ᐅ After polishing, my KALLAX has a blotchy shine – how can I get an even finish?

Hello everyone,

I bought a KALLAX shelving unit from IKEA and want to apply a polish after assembly to achieve a nice, even shine. Unfortunately, the result didn’t turn out as I expected: after polishing, there are clearly noticeable blotchy spots on the surface that spoil the overall appearance.

I thoroughly cleaned the shelf beforehand with a damp cloth and then used a common furniture polish that is supposed to be suitable for lacquered surfaces. I applied it following the instructions, using a clean, soft cloth in circular motions. Still, the finish appears unevenly glossy.

My question is: how can I achieve a consistent, streak-free shine when polishing my KALLAX shelving? Are there any specific tips, products, or techniques to avoid this unpleasant effect? I would also appreciate advice on whether the furniture should be prepared differently before polishing, or if another type of polish might be more suitable.

Thank you in advance for your expert opinions and recommendations!

Fikusau, spots often appear when the polishing cloth is too wet or the product is not applied evenly.

My advice: work with a small amount of polish in small sections and always wipe off excess product with a dry cloth.

sanjon schrieb:
Work with a small amount of polish in sections and always wipe off with a dry cloth afterwards

That’s a good approach, but I’d like to explain in more detail why the KALLAX shelf often appears spotted or unevenly shiny. The issue usually comes down to the surface texture of the material or the type of polish and how it is applied.

First, make sure the shelf is completely dust-free and dry before you start polishing. If any moisture remains, for example from using a damp cloth beforehand, it can encourage the formation of unattractive spots.

Next, I recommend using a polish specifically designed for melamine-coated surfaces – KALLAX typically has a melamine finish, which can be sensitive to polishes that are too oily or greasy. Some products leave residues that do not dry evenly.

When applying, use a thin but thorough layer. One method is to put the polish on the cloth first rather than directly on the furniture. This allows better control of the amount and helps distribute the polish evenly. Then polish with a fresh, clean microfiber cloth, working in uniform strokes.

Finally, the ambient temperature is important: air that is too cold or too humid can interfere with drying and promote spotting.

Have you tried lightly roughening the surface beforehand, for example with very fine sandpaper (grit 400–600)? Sometimes this helps improve adhesion and results in a more even finish. I only ask because this is usually not necessary for melamine surfaces but can sometimes be helpful.

How does the shelf look after a certain drying time? Are there differences in appearance on various areas?

Fikusau schrieb:
I cleaned the shelf thoroughly beforehand with a damp cloth and then used a common furniture polish that is actually intended for lacquered surfaces.

That is already an important piece of information. Conventional polishes for lacquered furniture are often not ideal for melamine resin-coated surfaces like those on KALLAX. These surfaces are very smooth and react differently to cleaning products.

Dilen schrieb:
Polish specifically suitable for melamine resin-coated surfaces

I fully agree with that. Make sure to use products designed specifically for plastic coatings or furniture with melamine surfaces.

Also, after the first polishing, avoid polishing too much immediately, as this often leads to uneven layers and therefore to spots. It is better to apply several thin layers in multiple sessions, allowing sufficient drying time each time.

I also recommend testing small areas in an inconspicuous spot before polishing the entire shelf. This way, you can compare different products or techniques.

If you already have a polish, you can also wipe it off completely and instead use a mild care oil for melamine resin-coated furniture – this often results in a more evenly glossy surface.