I get asked several times a year to paint something that can be purchased from Ikea. It’s usually from a price-conscious or a younger client. My answer is always a firm NO. Absolutely not. Not a chance.
Look, I have no problem with DIYers spending hours and hours making an Ikea dresser look like a million bucks. They are getting a lot of joy out of that endeavor. I am not talking about that. I am talking about using lots of clients’ money to paint their Ikea or any other particle board furniture. I am against that, and I will always say no.
Why?
IKEA pieces are made of junk material and have no joinery. They won’t withstand the movement around the shop on dollies, vibrations from sanding, or a ride on a bumpy delivery truck. It’s unwise for my clients to spend their money on refinishing that garbage. I firmly believe that. Simple. Also, I don’t want to risk a piece of client-owned furniture falling apart in my or a shipper’s possession.
Let’s get into the details.
Ikea Furniture is Made of Trash
Ikea furniture is made of particleboard. Sometimes, it’s made of literal garbage. Here is a list of materials that Ikea Kallax is made of. Is there any mention of wood? No.
I have come across Ikea stuff that’s made of pine. Yay! Wood!! Again, pine is a terrible wood to paint. It’s too soft, and it will get marred easily. Gloss lacquer will show every imperfection. The client will be unhappy long term.
Ikea Furniture Has No Joinery
I am sure you know it because you have assembled it with an Allen wrench at home. That’s not joinery. That’s putting a piece of the puzzle together. Puzzles don’t last. Neither does Ikea furniture. I made the mistake of taking on a client-owned Ikea-type piece in 2020, and we spent MORE time trying to keep that POS together than the actual painting.
Ikea Furniture Doesn’t Withstand Vibrations/ Movement
Because it has no joinery, it does not withstand the sanding vibrations, getting moved around the shop on a dolly and a ride on a delivery truck. I am not exaggerating. Once the Allen wrench joint gets loose and stripped, nothing can hold that crap together. Wood glue will not do a thing, and screws will not fasten to particle board.
Fiduciary Responsibility
I know, I know, I am not your lawyer or a financial adviser, but I am not a snake oil salesman either. When I take money from someone, I work for them. My job is to advise them on what’s in their best interest. Spending money on Ikea furniture only for it to fall apart during their next move will induce intense anger if I were to guess. Hence, it is a bad idea, so I tell my clients exactly that.
Labor is the Most Expensive Component of the Refinishing Process
I don’t need to tell you that the labor cost is through the roof. It’s usually a price-conscious buyer who inquires about this. They are trying to get a look at the absolute bottom dollar. Or a young customer who doesn’t understand the amount of work refinishing involves.
Most of the vintage pieces cost me a few hundred dollars to source. I am not buying from some secret trade source. It’s a Facebook marketplace, and you can see how much vintage furniture sells. You won’t be saving money by buying Ikea.
In conclusion, spending money on Ikea furniture refinishing is like putting lipstick on a pig. I refuse to participate in it. If you want to DIY it, absolutely go for it! I am all for that. Don’t pay me (or anyone else) to paint that crap.