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

Created on: 1 Feb 2022 08:43
D
dorubo
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!
K
koduga
2 Feb 2022 07:52
Hello dorubo,

I can understand how frustrating this situation is. A piece of furniture like the KALLAX can be quite an investment, and when the surface starts peeling, it can feel very helpless.

In my opinion, it’s important not only to repair the damage but also to acknowledge the emotional impact of the problem. If you can restore the shelf to a good condition, that would be great, but if the issues persist, choosing a new piece of furniture with better moisture or mold resistance might be a practical alternative.

Personally, I’ve had positive experiences requesting the landlord to improve the room conditions, because without optimizing the humidity levels, any aftercare treatments are unlikely to be effective in the long term.

Keep at it—it can be managed!
B
BLAKEO
2 Feb 2022 11:16
CARLA schrieb:
My tip: ... a sealant with an acrylic-based clear coat ...

I would like to follow up at this point: Are there reliable data or practical experiences showing that acrylic clear coats are truly compatible with melamine coatings and adhere well over the long term? Some report that paints do not properly stick to melamine and later peel off again, which could worsen the issue.

The aspect of residual moisture also seems critical to me. Was the exact drying time and moisture content checked before painting? Otherwise, mold could develop underneath the new layer.

Perhaps it would be a better option to use a surface product specifically designed for melamine-coated furniture or, instead of a clear coat, consider a special melamine repair film. Does anyone have experience with these alternatives?
R
Ramon4
2 Feb 2022 13:09
BLAKEO schrieb:
Maybe a better option would be to use a surface product specifically designed for melamine-coated furniture or, instead of clear lacquer, possibly a special melamine repair film. Has anyone had experience with these options?\

Hello,

The idea of using a melamine repair film is actually very good, especially for smaller areas. The film is available in many colors and patterns, is applied with an iron or heat gun, and can make damaged spots almost invisible.

For larger areas, such as surfaces already peeling due to mold growth, I would still recommend thorough drying, followed by sanding and then applying a special melamine primer, as Surela already mentioned.

It is important to use products that are explicitly suitable for repairing melamine-coated furniture, since standard paints often do not adhere properly.

And very important: always eliminate the cause of the mold, otherwise all surface treatments will only provide temporary results.

Good luck!