Paint an IKEA Cart

by Christina Dennis

Yes. I do have a wee bit of an obsession with all things IKEA. The prices work well for my little decor budget, and I’ve been really getting into “hacking” and glamourizing items from there! A few weeks ago, I added a bit of excitement to a plan IKEA doormat with leftover paint from this project that I want to share with you today: painting a “Bekvam” kitchen cart! I’ve painted furniture before, but since then I’ve learned a few more tips on how to make painted furniture look even better. Plus, I’ve simplified the process here by using a paint+primer product.

Materials:

• a “Bekvam” kitchen cart (or any unfinished wooden furniture)
• a pint of paint + primer (I used Behr’s new paint+primer)
• Varathane wood finish (I used a satin finish which I love)
• sander (my husband was kind enough to lend me his power sander)
• mini foam roller
• foam brush

Directions:

1. Sand the piece well. I had used my cart for a few years prior to painting it, so I had to sand it quite a lot to get the dents and dings out.
2. Paint the cart with one thin coat of paint + primer. I used a foam roller on the flat parts and had to use a small foam brush on the hard-to-reach parts (in between the wooden slats on the shelves and the interior corners).
3. Let the paint dry for at least 2 hours.
4. Repeat with a second thin coat of paint + primer and let dry for at least 2 hours.
5. Paint the cart with a thin coat of Varathane using a foam brush. Use long, even strokes. Let the cart dry for at least 3 hours and then sand it very lightly if there are any brush strokes or bubbles.
6. Repeat with a final coat of Varathane. This clear top coat protects the paint and makes the cart feel smooth and finished!

Christina Dennis is the creator and designer behind Golly Gee Baby, a collection of unique and colourful baby clothing and accessories that are ethically manufactured.