ᐅ How can I protect Ikea HEMNES furniture from pet damage?

Created on: 9 Jan 2021 18:23
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Tegia
Hello everyone, I have a question regarding my Ikea Hemnes furniture: How can I effectively protect my HEMNES dressers and shelves from damage caused by pets, especially from cat scratches and dog saliva marks? The furniture is made of solid wood or has a coated finish, and I want to preserve the charm and surface as long as possible without having to replace the furniture. What protective measures have worked well for you? I am thinking, for example, of special sealants, protective films, or maybe furniture care products that are particularly durable against pet contact. I look forward to your practical tips and experiences!
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Tegia
9 Jan 2021 19:36
Wyatt schrieb:
First, you should precisely identify the type of wood and its surface finish, ideally based on the product description or a sample piece.

Thanks for the detailed advice! Yes, most of my Hemnes furniture is made of solid wood with a white lacquer finish, so it is somewhat delicate.
nojaus schrieb:
I can only recommend not only protecting the furniture fabric but also keeping the cats entertained with their own scratching posts.

That's true, so far I've tried to make the scratching post appealing, but the cat doesn't really love it. Do you have any tips from experience on how to improve this?

Also, I wonder if you could recommend any special maintenance products for the lacquer that enhance protection without altering the color?
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barEsperan
10 Jan 2021 08:15
For paint finishes, a high-quality water-based furniture oil is often a good choice. It penetrates quickly, does not alter the appearance, and provides a protective layer against moisture and wear.
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SUPE2
10 Jan 2021 08:48
Scratch protection films are great, especially when applied to the areas where the cat usually scratches. Simply cut to size and stick on. We also treated the scratching posts with catnip, which often helps redirect their attention.
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ritotar
10 Jan 2021 09:01
Tegia schrieb:
Do you have any tips from experience on how to improve this?

My advice: Try different materials or locations for the scratching post – some cats prefer sisal, others carpet. And very important: Don’t place it right next to the sofa or furniture, but rather in a spot where they enjoy discovering it as their main place. Patience is really key here!
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Nigel
10 Jan 2021 11:25
One more tip: Sprinkle a little dried catnip powder on the spots of the scratching post; this attracts many cats significantly more.
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Wyatt
10 Jan 2021 14:33
Tegia schrieb:
Also, I wonder if you can recommend any special care products for the paint that improve protection without altering the color?

Yes, you should definitely look for furniture care products designed for painted wooden surfaces. These care gels or oils are specially formulated to avoid damaging the surface sealant. Ideally, they should meet the following criteria:
- Water-based, so the paint is not dissolved
- Free of strong solvents
- Contains nourishing waxes that gently polish the surface

Application: Apply thinly with a soft, lint-free cloth, allow it to absorb well, then polish lightly. This keeps the paint flexible and forms a protective barrier against mechanical wear and moisture.