Hackers Help: HEMNES drawer fronts – sandable?

I am trying to re-create a hack that I saw online and am running into a problem.

Hackers Help: HEMNES drawer fronts - sandable?
Photo: IKEA.com

I would like to stain the drawer fronts on my new HEMNES dresser as I have seen done many times online but the drawer fronts on the HEMNES 8 drawer dresser I just purchased do not appear to be real wood. Am I missing something? Thanks!

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Hi Jim

I’ve not looked at a HEMNES up close recently but I do believe they are still made of solid wood as stated on the site. Anyone touched a HEMNES lately? Perhaps you can enlighten Jim.

HEMNES has a thick coat of acrylic lacquer you’ll need to sand through to uncover the wood

For more staining tips, here is a post that may be helpful. Do report back should the HEMNES turn out to be non-solid wood. We are crossing our fingers and saying our prayers in hope that particleboard hasn’t infected the HEMNES.

Jules