ᐅ After mold removal, the paint is peeling off the KALLAX – what can help?

Hello everyone,

I have an IKEA KALLAX shelving unit that I treated completely with a special mold remover due to a mold issue in my apartment. Unfortunately, the paint (or surface finish) is now peeling off in some areas, which not only looks unattractive but also gives the impression that the shelf is damaged.

My question is: What can I do to prevent the paint or surface coating on the KALLAX from further peeling after mold removal? Is there an appropriate method for protecting or refinishing it? And which products are particularly suitable for this, without causing further damage to the treated area or encouraging mold to return?

Thanks in advance for your tips and experiences!

Hello dorubo,

KALLAX shelves are usually made of melamine-coated particleboard. The mold remover may damage the surface due to its solvent or moisture, which can cause the coating to come off.

My advice: Once you have completely dried the affected area, you can carefully remove the loose coating and lightly sand the edge to create a smooth surface. After that, sealing with a clear acrylic-based varnish designed specifically for furniture surfaces is recommended. This will protect the surface and prevent further peeling.

Important: Before application, the surface must be completely dry to avoid trapping moisture that could cause the mold to return.

Hello dorubo,

I agree with Carla but would like to go into more detail.

The peeling of the surface often results from exposure to moisture and aggressive cleaning agents that break down the bond between the melamine foil and the substrate. Mold removal typically involves water-based or alkaline products, which can damage the structure.

If you are interested in a follow-up treatment, I would proceed as follows:

1. Carefully remove loose or damaged areas with fine sandpaper (grit around 220).
2. Clean the surface with a lint-free cloth, ideally using alcohol to remove grease or residues.
3. Then apply a primer or adhesion promoter specifically designed for low-absorbency substrates (e.g., a melamine primer).
4. Finally, apply an opaque, water-resistant paint or clear coat based on acrylic or polyurethane.

Important: It is essential that the shelf does not experience further moisture exposure, so ventilation in the living area should be optimized to prevent mold from returning.

I am interested to know exactly which mold remover you used, as this affects the recommended measures. Was it acid-based or chlorine-based?

Surela schrieb:
I’m interested in which exact mold remover you used, as this affects the treatment options. Was it acid-based or chlorine-based?

Hello Surela, thank you for your detailed response!

The mold remover I used was a chlorine-based product, specifically recommended for wooden furniture and wooden surfaces. It was applied with a contact time of about 15 minutes, followed by thorough ventilation for drying.

Nevertheless, some areas of the surface appear to have been damaged—probably, as you mentioned, due to exposure to the chlorine-based agent.

I am also curious whether it is generally advisable to take a different approach with KALLAX units, for example, applying a full surface sealant beforehand or using alternative mold treatments to protect the furniture piece.

dorubo schrieb:
I am also interested to know whether it is generally advisable to take a different approach with KALLAX, such as applying a complete surface sealant in advance or alternative mold prevention methods to protect the furniture.

Hello dorubo,

In general, preventive sealing of KALLAX is difficult because the surface already has a melamine resin finish, which is highly water- and dirt-repellent. Still, a thin protective layer with a clear coat specifically designed for melamine can improve durability.

Alternatively, you should address the cause of mold in the surrounding environment (e.g., ventilation habits, humidity levels), and if mold is present on the furniture itself, it is better to brush off the affected areas mechanically and only then apply a mild antimicrobial treatment.

Chlorine-based products are effective but can damage sensitive surfaces due to their aggressive nature, so caution is advised.

Sometimes, using special mold inhibitors that do not rely on harsh chemicals can help, such as products based on acetic acid or biocidal concentrates with low impact on materials.

Hey dorubo!

Peeling paint is really annoying, but not the end of the world! 🙂

I once had a similar problem with a piece of flat-pack furniture. After removing the mold, I smoothed the peeling area with fine sandpaper and then applied a clear furniture varnish from a home improvement store. This made the shelf look like new again and also made it a bit more resistant to moisture.

Important: apply several thin coats and let each one dry thoroughly. This way, the surface becomes nicely durable.

It works really well and is cost-effective—give it a try!