ᐅ After attaching new cabinet handles, the surface of the KALLAX started peeling off – how can this be repaired?

Hello everyone, I recently attached new furniture handles to my IKEA KALLAX shelf. Unfortunately, a problem occurred: the surface is peeling off in several places where the screws for the handles are located. The MDF board underneath the veneer seems to be damaged, and I would like to know how to professionally repair this damage so that it is as inconspicuous as possible and remains stable. Has anyone experienced similar issues with KALLAX or similar furniture? What materials or methods have you used to restore or protect the surface? Thanks in advance for your tips!

Delamination often occurs when screws that are too large or incorrect screwing techniques are used. It is best to remove any loose areas, then repair with wood filler and sand smooth. Afterward, use fine wallpaper paint or a furniture touch-up marker.

That sounds really frustrating, especially after putting a lot of effort into installing the new handles. I had a similar issue with my furniture and was quite disappointed, but with some patience and the right materials, everything could be repaired well. Sometimes you feel almost helpless with such damage, but every little flaw can actually be improved. Have you tried stabilizing the surface with a special adhesive or varnish? Maybe we can offer you some specific recommendations.

Peeling surface is typical when tension acts on the membrane and substrate board. Fill holes with filler, then sand smooth. Afterwards, apply a matte transparent acrylic lacquer on top to prevent further peeling.

For repairing surface chipping on KALLAX furniture, I recommend the following procedure: First, remove any loose film remnants and thoroughly clean the area. Then apply a thin, liquid wood filler or MDF filler to even out any irregularities. After drying, gently sand the surface smooth using fine sandpaper with a grit size of 240 to 320. To achieve the least noticeable result, it is advisable to apply a matte acrylic lacquer or a special furniture repair marker that matches the color of the furniture. When using screws, always use washers to relieve pressure on the film and prevent it from peeling off again. Be careful not to use screws that are too long or too thick to avoid damaging the MDF.

BARSAN schrieb:
It’s best to remove any loose areas, then repair with wood filler and sand smooth.

Thanks for the advice. I didn’t overtighten the screws, but the holes did end up slightly larger than before.

ladali schrieb:
The screws should definitely be used with washers to relieve stress on the membrane and prevent it from coming loose again.

That’s interesting; I hadn’t considered that. I’ll get some washers and give it a try.

Are there any recommendations on how thick or flexible the filler should be? I want to avoid tension under the membrane again.