ᐅ Who has tested decorative adhesive films on KALLAX surfaces?

Hello everyone, I am considering applying decorative adhesive films to my KALLAX shelving unit to make the white finish a bit more interesting. However, I am wondering how well these films adhere to the surfaces of the KALLAX and whether there are any issues with applying or removing them. Has anyone had experience with decorative adhesive films directly on KALLAX surfaces? I am particularly interested in how well the film sticks, whether the surface changes when removing it, and how easy it is to work with. Thanks in advance for your insights!

Hello Annatar, some time ago I applied decorative adhesive films to my KALLAX myself. I would recommend paying attention to the following points:

1. Thoroughly clean and degrease the surface beforehand, preferably with isopropanol.
2. Apply the films slowly and carefully, as the KALLAX has a slightly textured surface, which often causes air bubbles.
3. If you want to remove the film, peel it off gently to avoid adhesive residue. I found that peeling off too quickly can slightly roughen the surface.

My conclusion: The adhesive films stick well, completely change the appearance, and are an affordable way to customize the KALLAX. However, you should take your time with the process. If you’re looking for something durable, the films might not stay perfect over time, especially on edges and corners. 🙂

sinhau schrieb:
If the film needs to be removed, peel it off carefully to avoid adhesive residue.

I can confirm this from experience. Especially with KALLAX, the surface is not completely smooth, which makes peeling it off a bit more complicated.

I tried this on one side and removed the film again after about a year. Although the surface mostly remained intact, a slight adhesive residue was left behind, which can usually be removed with some rubbing alcohol and a plastic scraper. It is important not to use sharp metal tools to avoid scratching.

If you are trying decorative adhesive films, I recommend testing on an inconspicuous area first to see how the film reacts when removed later and whether the surface is damaged. The protective coating on KALLAX can be particularly sensitive.

I did the same: adhesive film sticks well but can only be removed carefully. The surface usually remains intact, but you should press the film firmly along the edges so it doesn’t lift quickly.

Annatar schrieb:
How well does the film hold up, does the surface change when removing it, and how is the application process?

I can understand your concerns about durability and the surface. I hesitated myself because I was worried about possible damage. In my experience, films with high-quality adhesive perform better, and if removed carefully, the surface hardly changes. However, small air bubbles did form for me, which I punctured with a needle – not an ideal solution.

If I were you, I would try testing a smaller area first or possibly try a similar surface in a local hardware store before covering everything. This will give you confidence and help avoid frustration. Good luck! 🙂