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!
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!
I understand how frustrating such damage can be—I had similar issues with my Brimnes dresser last year and was quite annoyed at first. What helped me was tackling the repairs step by step and taking my time. Especially with painted and laminated surfaces, the results are usually better if you don’t rush and allow the repair spots to dry slightly between steps. I also learned that achieving a perfect finish is often not necessary—as long as the damage is visibly improved and doesn’t bother you as much in everyday use. Keep at it, you can do this!
Franz schrieb:
I can understand how frustrating such damages are – I had similar issues with my Brimnes dresser last year and was quite upset at first. I totally know that feeling! Keep your chin up and stay calm, it will work out! 💪
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PECLARISSA6 May 2020 11:21One more tip from me: If you have small cracks or surface scratches that don’t go deep into the wood or MDF, a wax stick can help. They often come in different colors and are quick to apply since you just rub them over the area. Of course, it’s more of a cosmetic fix than a true repair, but sometimes that’s enough to significantly improve the appearance. You don’t always want to fix everything down to the smallest detail. 🙂
I would like to add one more point that is often underestimated: ambient temperature and humidity during repairs are important. Especially wood fillers and paints cure less effectively under poor conditions and may remain visible. Therefore, I recommend working in a dry, temperature-controlled environment whenever possible and allowing the repair to rest for at least 24 hours. This will make the result noticeably more durable.
noge58 schrieb:
I just want to add that you need to be really careful when sanding to avoid damaging the surrounding surface Exactly. Another detail: The edges of Brimnes drawers often have a plastic foil or melamine coating. When sanding here, the edge should only be slightly roughened, and when filling, make sure not to cause shrinkage or discoloration. If the damage is extensive, sometimes replacing the edge with a suitable edge banding is worthwhile. However, it is questionable whether the effort is justified compared to getting a new drawer. How severe is the damage in your case? The size and type of damage usually determine the best repair method.
Great contributions so far, thank you! Regarding the damage: Most of the scratches are superficial, but one drawer edge has a damage about 3 cm long (1 inch) that exposes the MDF. I’m considering whether to fill it with putty or actually use edge banding here. Replacing the entire drawer is not planned since the furniture is relatively new and otherwise in good condition. I will follow your advice on careful sanding and cautious use of furniture touch-up markers. Are there any experiences with whether the edge banding adheres well to the existing laminated surface?
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