ᐅ How do you repair dents in MALM furniture?

Hello everyone,

I’ve noticed some dents on the surface of my Malm bed from IKEA that affect the appearance of the furniture. Specifically, these are indentations that don’t look like superficial scratches but more like pressure marks, probably caused by pressure or impacts.

I’m interested in how to best repair such dents on MALM furniture. What methods are available to remove the dents or at least improve their appearance? I’ve considered using heat or moisture, but I’m unsure how that would affect this particular surface.

Perhaps someone here has experience with MALM or similar veneered furniture and can offer advice on the best approach that won’t damage the furniture.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Hi,

to repair dents in veneered furniture, you can try covering the area with a damp cloth and then gently applying steam with an iron. This often helps to raise the wood fibers. It is important not to apply direct heat to the veneer, but only work with steam.

Hello,

I would like to provide a more detailed suggestion here, as veneered surfaces, like those on MALM, have some special considerations.

1. Preparation: Make sure the affected area is clean and dry. Remove any dust and grease.

2. Steam treatment: Take a slightly damp but not dripping cotton cloth and place it exactly over the dent. Using an iron (medium heat setting, without steam mode), apply pressure and heat for about 10-15 seconds. This causes the wood fibers to swell slightly, helping the dent to rise.

3. Patience: Repeat the process several times with breaks in between to maintain control and avoid damaging the veneer.

4. Finishing: If the veneer feels slightly rough at the spot, very fine sandpaper (400 grit) can gently help to smooth the surface.

5. Finish/treatment: Depending on the surface, it may be useful to apply a suitable furniture polish or clear coat for protection.

Common mistakes include using an iron that is too hot or applying excessive pressure, which can cause irreversible damage to the veneer.

Good luck!

Hello rolenox44,

You have already pointed out a good approach regarding heat and moisture techniques. I would like to add that it is very important to carry out all steps carefully because MALM furniture usually has a thin foil or veneered surface that is sensitive to heat.

rotofra schrieb:
using an iron (medium temperature setting, no steam) applying pressure and heat for about 10-15 seconds

I would even recommend starting with a lower temperature to avoid discoloring the veneer. Also, you should never place the iron directly on the wood but always use a cloth in between.

If the dent is a bit deeper, sometimes light wood-based filler or furniture repair wax can help to treat the area afterwards. Then gently sand and finish with suitable paint or polish.

Feel free to ask if you need more details about the products or the exact application.

Just a quick note: If the dent is very deep and the steam method isn’t enough, you can use repair wax in wood tones. It’s available at hardware stores and easy to apply. Afterward, polish lightly.

But first, try the heat and moisture method.

RON57 schrieb:
light wood-based filler or furniture repair wax

Yes, using repair wax is often the last option when the surface can no longer be smoothed out. Important: choose a color that matches the veneer, otherwise it will be noticeable.