ᐅ How can I visually protect IKEA PLATSA furniture from signs of wear and tear?

Created on: 2 Jun 2019 18:43
J
jacqueli60
J
jacqueli60
2 Jun 2019 18:43
Hello community,

I have assembled some IKEA Platsa furniture at home and am generally very satisfied with their design and functionality. However, I am concerned about maintaining the appearance of these pieces in everyday use. Especially on the fronts and edges, signs of wear such as small scratches, scuffs, and fingerprints become visible quickly, which can affect the overall look.

My question to you is: How can I best protect IKEA Platsa furniture from visible wear and tear? Are there practical tips or suitable materials that have proven effective in real use? I am interested both in protection against scratches and in ease of daily handling, so that cleaning, for example, remains straightforward.

I look forward to your experiences and recommendations!
P
PULAU
2 Jun 2019 20:12
Hello jacqueli60,

Regarding your question about how to visually protect IKEA PLATSA furniture from signs of wear, I recommend a combination of preventive measures and regular maintenance:

- To protect against scratches, thin and discreet films or transparent protective layers are suitable. These can be applied to the furniture fronts and prevent small scratches from penetrating the material.

- For the edges, edge protectors made of soft plastic or silicone are an option. These absorb impacts and wear.

- It is also important to regularly clean the surface with a mild detergent that is suitable for plastics or coated surfaces. Avoid using aggressive cleaners, as they can damage the surface.

- Microfiber cloths are very suitable for cleaning, as they do not cause scratches.

Another tip is to avoid placing the furniture too close to heavily trafficked or potentially abrasive areas. If possible, using cloth pads or mats can help minimize contact with hard objects.

I hope these suggestions are helpful to you.
N
Ninanon
3 Jun 2019 07:38
Hey jacqueli60,

I think your question is really important! I have PLATSA furniture myself and can say from personal experience that you can achieve a lot with just a few simple tricks:
PULAU schrieb:
For protection against scratches, thin and unobtrusive films or transparent protective sheets are recommended.

That’s exactly what I did! I use a self-adhesive transparent protective film that is barely visible and provides excellent scratch protection. It’s also very easy to clean—just wipe it down with a damp cloth.

Another great tip: small felt pads on the spots where you frequently open doors or drawers. This way, you avoid annoying scratches on handles and edges.

And don’t worry: you don’t have to be super careful, with these protective measures the furniture really holds up well and looks great for longer! Keep it up, it’s worth it 😊
L
lomin
3 Jun 2019 22:06
Hello everyone,

I’d like to briefly share my thoughts as I can relate well to the topic of visual protection. I had a similar situation with my PLATSA cabinets and also considered different protection methods.
Ninanon schrieb:
I use a self-adhesive transparent protective film that is hardly visible and provides excellent scratch protection.

That sounds really promising! However, I wondered if these films might eventually peel off or discolor unattractively. Does anyone have long-term experience with this kind of film? I’d find it unfortunate if the protection itself eventually becomes an issue.

Something personally important to me is a protection that is not only superficial but also shields the plastic from UV light, as the white or light-colored surfaces of the PLATSA furniture sometimes yellow over time. Maybe there are specially treated films for that?

Looking forward to your input and further advice!
B
bujufa
4 Jun 2019 09:27
Hello lomin, hello jacqueli60,

I would like to add some factual points from a technical perspective to the discussion. Using protective films is generally effective, but it is important to choose high-quality products that are UV-resistant and temperature-resistant.

Most commercially available protective films for furniture are made of either polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Polyurethane films tend to yellow less and maintain their transparency longer.

Another option, especially for PLATSA, is the use of lacquer or wax coatings; however, these are not originally recommended by the manufacturer and can cause issues on plastic surfaces.

If you decide to use films, I recommend:
- Thoroughly cleaning and degreasing before application
- Applying the film without air bubbles and ideally smoothing it out with a squeegee
- Regularly checking that the film still adheres properly and replacing it if damaged

For the edges, protective strips made of silicone or wood can be applied or glued onto the furniture piece – they effectively cushion impacts.

For cleaning, use a mild, pH-neutral detergent, as PULAU also suggested. Avoid alcohol or solvents to keep the surfaces undamaged for longer.