If you’ve ever owned an Ikea LACK piece, you know how versatile and affordable they are. This project is especially perfect if your LACK item has accumulated some scratches, paint marks, or other imperfections over time—let those signs of wear become part of the charm! For this project, we’re going for a Coastal Oceanside vibe, but the techniques you’ll learn can be applied to create a weathered look for virtually any style, from shabby chic to rustic farmhouse to a more antique-inspired aesthetic.
Why Choose a Weathered Look?
A weathered, rustic finish adds a sense of warmth and character to your Ikea furniture. Instead of trying to hide imperfections, you can embrace them and turn them into part of your design. The beauty of a weathered look is that it’s not about perfection—it’s about creating something that looks like it has a story behind it. With a bit of wear or stains, this method helps give it a new life and style that feels intentional.
Step-by-Step Guide to Weathering Your LACK Piece
Choose Your Paint Color
The first step is selecting your paint color. Since this project is inspired by Coastal/ Ocean-side style, think soft, sun-bleached neutrals, warm terracotta tones, or washed blues that mimic the natural, weathered look of coastal living. We went with a few different blue hues: Peacoat for the First Coat, Elegance for the second coat and Belle of the Ball dry brushing on top.
Tip: If your piece has a lot of visible wear, you can use the worn marks to your advantage by layering lighter tones over a darker base. This layering creates a more aged, vintage effect.
Set Up Your Workspace
Before you start painting, make sure you have a clean, well-ventilated space. Lay down a drop cloth to protect your floor, and consider covering nearby furniture with plastic or old sheets. Don’t forget to wear protective clothing. Using painter's tape around the edges or hardware will help you keep things neat.
Clean and Prep the LACK Piece
Although Country Chic Paint doesn’t typically require sanding or priming, it’s a good idea to prep your LACK piece to ensure the paint sticks better. If you want a smooth, durable finish, lightly sand the surface using a fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit) to create a slight texture for the paint to adhere to. Alternatively, you can apply a primer to the surface for a smoother, more consistent base coat—this is especially useful if you’re covering up stains, scratches, or old paint.
Tip: If you want the existing color of your LACK item to show through as part of your weathered look, you can skip sanding and priming entirely. Simply clean the piece thoroughly to remove any dust, dirt, or oils, and let the existing finish peek through the layers of paint for a more natural, layered effect.
Apply the Bottom Coat
We started with Peacoat as our bottom layer. This dark, navy blue will serve as the foundation for our weathered look. Using a synthetic brush or Painting Sponge to apply the paint evenly across the surface. Be sure to cover all areas, especially if you’re working with a table or shelf that has visible scuffs or stains. Allow the first coat to dry completely before moving on to the next layer.
Tip: If you’re looking for a deeper, richer finish, you may need two coats of Peacoat. This will create a solid foundation for the distressed top coat.
Apply the Second Coat
Once the bottom coat is dry, it’s time for the Belle of the Ball top coat. This soft, light blue creates a beautiful contrast against the dark Peacoat. Use the same technique as you did for the bottom coat, applying the paint evenly across the piece.
Since you want the dark Peacoat to show through when distressed, make sure the Belle of the Ball layer is thin. You can always add more paint if needed, but keep the top coat relatively light so the dark base color shines through when you distress it later.
Distress the Paint
Once your base coat has dried, it’s time to give it that weathered charm. Since we were going for a weathered Coastal feel, we used sandpaper (around 220-grit) to dry-distress the edges and corners of our LACK item. The goal is to expose some of the base color or give it a natural wear-and-tear look. Focus on high-contact areas, like the edges and corners, where age would naturally show. This will create the effect of sun-bleached surfaces and give your piece an aged appearance. Curious to know other ways to distress your piece? Visit our blog on the top 3 distressing techniques our customers love here.
If you want a more intricate weathered look, you can also apply a dry brushing technique as we did as the last coat with the color Belle of the Ball.
(Optional) Add Crackle Medium
For an extra touch of charm, we applied Crackle Medium to our piece. This product creates a gorgeous, aged effect by making the top layer of paint crack, revealing the deeper tones beneath for a beautifully distressed look.
Here’s how to use it:
Apply a Thin Layer of Crackle Medium:
After your second layer of paint (such as the Elegance), allow the paint to dry fully. Then, apply a thin, even coat of Crackle Medium directly over the paint using a paintbrush or sponge. The thickness of the medium layer will influence the size of the cracks—thicker layers create larger cracks, while thinner layers create finer ones.
Let the Crackle Medium Dry:
Allow the Crackle Medium to dry completely before applying your final coat of paint. Depending on the thickness of the layer, this can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. The medium should be tacky to the touch but not wet.
Apply the Final Top Coat:
Once the Crackle Medium has dried, apply your final top coat of paint (such as your dry-brushed Belle of the Ball layer). Be gentle with your brush to avoid disturbing the Crackle Medium layer underneath. As the top coat dries, the cracks will start to form, revealing the underlying colors and adding that sun-baked, weathered charm.
Optional Tip:
If you’d like to enhance the crackle effect, you can apply a light sanding over the cracks like we did after the final top coat has dried, helping to highlight the distressed look.
Let It Dry and Style It
After applying the Clear Coat, give your piece a few hours (or overnight) to fully dry. Once dry, it’s time to give your newly transformed LACK item a home! Whether you’ve revamped a coffee table, bookshelf, or side table, the weathered finish will give your space an entirely new vibe.
To complete the Coastal look, consider pairing your piece with natural textures like woven baskets, rustic pottery, or lush greenery. If you’re going for a more antique-style weathered look, add vintage-inspired decor like an old mirror or brass accents for an extra touch of charm.
Bonus Tips for More Character:
Stencilling: Want to add more personality? Use a stencil to apply a subtle design to your piece. Whether you choose a coastal motif, geometric pattern, or something more whimsical, stencilling is an easy way to make your LACK piece truly unique. Want to know more about getting started with stencils? Review our blog here
Create a Wood Grain Effect: If you love the look of wood, use a wood grain tool or technique to give your piece a natural wood appearance. This method can add warmth and texture to your LACK item, making it feel more like a high-end, custom piece of furniture. Check out our blog on getting a “Pottery Barn” finish in this blog post.
Transforming your worn-out Ikea LACK item into a weathered, charming statement piece is easier than you think! With just a little paint, some distressing, and a few creative touches, you can turn your basic furniture into something that looks like it’s been around for years. Whether you're going for a coastal, farmhouse, or vintage aesthetic, the weathered finish will bring out a timeless, personalized style that fits seamlessly into your home.
So grab your brush, embrace the imperfections, and let your LACK piece tell its own story—one that's full of character and charm.