ᐅ How can I protect Malm furniture from moisture?

Created on: 6 May 2020 08:17
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zarnon
Hello everyone, I have a problem that I would like to solve: How can I effectively protect IKEA Malm furniture from moisture to prevent swelling or mold? Unfortunately, my apartment is quite damp, especially in the rooms where I have the Malm dressers. I am looking for simple but effective methods that are also long-lasting. Are there any special sealants, impregnations, or other practical measures I can use without affecting the appearance or functionality of the furniture? Just keeping it dry is not enough for me. I look forward to helpful tips and experiences!
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Jorgela
6 May 2020 10:19
A tip: If you want to be on the safe side, you can also apply water-repellent sealing tapes to the edges. These help prevent moisture from penetrating the material.
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INGRID34
6 May 2020 10:25
posin50 schrieb:
Apply a thin layer of clear varnish or wood oil! That really protects

That is exactly a good idea. Clear varnish is versatile and effectively prevents moisture.
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posin50
6 May 2020 11:10
edisondan schrieb:
Rubber pads or felt glides are glued under the legs to prevent contact with moisture on the floor

Exactly! I did that, and since then, no more problems have occurred! 🙂
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Genuan
6 May 2020 12:07
In addition to the mentioned protective measures: Do not place furniture directly against the wall. Leave a gap of a few centimeters (inches) between the furniture and the wall to allow air circulation.
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zarnon
7 May 2020 08:36
Thanks for all the helpful tips so far! I have one more question: How exactly do clear coats work? I want it to be as transparent as possible and with minimal gloss. Are there products specifically suitable for MDF from Malm? And how many coats would you recommend to ensure good protection? I definitely want to avoid any discoloration or unpleasant odor on the surface.
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edisondan
7 May 2020 09:08
zarnon schrieb:
Are there products specifically suitable for Malm MDF? And how many coats would you recommend?

For MDF, I recommend a water-based, matte clear coat without solvents. It dries quickly, does not discolor, and has minimal odor. Applying 2-3 thin coats is ideal, as this creates an even protective layer. Light sanding between coats with fine-grit sandpaper improves adhesion. It is important to let each coat dry thoroughly.