How To Paint Ikea Billy Bookcase?

Do you want to upcycle your Billy bookcase? If yes, painting is a superb option to do that. This is how your bookcase will get a new look. Besides, it’s a pretty big but convenient project. You can get a small set of furniture on a pretty meager budget with this Billy bookcase.

Further, you can use it for any room. It is also customizable to fit the look of the space.

The Billy bookcase is not made from solid timber. Therefore, the procedure of painting the Ikea Billy bookcase is a bit different. Now, the question can arise – how to paint Ikea Billy bookcase? Well, we will discuss it.

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What is an Ikea Billy Bookcase?

Ikea Billy bookcases are pretty simple yet stylish and versatile storage solutions. It is named after Ikea’s founder, Ingvar Kamprad. Besides, the Billy bookcase is one of the company’s most iconic and best-selling products around the world.

While the Billy bookcase is often used in children’s rooms to store toys and books, it can also be used in any house room. Hence, you can use it from the living room to the home office. The bookcase is available in various heights, widths, and colors. As a result, it’s easy to find one that fits your needs.

One of the best things about the Billy bookcase is its versatility. You can use it as a standalone unit or combine it with other Ikea furniture to create a custom storage solution. For example, you can add doors, drawers, or shelves to create a unique piece of furniture that fits your exact needs.

If you’re looking for a simple, yet stylish, storage solution for your home, the Ikea Billy bookcase is a great option.

Painting the Ikea Bookcase

It’s no secret that the IKEA bookcase is a popular choice for many homeowners. But, what if you want to add a little bit of personality to your bookcase? Wouldn’t it be so fantastic? Painting is a great way to do that!

Here is the process of Ikea bookcase painting:

1. Choose a paint color that you love. Don’t be afraid to go bold!

2. Make sure to sand the bookcase down before you start painting. This will help the paint to cohere better.

3. Use a primer before you start painting. This will help the paint color pop and help it last longer.

4. Use a paintbrush or a roller to apply the paint evenly.

5. Let the paint dry completely before putting anything back on the shelves.

Now that you know how to paint the IKEA bookcase, have fun with it! Add some stripes, polka dots, or even a pattern. The possibilities are endless!

One of the best traits of the Ikea bookcase is the components offered for the furniture. Moreover, it is made of laminated board. It’s a popular choice for many DIY furniture units.

Easy Steps How to Paint Ikea Billy Bookcase?

At first, you’ll need several materials. They are –

Sanding block
Damp Cloth
Shellac-based primer
Paintbrushes
Paint tray
Topcoat

Things to Do for Ikea Billy Bookcase

We will give you in-detail lessons to complete the Ikea Billy bookcase. Let’s check –

1. Detach the Case

So, you are now fully prepared to begin the task? Very well. But, before that, you should deconstruct the Ikea Billy bookcase. Hence, you’ll be able to paint all the surfaces quite clearly. Before beginning with the all-new set, please keep it in fragmental mode. The reason is that working with separate pieces is much more convenient than the assembled one.

2. Tickle the Surface

You should use medium-grit sandpaper or sanding block to sand the surface. As a result, your primer and paint will get someplace to hold on. Now, ensure that you have covered all the places of the furniture. Don’t leave any bare spot. Closely follow while scruffing that no empty spot has been left.

After completing the task, wipe away all the dust and residue with a damp cloth to clean the furniture.

3. Apply Primer

Now, tickling the surface is complete. It’s time to apply the primer. You have to apply an even layer of shellac-based primer on your laminate. Hence, use a foam roller, and spread a thin and even layer on top of the surface. You could check the manufacturer’s instruction guide to do it. Further, leave the whole thing to dry.

We suggest that you should use a shellac-based primer. The reason is that these types of primers work well for the laminated surface. In addition, they also take little time to dry and seal the surfaces in an ideal way.

4. Paint it Over

If the primer dries completely, you have to paint it over for the second time. Select a paint, and go all over the pieces of the Ikea Billy bookcase. Now, apply a two-layer of paint over it. When it’s over, leave these pieces to dry.

The paint I should Select For Ikea Furniture

Now, it’s time to select the Ikea Billy bookcase paint color. You can choose a different type of color for painting Ikea malm furniture. Let’s check them –

Acrylic Paint

This paint sounds familiar? Right?! Yup, you probably heard it if you visit a painting gallery because artists use this paint for their painting. Nevertheless, acrylic paint is also usable for furniture. They can be directly applied to wood as they’re highly sophisticated paint.

However, the Ikea Billy bookcase is made of laminate. For this reason, you need to use primer and then use this paint. This is a water-based paint.

Latex

It is also water-based paint. Latex is the best option if you use the paint on larger areas. On top of that, they are also frugal.

Chalk Paint

Painting the Ikea Billy bookcase with chalk paint is such a sophisticated task. They’re most suitable for decorative furniture paint. With this one, you can decorate the furniture in a glossy way!

Frequently Asked Question

Can You Paint Billy Bookcases?

Yes, a billy bookcase can be painted. You can paint your Billy bookshelf with latex paint, acrylic paint, or chalk paint. Apply primer before painting the surface for a better result. There are two Billy bookcases in my house, and I recently painted one with this method.

Final Words

The Ikea Billy Bookcase system is a superb and attractive way for book storage. The reason is they can be easily made to fit in so many spaces. But, you shouldn’t destroy the painting by using basic colors! Closely follow our advice and learn thoroughly how to paint Ikea Billy bookcase?

Trust us, you’ll get an excellent case for sure!

How To Paint Ikea Billy Bookcase?