ᐅ After a deep cleaning, the edge of the Kallax shelf has chipped off – how can I repair it?

Created on: 2 Nov 2016 19:23
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Lugo30
Hello everyone, I recently gave my Kallax shelf a thorough cleaning, as dust and dirt had built up quite a bit over time. During this, I noticed that a small piece chipped off one of the edges, which is normally covered with a thin plastic edge banding. The edge looks somewhat swollen, likely due to moisture from the cleaning process. Now, I’m wondering how to best repair this damaged edge without having to disassemble the entire shelf. Are there any recommended adhesives, sealants, or maybe even replacement edge strips that can be simply glued on? I want to prevent the damage from spreading further and, of course, I want it to look good in the end. I’m open to any advice, including personal experiences from people who have repaired something similar. Thanks in advance!
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suru61
3 Nov 2016 10:42
I had a similar issue with my Kallax. Back then, I simply used self-adhesive edge banding and applied it with an iron – after the repair, it looked like new. 😉 The important thing is to iron the band on smoothly; then it sticks really well. Also, after deep cleaning, I would avoid getting the shelf too wet in the future. It’s better to wipe it damp and dry it quickly. Otherwise, the material will really swell, and the edges will wear out faster – my Kallax learned that, too. 🙂
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tutan
3 Nov 2016 11:15
Suru61 schrieb:
Used self-adhesive edge banding and applied it with an iron – after the repair it looked like new.\

Exactly, that really works well, especially when larger pieces are already missing from the edge. Moisture is definitely the number one enemy there. Another tip: edge banding comes in various designs and colors, so you can often find something that closely matches the original. Just give it a try, it also makes the repair visually successful. Good luck!
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Shawn38
4 Nov 2016 09:28
Just as additional information: Kallax shelves typically have edges made of melamine foil or plastic. If only small areas have chipped off, adhesive alone is usually sufficient. However, if you have used too much water during cleaning, I recommend applying a new edge strip along the entire edge. This is not expensive and significantly improves the appearance of the shelf. It is also advisable to lightly roughen the edge with fine 400-grit sandpaper before gluing. This increases adhesion, especially when using adhesives.
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Daledra
4 Nov 2016 11:47
If I were you, I would definitely use a waterproof wood glue, as it is stronger than superglue. If only the edge is chipped and hasn’t completely come off, this provides more stability. If not, then use self-adhesive edge banding – simply cut to size and iron on.
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KauNicklas
4 Nov 2016 15:02
Lugo30 schrieb:
Are there any recommended adhesives, sealants, or maybe even replacement edging strips that can simply be glued on?

Just as an additional note: Silicone or other sealants are generally not suitable for repairing such edges. They are too soft and do not adhere well to these surfaces. Furniture or assembly adhesives designed for this purpose are better options.