ᐅ After painting, my KALLAX doors no longer close properly – any advice?
Created on: 15 Mar 2023 08:13
I
IRAKLI52
Hello everyone,
I just refinished my IKEA KALLAX to improve the surface a bit. However, now I have the problem that the doors no longer close properly. It feels like the doors are rubbing or catching somewhere, so the latch doesn’t engage fully.
I haven’t changed the hinges or mounting hardware, but I suspect that maybe the new paint layer slightly altered the dimensions or was applied too thickly. Perhaps the alignment is also off?
Has anyone experienced something similar or have tips on how to restore proper functionality? I’d prefer not to replace the doors right away but to gradually identify where the problem is. Thanks in advance!
I just refinished my IKEA KALLAX to improve the surface a bit. However, now I have the problem that the doors no longer close properly. It feels like the doors are rubbing or catching somewhere, so the latch doesn’t engage fully.
I haven’t changed the hinges or mounting hardware, but I suspect that maybe the new paint layer slightly altered the dimensions or was applied too thickly. Perhaps the alignment is also off?
Has anyone experienced something similar or have tips on how to restore proper functionality? I’d prefer not to replace the doors right away but to gradually identify where the problem is. Thanks in advance!
To optimize the process, here is a step-by-step recommendation:
1. Carefully detach the doors from the cabinet frame.
2. Lightly sand the critical areas on the rebate edges and hinges using 240 or 320 grit sandpaper.
3. If necessary, follow up with finer grit (360) to ensure smooth surfaces.
4. Precisely adjust the doors before reinstalling – hinges usually have two adjustment screws for height and depth.
5. Apply graphite powder to the hinges as well to reduce friction.
6. After reinstalling, check that the doors close smoothly and latch properly.
If the paint is very uneven, a complete repaint might be advisable, taking care to better mask the hinges.
1. Carefully detach the doors from the cabinet frame.
2. Lightly sand the critical areas on the rebate edges and hinges using 240 or 320 grit sandpaper.
3. If necessary, follow up with finer grit (360) to ensure smooth surfaces.
4. Precisely adjust the doors before reinstalling – hinges usually have two adjustment screws for height and depth.
5. Apply graphite powder to the hinges as well to reduce friction.
6. After reinstalling, check that the doors close smoothly and latch properly.
If the paint is very uneven, a complete repaint might be advisable, taking care to better mask the hinges.
juMira46 schrieb:
You can get graphite powder [...] online I generally wouldn’t recommend applying lubricant immediately to a piece of furniture. Especially with wooden doors, this can sooner or later cause undesirable effects.
It’s better to first address the root cause mechanically. Is the paint too thick? Sand it down. Are the hinges misaligned? Adjust them.
Graphite is okay, but it’s not a cure-all.
Update from me:
I have now removed the doors, sanded down the thickest spots on the edges slightly with 240-grit sandpaper, and made minor adjustments to the hinges. The doors are now working much better and close perfectly again.
I admit the sanding was really minimal, about a tenth of a millimeter, but that was enough. I also applied a small amount of graphite powder to the hinge joints.
Thank you very much for your tips, really helpful!
I have now removed the doors, sanded down the thickest spots on the edges slightly with 240-grit sandpaper, and made minor adjustments to the hinges. The doors are now working much better and close perfectly again.
I admit the sanding was really minimal, about a tenth of a millimeter, but that was enough. I also applied a small amount of graphite powder to the hinge joints.
Thank you very much for your tips, really helpful!
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