ᐅ How do I make Malm furniture weather-resistant?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to use some of my IKEA Malm furniture outdoors, for example on a covered terrace. Since the typical veneer and particleboard used in the Malm series are not designed for moisture or direct weather exposure, I am wondering: How can I make Malm furniture weather-resistant so it lasts as long as possible without swelling, molding, or becoming unsightly?

Which materials or coatings are best suited for this? Is a special varnish or oil sufficient? Do I need to sand or prime beforehand? Are there any experiences with certain methods or products that are truly effective?

I would appreciate practical tips—especially advice on what to watch out for to avoid common mistakes. Thanks in advance!

Hello prani65,

First of all, it is important to understand that Malm furniture from IKEA is mostly made from engineered wood products, which are only somewhat water-resistant without additional treatment, especially the particleboard cores that can swell when exposed to moisture.

To make Malm furniture weatherproof, I generally recommend a multi-step sealing process:

1. Preparation: Sand all surfaces carefully to create a smooth but slightly rough texture for better adhesion. Pay special attention to the edges, as moisture can penetrate there most easily.

2. Primer: Next, apply a wood primer suitable for outdoor use, preferably one that repels moisture but remains breathable. This prevents moisture from becoming trapped inside the wood.

3. Sealing: After the primer dries, apply a weather-resistant acrylic or polyurethane coating. The paint should be applied at least twice, preferably more.

It is important to treat all surfaces, including the backs, inner edges, and bottom parts, as these areas are also prone to moisture penetration.

Many underestimate the need to seal screw holes and joints as well, for example with clear silicone or sealing tape.

Ultimately, the durability depends on the level of maintenance: regular inspections and touch-ups, especially on exposed areas, will significantly extend the lifespan.

Can you tell whether your Malm furniture is fully painted, or if it is veneered or laminated? The preparation steps differ depending on this.

Best regards!

Brief and to the point:

- Completely disassemble furniture if possible.
- Sand edges and joints, then remove dust.
- Apply a primer with wood preservative (suitable for outdoor use).
- Afterwards, apply several coats of weather-resistant acrylic varnish or special marine varnish.
- Final treatment with UV protection is recommended.

The veneer does not protect against moisture. Ensure sufficient drying time between coats (depending on the product, 12-24 hours).

If the furniture is exposed to direct rain, continuous protective coating is essential; otherwise, the material will swell quickly.

Dilen schrieb:
It is important that all surfaces, including the back sides, interior edges, and bottom parts, are treated

True, but I often wonder: does it really make sense for furniture that isn’t designed for outdoor use anyway? Whether you invest 200 euros in paint or not, the engineered wood will still swell over time.

Honestly, this is always a temporary solution. Instead of spending hours on sealing treatments, a more practical alternative for me would be to use these pieces only in covered, rain-protected areas or simply switch to genuine outdoor furniture.

You can also overdo it just to make an IKEA classic last a few months longer. I’d rather invest that time in durable furniture made of solid teak or metal. But of course, the question is very valid and I’m not complaining—I just don’t place much value on “make do” solutions for this purpose.

likuken schrieb:
You can also overdo it just to make an IKEA classic last a few months longer.

I think it really depends on the individual situation. Not everyone has the space or budget for outdoor furniture made of solid wood or aluminum.

If you want to keep the Malm furniture on a covered terrace, thorough preparation and proper sealing make a lot of sense. A simple coating system with UV protection and a good primer can significantly extend the lifespan, especially if you maintain it regularly.

tra_nina schrieb:
Finishing with UV protection is recommended.

I would like to emphasize that. UV rays attack films and coatings, which can cause cracking. So it’s better to invest in quality products.

And in case anyone here has never worked with PU (polyurethane) coatings: The smell is unpleasant, but the resulting surface is extremely durable and water-repellent.

It would be interesting to know exactly how prani65 plans to use the furniture. Only occasional outdoor use? Will they be exposed to constant rain? Will they also face temperature fluctuations?

Thanks in advance for all the great input!

For better context: The furniture is the standard Malm model with a white foil finish, not solid wood surface.

They will be used on the covered terrace – so not directly exposed to rain, but moisture from humidity and occasional splashes is to be expected, especially in autumn/winter.

I plan to keep the furniture there permanently, not just for temporary use. Therefore, it is important for me to apply protection measures that are effective in the medium to long term, not just short term.

Regarding disassembly – is it absolutely necessary, or can I treat the furniture fully assembled if I am careful?

I want to apply the sealant and protective layers in a way that covers all holes and edges, but disassembling would be quite time-consuming.

Looking forward to your opinions and thanks again!