ᐅ How can I repair damage to IKEA Brimnes drawers?

Hello everyone, I have a problem with my IKEA Brimnes dressers, specifically with the drawers. The surface of some fronts has unattractive scratches, and one drawer has a slightly damaged edge where the wood underneath is visible. I believe the damage is caused both by everyday use and some unfortunately rough handling.

My question is: What is the best way to repair small to medium damage on Brimnes drawers without significantly changing the appearance of the furniture? I have thought about using wood filler, touch-up markers, or repainting, but I am unsure which method works best for the MDF panels and the special surface finish, and how to approach the repair in a structured way. Tips on preparatory work like sanding or cleaning would also be very helpful.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

Oh, I know that problem all too well! Brimnes drawers really look great, but unfortunately, they can be a bit sensitive to scratches and small dents. 🤩 I’ve had great results with similar damage by first carefully cleaning the surface to make sure no dirt interferes with the repair. Then I usually use wood filler that sands well to fill the dents. After that, gently roughen the area with fine sandpaper and touch up with a matching furniture marker. It’s important not to apply too much filler, otherwise the repair will stand out. So keep at it – it’s definitely doable, and the drawers will look almost like new afterward! Good luck and don’t get discouraged!

Hi! I can fully support noge58’s tip 😄. Especially with sanded wood or MDF with a foil coating, it really helps to thoroughly clean and degrease the surfaces before repairing. What I would add: after filling the damage and lightly sanding, you can seal the area with a suitable paint or clear coat applied very thinly to make the repair more durable and less visible. Happy crafting! 🍀

I would like to take the approach to a more professional level. For the MDF panels of the Brimnes drawers, I recommend the following procedure:
- First, clean the area with a slightly damp cloth and a mild cleaning agent to remove dust and grease.
- Then, gently roughen the damaged spot with very fine sandpaper (grit 240 to 320), being careful not to remove too much material.
- For larger dents or damaged edges, water-based wood filler is suitable and can be sanded very well after drying.
- After sanding, you can match the color using a furniture touch-up pen or marker from a hardware store. Alternatively, RAL or custom color mixes for MDF surfaces are also available.
- Finally, seal the area with a matte clear coat or a special furniture protection lacquer to make the repair less prone to new damage.

Important: Always test the color match on an inconspicuous spot, as the surfaces of the Brimnes drawers are not all exactly the same.

In short: Clean, roughen the surface with fine sandpaper, apply filler, sand, color match, apply sealant. Done.

Palenar schrieb:
For the MDF panels of the Brimnes drawers, I recommend the following approach

Well explained! I just want to add that when sanding, you need to be very careful not to damage the surrounding surface, as that can make things look even worse. And especially with edges: sometimes it’s worth removing the drawer completely and working on a soft surface, so you have better control and fewer scratches in places you don’t want them! 😎