Hello everyone,
I am currently planning an extensive home renovation and own several IKEA Malm furniture pieces (mainly dressers and nightstands) that I want to protect as well as possible during the work. Specifically, I am looking for ways to shield these pieces while painting, plastering, and installing flooring without having to completely empty or disassemble them.
I am aware that Malm furniture can be quite sensitive to moisture and scratches, and that the surfaces are often lacquered or veneered.
Does anyone have practical tips on the best approach, such as what protective materials or special coverings work well? How do you treat the furniture when there is heavy dust or paint splatter nearby?
I’m also interested in any particular experiences or warnings about what to definitely avoid, like using the wrong cleaning agents or improper application of protective films.
Thank you in advance for your help!
I am currently planning an extensive home renovation and own several IKEA Malm furniture pieces (mainly dressers and nightstands) that I want to protect as well as possible during the work. Specifically, I am looking for ways to shield these pieces while painting, plastering, and installing flooring without having to completely empty or disassemble them.
I am aware that Malm furniture can be quite sensitive to moisture and scratches, and that the surfaces are often lacquered or veneered.
Does anyone have practical tips on the best approach, such as what protective materials or special coverings work well? How do you treat the furniture when there is heavy dust or paint splatter nearby?
I’m also interested in any particular experiences or warnings about what to definitely avoid, like using the wrong cleaning agents or improper application of protective films.
Thank you in advance for your help!
Hello FEYEKTA,
I think your question is very well formulated and important because it’s easy to make mistakes with Malm furniture that you might regret later.
First, regarding the materials: Malm furniture surfaces are coated with melamine resin or lacquered, which means they are somewhat sensitive to moisture and mechanical stress.
My suggestion in several steps:
1. Empty the furniture as much as possible to prevent damage or dirt inside.
2. Close all drawers securely; if necessary, tape them shut to prevent accidental opening.
3. If possible, leave the furniture in place to avoid damage from moving.
4. Cover with breathable fleece or construction fabric to prevent condensation and heat buildup.
5. For heavy dirt or paint splatters, additionally use plastic sheeting (PE film), but do not place it directly on the surface to avoid adhesive residues and possible peeling.
6. For dust, a light mist of water sprayed in the room (not directly on the furniture) helps to bind the dust.
What you should definitely avoid:
- Direct contact of a wet or damp cloth with the surface
- Cleaning agents containing solvents or abrasive components
- Covering with unsuitable plastic films that can damage or dissolve the surface
Regarding handling: During floor work, place the furniture on stable supports to keep it off the damp floor and allow some air circulation.
Are your furniture already a few years old? New furniture tends to be more sensitive.
I hope this helps you!
I think your question is very well formulated and important because it’s easy to make mistakes with Malm furniture that you might regret later.
First, regarding the materials: Malm furniture surfaces are coated with melamine resin or lacquered, which means they are somewhat sensitive to moisture and mechanical stress.
My suggestion in several steps:
1. Empty the furniture as much as possible to prevent damage or dirt inside.
2. Close all drawers securely; if necessary, tape them shut to prevent accidental opening.
3. If possible, leave the furniture in place to avoid damage from moving.
4. Cover with breathable fleece or construction fabric to prevent condensation and heat buildup.
5. For heavy dirt or paint splatters, additionally use plastic sheeting (PE film), but do not place it directly on the surface to avoid adhesive residues and possible peeling.
6. For dust, a light mist of water sprayed in the room (not directly on the furniture) helps to bind the dust.
What you should definitely avoid:
- Direct contact of a wet or damp cloth with the surface
- Cleaning agents containing solvents or abrasive components
- Covering with unsuitable plastic films that can damage or dissolve the surface
Regarding handling: During floor work, place the furniture on stable supports to keep it off the damp floor and allow some air circulation.
Are your furniture already a few years old? New furniture tends to be more sensitive.
I hope this helps you!
GIPAPO schrieb:
I would completely wrap the Malm furniture with stretch filmStretch film is definitely great for protecting against dust, but I think if you wrap the furniture completely, condensation can also get trapped – so you really need to be careful. Personally, for my Malm dressers, I always use a combination of film AND a breathable cloth, like cotton blankets. This way, enough air circulates and the dust stays out.
Also, I’ve found that when dealing with paint splatters, painter’s fleece works well – it absorbs paint and offers good protection without sealing the surface. But be careful not to press too hard, as that can leave marks.
leebi7 schrieb:
Empty the furniture as much as possible to avoid damage or dirt inside.I agree, but especially if you don’t want to remove the drawers, I would at least seal them properly.
One last casual tip: cover the furniture in short intervals and check regularly to make sure no condensation forms – otherwise you might end up with swollen areas or uneven shine after the renovation.
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