or the paint can label and follow the guidelines. 
   

6. Paint drying and protecting the Kallax painted surface 

• Let the furniture rest for 24 hours without handling and 48 hours before applying the Finishing Coat.

• Protective layer: Use matte Tuff Top Coat or Finishing Coat for a light sheen. Apply thin layers 2-4 times and let dry according to instructions. Applying the finishing coat is easy and quick with a roller or brush. 

7. Finishing and Kallax interior ideas

• Wow effect: Install a wooden top on the furniture; glue and screw through the wooden top onto the KALLAX – or add stunning sliding rails and make the unit a unique wardrobe! Read more about using waxes. 

• Tape off the dry painted surface and paint cheerful stripes or the front edges of the shelves with a new shade – a little extra effort is worth it: this is how you made your own design furniture! 

• Decoration: Add a green plant and a few stylish storage baskets. Small details bring life and practicality to the space.

8. Encouragement for home painters 

Painting the KALLAX shelf unit is a great DIY project that gives the furniture a completely new look. With careful preparation, high-quality Frenchic Paint, and the right techniques, you will definitely succeed. Step out of your comfort zone and transform a simple IKEA piece into a unique interior element!

Share your own KALLAX transformation on Instagram – tag us - let's get inspired together!