What could I use to draw with on IKEA shelf?

Olena Beloous
by Olena Beloous

I got this leftover IKEA shelf from our kitchen remodeling. It looks like a perfect "canvas". It looks like vinyl maybe finish. I would like to draw on it. I was thinking if permanent markers or acrylic paint markers would work. Do you have any suggestions?


Thank you!

  12 answers
  • 17335038 17335038 on May 02, 2020

    Hi Olena,

    Are you sure the picture you posted is the shelf? It looks to be more of a backing or ledge to me..............

  • Cindy Cindy on May 02, 2020

    I don't see an Ikea shelf. But I would recommend the permanent markers be used to draw on one.

  • Michelle Leslie Michelle Leslie on May 02, 2020

    Hi Olena, perhaps this video will give you some ideas - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQGVSPAa6sg. They tested a whole bunch of different markers on vinyl

  • K. Rupp K. Rupp on May 02, 2020

    Hi Olena, if this is a vinyl shelf, you will want to sand it first to be able to draw or paint on it. I have done this before and a laminate shelf does make a great canvas when you want a panel to hang on the wall or a board to work with!!! But sanding it first will give you the surface you will want to work with:). Have fun!

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on May 02, 2020

    A good way to do this is using permanent markers like Shasrpies, avoid the gel types because they will rub off or smear on plastic.

  • Chas' Crazy Creations Chas' Crazy Creations on May 02, 2020

    So the slick surface is tricky. If you're going to create it and leave it on display you'll have a lot more flexibility. If you're going to set things on it or it could get scratched - paint and such will come off easy because of the slick surface. I would recommend Folk Art or Apple Barrel Multi-Surface paint for a little more durability. You could also coat it with a primer first before decorating it which might help your art stay.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on May 02, 2020

    Hello. I recommended coat of a bonding primer either spray or brush on might be advisable. We use that on our PVC piping that was exposed in our laundry room because the PVC piping was so slick and shiny. The wall paint held onto the primer very nicely— to disguise the pipes with the blending of the wall color.

  • Deb K Deb K on May 02, 2020

    Hi Olena, give it a light sanding and put a coat of flat with paint on it to prime, from there you can use any markers on it for drawing, then once you finish put a thin coat of clear over it to seal.

  • A Sharpie would do the trick, so long as you don’t expect to do anything wear and tear wise.

  • William William on May 03, 2020

    Sharpies should work the best. Paint markers should also work as long as you allow them to dry.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on May 07, 2020

    Hi yes,

    Sharpies, permanent markers acrylic paints etc. would work well for display purposes.