How to Make Flatpack Furniture Look Expensive with Paint and New Handles
Flatpack furniture is everywhere in Australian homes — and for good reason. It's affordable, widely available, and functional. But it rarely looks expensive straight out of the box. With the right paint, a set of beautiful handles, and a few simple techniques, you can transform a budget flatpack piece into something that looks genuinely designer.
Why Flatpack Is Actually Great to Paint
- Smooth, consistent surfaces — no old finishes or surprises
- Clean, simple shapes that show paint beautifully
- Low-risk — you're not ruining a valuable antique
- Standard hole spacings make hardware swaps easy
The main challenge is the laminate or melamine surface — solved with bonding primer.
Step 1: Remove Hardware and Doors
Remove all handles, knobs and hinges. Take off removable doors and drawer fronts — painting flat surfaces is much easier than painting around hinges.
Step 2: Clean Thoroughly
Wipe down with sugar soap and warm water. Even new flatpack has factory residues and handling oils that affect adhesion.
Step 3: Sand the Surface
Use 180–220 grit sandpaper to scuff the laminate surface. You're not removing it — just creating texture for the primer to grip. Wipe away all dust.
Step 4: Apply Bonding Primer — Don't Skip This
On laminate and melamine, bonding primer is non-negotiable. Two thin coats, fully dry between each. Lightly sand once dry, wipe dust, then paint.
Step 5: Paint in Thin, Even Coats
Apply chalk finish or mineral paint in thin coats. A foam roller gives a very smooth finish on flat surfaces; a brush for edges. Two to three coats for full coverage. Sand lightly between coats.
Step 6: Seal the Finish
Flatpack gets daily use — seal it. Matte or satin sealer for chalk paint. Check if your mineral paint is self-sealing.
Step 7: Fit the New Hardware
This is the transformation moment. Measure existing hole spacing first. Choose hardware that elevates the piece — this is not the place to save money. Beautiful brass, rattan or timber handles make people think the piece is expensive.
Combinations That Work Best
IKEA HEMNES dresser: Mineral paint in sage green or navy + brushed brass handles
IKEA KALLAX: Chalk finish in white or linen + rattan handles
IKEA MALM dresser: Mineral paint in charcoal or forest green + antique brass knobs
Budget bedside tables: Chalk finish in blush or warm white + carved timber knobs
Bathroom vanity: Mineral paint in white or soft grey + marble knobs
Extra Touches
- Line the drawers with beautiful drawer liner
- Style the top with a plant, candle and small tray
- Paint the back panel of open shelving a contrasting colour
- Swap cheap plastic legs for timber or hairpin legs
Shop What You Need
👉 Shop All Paint
👉 Shop Cabinet Hardware
👉 Shop Bonding Primers
