Has anyone painted Ikea Billy bookcases?

[Londono]

I want to make them look built in and want to use Farrow and Ball paint - has anyone tried this? I can sand and prime them but want to make sure the paint actually sticks to it and the finish lasts!

I've painted some Ikea furniture and it's held up fine - I used zinsser BIN to prime (didn't sand the laminate) and then zinsser paint colour matched to F&B. I'd think it would be fine to use Farrow and Ball over a decent primer like the BIN, getting something that sticks to the laminate is the important thing

Thanks for the quick reply, @Lellochip. I will check out Zinsser and see what can be done.

I have installed these for a customer set into a frame to make them look bespoke. The customer gave the Billy units a light rub back, then coated everything with Zinsser BIN as the PP suggested before using their chosen undercoat and top coat. The finish was really good, and you wouldn't have known it was tarted up Ikea flat pack once painted.

That's reassuring, @SkankingMopoke. Did you use F&B? And that's the plan - to not make it look like off the shelf Ikea!

By weird coincidence I'm in the middle of painting my IKEA Billy bookcases right now. I used chalk paint. They look pretty decent.

Ooh will you post a photo when they are done, @ohforarainyday? Did you sand and prime them first?

I used Annie Sloane with wax. No primer. Great finish, long lasting. The lacquer would be even better

I painted the doors on my billys without using zinster. Regret it now as they are scratched and scarred as I did no prep. Should have known better. Was just in a rush!

Could you sand them and start again, @Elieza?

Yes OP, that’s my plan. Sand and zinster undercoat them first. Then a slightly different shade of paint as I’ve since changed my colour scheme.

I used that undercoat elsewhere. It’s very thin so a little goes a long way. The tin was dear but it is worth it.

I don’t plan on being too harsh with the sanding btw. It’s chipboard underneath so I don’t want to go right through the top layer of laminate stuff! Will do manually not by plug in sander.

I’ve done it - used a cheap wilko primer and a chalk paint over the top. Used wallpaper for the backs sealed with modge podge. You’d never know they’re Ikea.

There is a whole FB group of people who have painted Ikea furniture with Frenchic paint

@Londono

That's reassuring, *@SkankingMopoke*. Did you use F&B? And that's the plan - to not make it look like off the shelf Ikea!

I didn't get involved with the decorating (not my trade), I only saw photos once it was done. It is possible they used F&B as they'd used it elsewhere in the house. However, if it was mine I would be using Dulux Trade Diamond Satinwood. F&B isn't the most hard-wearing of paints.

Have never owned, let alone painted a Billy Bookcase but have plenty of furniture painting experience.
I have heard good things about the endurance of Little Greene Intelligent Satinwood.

@Gemma2019 - Frenchic is good, though not infallible and colour options are limited. As for their FB group - I have today left it after spotting one too many posts being silenced for negative comments about the products.

I used frenchic first on the desk I (re)painted with zinsser. Admittedly I didn't sand first but it did not stick at all. Pic shows the damage from cat-related wear and tear, and then the result of simply picking at it by hand during a productive day of zoom meetings

I've used it successfully on other bits but the obsession that there's nothing it can't be used for annoys me! The frenchic FB group is like a cult

I'm in the Frenchic group but I'm unconvinced and I want to use F&B as I want the shelves to match the walls but I haven't painted either the room or the shelves yet.

@Londono

I'm in the Frenchic group but I'm unconvinced and I want to use F&B as I want the shelves to match the walls but I haven't painted either the room or the shelves yet.

To be fair, with a good primer I'm sure frenchic would be fine, but matching the walls will look nice so makes sense to stick with the same brand.

That said, the f&b colour I chose for my desk is unintentionally a perfect colour match for the frenchic painted cabinet it sits next to

I did a little bit of sanding then Zinsser primer, then final coat of paint on top. I think the primer really does make a difference as I have painted other laminate furniture and it's chipped quickly.

Thanks @CombFromAShoe. Does the finish look ok?

I used Annie Sloan, so easy, have done a kitchen with same paint and it does wear with regular use. I’d imagine F&B would be fine.

The original finish on the Billy may have a bearing on the result. The wooden finishes are veneer, so will paint better as they are actual wood. Whereas the coloured finishes are laminate (or foil as IKEA says) and may chip easier.

@Londono yes, the finish is pretty smooth. Only errors are mine in painting

I used a roller for primer and brush for topcoat - it was on the white Billy so laminate not veneer.

Good to know, thank you @CombFromAShoe!

No need to sand. Use adhesive promoter spray from Halford as a primer