How to Stain IKEA Furniture Without Making Common Mistakes

Have you ever wondered if you can transform plain IKEA furniture into something that looks custom and expensive?

How to Stain IKEA Furniture

I asked myself the same question when I bought my first HEMNES dresser, and let me tell you—it’s absolutely possible with a little effort.

I’ve stained, sanded, and painted several IKEA pieces over the years, and I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t (trust me, I’ve made mistakes so you don’t have to).

Whether it’s solid wood, veneer, or laminate, there’s a way to make it look stunning.

If you’re ready to give your IKEA furniture a whole new life, this guide will walk you through every step, with practical tips and personal lessons I’ve picked up along the way.

Let’s jump in!

Can You Stain IKEA Furniture?

Yes, you can stain IKEA furniture, but the type of material determines how successful the outcome will be.

Solid wood pieces like the HEMNES and IVAR series stain beautifully, while laminate or veneer surfaces require extra prep.

When I stained my solid pine HEMNES dresser, it absorbed the stain evenly after a quick sanding, and the results were stunning.

However, when I attempted to stain my veneer MALM dresser without prep, the stain sat on the surface and looked blotchy lesson learned.

Laminate and veneer require light sanding and sometimes a gel stain or primer for the color to stick properly. With solid wood, the process is much simpler, usually taking just a couple of hours from prep to finish.

If you’re working with IKEA furniture, take a few minutes to check whether it’s solid wood, veneer, or laminate.

Knowing this upfront will save you time, frustration, and help you achieve the custom look you’re aiming for.

Watch, 17 Proven Methods to Fix Wood Stain Mistakes – Expert Tips!

Things You Need to Know Before Staining IKEA Furniture

Before you start staining IKEA furniture, there are a few things you need to know to avoid mistakes and frustration.

Understanding the materials and prep process will make your project easier and give better results.

  • Check the Material
    IKEA furniture comes in different materials: solid wood, veneer, and laminate. Solid wood, like the HEMNES series, is ideal for staining, while laminate and veneer need extra prep. I once assumed my MALM table was solid wood, only to realize mid-project it was veneer, which delayed my progress by a day.
  • Prep is Essential
    Skipping prep can ruin the final result. Lightly sand the surface with 120- or 150-grit sandpaper to help the stain stick evenly. When I skipped sanding once, the stain turned out streaky and uneven, which took hours to fix.
  • Use the Right Products
    For veneer or laminate, use a gel stain or primer designed for non-porous surfaces. Solid wood absorbs regular wood stain easily, but with veneers, I found gel stains worked best, saving me time and effort.
  • Test the Stain First
    Always test the stain on a hidden area before applying it to the entire piece. During one project, I skipped this step and ended up with a darker color than I wanted, adding an extra 2 days to strip and restain the surface.

Knowing these points before starting will save you time and make staining IKEA furniture much more enjoyable.

A little prep and planning go a long way toward achieving that custom, polished look!

Things to Look for When Staining IKEA Furniture

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Things You Need for Staining IKEA Furniture

  1. Tools for Preparation:
  2. Staining Materials:
    • Wood conditioner (optional, for uneven woods like pine)
    • Stains (e.g., Whitewash pickling, Golden Oak, Cardovan Brown, or your choice)
    • Staining sponge or cloth
  3. Protective Supplies:
    • Drop cloth or tarp (to protect your workspace)
    • Gloves (to protect your hands)
    • Mask (to avoid inhaling dust or fumes)
  4. Finishing Supplies:
    • Protective top coat or sealant (optional, for durability)
    • Wood filler (to fill gaps or nail holes)
  5. Assembly Tools (if modifying or enhancing):
    • Mitre box and saw (for trim work)
    • Brad nailer
    • Adhesive spray (for additional design elements like cane webbing)
    • Knobs or push latches (for drawer fronts, if needed)
Stain IKEA Furniture

How to Stain IKEA Furniture

So, let’s explore the each and every step you need to follow when staining IKEA furniture.

1. Determine Suitability for Staining

The first step to staining IKEA furniture is figuring out if the piece is suitable for staining.

Not all IKEA furniture is made the same, so knowing what material you’re working with can save you hours of frustration.

Start by checking if the furniture is solid wood, veneer, or laminate. Solid wood pieces like the HEMNES series are ideal for staining because they absorb stain naturally.

When I worked on my HEMNES nightstand, a quick sanding was all it needed to take the stain beautifully.

For laminate or veneer surfaces, it’s a different story. These materials don’t absorb stain well because of their smooth, non-porous finish.

I learned this when I tried to stain my MALM desk. It ended up looking uneven until I used a gel stain specifically designed for non-wood surfaces.

If you’re unsure of the material, look up your IKEA product online or check for any visible wood grain or smooth plastic-like finishes.

Taking 5 minutes to do this upfront can prevent costly mistakes later in the process.

2. Disassemble Furniture

Before staining, disassembling the furniture makes the process much easier and ensures an even finish.

Trying to stain fully assembled furniture can lead to missed spots and uneven coloring, especially in corners and tight spaces.

Take apart all removable parts, like drawers, shelves, and legs.

When I stained my IKEA desk, separating the pieces saved me so much time during sanding and staining because I could focus on each section individually.

Keep screws and hardware organized in small containers or bags labeled for each part.

One time, I skipped this and ended up spending an extra hour trying to figure out which screws went where during reassembly.

Disassembling may take 15–30 minutes depending on the piece, but trust me, it’s worth it for a cleaner, more professional-looking finish.

It also gives you full access to sand and stain every surface properly.

Stain IKEA Furniture

3. Prepare the Surface

Proper surface preparation is crucial for a smooth and even stain finish.

Start by lightly sanding all surfaces with 120- or 150-grit sandpaper to remove any existing finish or gloss.

When I skipped this step once, the stain ended up blotchy and uneven, adding hours to my project time.

After sanding, wipe down each piece with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris.

This ensures that no particles interfere with the stain absorption. I usually spend about 10–15 minutes on this step, and it makes a noticeable difference in the final result.

For laminate or veneer surfaces, consider using a deglosser or a light coat of primer to help the stain adhere better.

During one project, I found that a gel stain over a primed veneer surface worked much better than traditional stain alone.

Taking the time about 30–45 minutes depending on the piece to prep properly sets you up for a much more satisfying staining experience. It might seem tedious, but trust me, it’s worth every minute.

4. Clean Thoroughly

After sanding, it’s essential to clean the furniture thoroughly to remove all dust and debris. Any leftover particles can ruin the stain’s finish, causing bumps or uneven patches.

I usually spend 10–15 minutes wiping each piece carefully with a damp microfiber cloth to ensure it’s completely clean.

For stubborn dust in crevices or corners, a vacuum with a brush attachment works wonders.

When I stained my IKEA shelf, I skipped vacuuming the corners, and the stain didn’t stick properly there. It was a frustrating lesson.

Let the furniture dry completely after cleaning, which takes about 5–10 minutes, depending on the surface.

Even a little moisture can dilute the stain, so make sure the piece is dry to the touch before moving on.

This step might feel small, but it’s a game-changer for a smooth and professional-looking finish.

Trust me, taking the time to clean thoroughly makes staining much easier and more satisfying.

Stain IKEA Furniture

5. Apply Wood Conditioner (If Needed)

Using a wood conditioner can help prevent blotchy or uneven staining, especially on softer woods like pine.

If your IKEA furniture is made of solid wood, this step is highly recommended.

When I stained my HEMNES dresser without conditioner, the stain absorbed unevenly, and it took an extra coat to fix it.

Apply the conditioner evenly with a clean brush or cloth, following the product instructions. It usually takes 5–10 minutes to apply and an additional 15–30 minutes to let it soak in.

For veneer or laminate pieces, this step isn’t necessary since the surface doesn’t absorb stain the same way.

Work in sections to ensure the conditioner is evenly distributed.

I’ve found that rushing this step can leave patches where the stain doesn’t take as well. Take your time and check the surface as you go.

Using a conditioner might add a little extra time to the project, but it’s worth it for a smoother and more professional finish.

It’s like setting the perfect foundation for the stain to shine!

Tip for staining IKEA furniture

6. Stain in Layers

Staining in layers is key to achieving an even and rich finish. Start by applying the first coat of stain using a clean cloth, sponge, or brush, working in the direction of the wood grain.

For my HEMNES bookshelf, the first layer took 15–20 minutes to apply, and I could already see the transformation.

Let the stain dry for 8–12 hours (or as recommended on the product label) before applying additional coats.

Rushing this step can lead to streaks or tacky spots. I made that mistake once, and the uneven finish added a whole day of sanding and restaining to my project.

For deeper color, repeat the process, applying thin layers until you reach your desired shade.

I’ve found that 2–3 coats usually give the perfect finish, with each layer taking about 10–15 minutes to apply.

Patience is key when layering stain.

Allowing each coat to fully dry not only enhances the depth of the color but also ensures a smooth, professional look. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

7. Finish and Reassemble

After the stain has fully dried, apply a protective finish to seal and protect the wood.

I usually use a clear polyurethane or a matte finish, depending on the look I want, and it takes about 10–15 minutes per coat.

Let it cure for 24 hours for a durable finish. I once skipped this curing time, and the surface scratched easily during reassembly.

Reassemble the furniture carefully, following the instructions or the notes you made during disassembly.

Having labeled screws and parts makes this step quicker. I’ve saved at least 30 minutes on projects by keeping things organized.

Take your time when reassembling to avoid scratching the fresh finish. When I rushed, I accidentally chipped a corner and had to touch it up, adding unnecessary stress.

Once everything is back together, step back and admire your work.

The effort you put into staining and finishing will show, and your IKEA furniture will look custom and polished!

How to Stain IKEA Furniture

How Long Will It Take to Stain IKEA Furniture?

Staining IKEA furniture typically takes 1 to 3 days, depending on the material and how much prep is needed.

Solid wood pieces like the HEMNES series are faster, while veneer or laminate requires extra steps, which can stretch the timeline.

Here’s a general breakdown:

  • Preparation (Sanding and Cleaning): 30 minutes to 1 hour. When I stained my HEMNES dresser, sanding took me just 30 minutes, but prepping my veneer MALM dresser took closer to an hour.
  • Applying Stain: 15–30 minutes per coat. Most projects need 2–3 coats with at least 8–12 hours of drying time in between. For me, letting the stain dry overnight was the easiest way to stay on schedule.
  • Applying Finish: 15 minutes per coat. If you’re sealing with a polyurethane finish, budget an additional 24 hours for curing after the final coat.

Plan for at least 1 full day for small projects and up to 3 days for larger or more complex ones.

Rushing through the process can lead to uneven results, so give yourself time to let each step dry properly.

Trust me, patience pays off—I learned that the hard way when I tried to speed up drying with a fan, and it ruined the finish.

Can You Sand IKEA Furniture?

Yes, you can sand IKEA furniture, but the technique depends on the material. Solid wood pieces like the HEMNES series are easy to sand and respond well to it.

However, laminate and veneer surfaces require lighter sanding to avoid damaging the thin top layer.

For solid wood, use 120- or 150-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface and remove any previous finish.

When I sanded my HEMNES nightstand, the process took me about 20 minutes and left the surface ready for staining.

If you’re working with laminate or veneer, use a finer grit like 220-grit and sand gently to avoid sanding through the thin veneer layer.

I learned this the hard way when I sanded too aggressively on a veneer MALM desk, exposing the particleboard underneath.

Sanding is an essential step for staining, so take your time and do it carefully.

Whether it’s solid wood or veneer, a well-prepped surface will make the stain adhere evenly and result in a smoother finish.

staining IKEA furniture

Can You Paint IKEA Furniture?

Yes, you can paint IKEA furniture, but preparation is key for a smooth, long-lasting finish.

Solid wood pieces like the IVAR or HEMNES series are the easiest to paint, while laminate and veneer surfaces need extra steps to help the paint stick properly.

For solid wood, a light sanding with 120-grit sandpaper and a primer is usually enough.

When I painted my HEMNES cabinet, the process took about 30 minutes to prep, and the paint adhered perfectly.

For laminate or veneer, you’ll need to sand lightly with 220-grit sandpaper and apply a bonding primer designed for glossy or non-porous surfaces.

I once skipped the primer on a MALM desk, and the paint peeled within a few days. It was a mistake I won’t repeat.

With the right prep and materials, painting IKEA furniture is a great way to customize it and match your style.

Just take the time to do it right, and you’ll get a professional, durable finish that looks amazing!

Are you feeling ready to tackle your IKEA furniture makeover?

Whether you’re staining, painting, or just prepping, I promise the effort is worth it. I’ve transformed simple pieces into custom, eye-catching furniture that still gets compliments.

If you’ve followed the steps and tips I’ve shared, your project is sure to turn out amazing.

What piece are you planning to update next? I’d love to hear how it goes, and trust me, once you start, it’s hard to stop!

FAQ

Do I need to sand IKEA furniture before staining or painting?

Yes, sanding is essential to help the stain or paint stick properly. Use 120-grit sandpaper for solid wood and 220-grit for veneer or laminate surfaces.

Can I stain laminate IKEA furniture?

Yes, but you’ll need to sand lightly and use a gel stain or primer designed for non-porous surfaces. Regular wood stain won’t absorb properly on laminate.

How long does it take for the stain to dry on IKEA furniture?

Stain typically takes 8–12 hours to dry between coats. Allow a full 24 hours for the final coat to set before applying a finish.

Can I paint IKEA furniture without primer?

For solid wood, it’s possible, but primer ensures a smoother, longer-lasting finish. For laminate or veneer, primer is a must to prevent peeling.

What’s the best way to protect stained or painted IKEA furniture?

Apply a clear polyurethane or matte protective finish. This will seal the surface and prevent scratches or wear over time.

Walter Parker is a woodworking enthusiast. He is passionate about woodworking projects & plays with woodworking tools having spent over 2 decades as a leader for Woodworking Planet. He wants to make people love woodworking! Read More About Him! Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin.

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