Hello everyone, I have a question that might be relevant to some of you – how can Malm dressers from IKEA be better protected against scratches?
I’m not just referring to simple items placed on top, but also everyday wear and tear caused, for example, by moving decorations around, placing keys down, or children playing.
The surface is quite durable by now, but especially white or light-colored versions show scratches quickly and quite noticeably. I’m interested in practical tips, such as whether special protective films are useful, what materials can be used, and how to apply them without affecting the appearance.
I look forward to your experiences and suggestions!
I’m not just referring to simple items placed on top, but also everyday wear and tear caused, for example, by moving decorations around, placing keys down, or children playing.
The surface is quite durable by now, but especially white or light-colored versions show scratches quickly and quite noticeably. I’m interested in practical tips, such as whether special protective films are useful, what materials can be used, and how to apply them without affecting the appearance.
I look forward to your experiences and suggestions!
I would like to add something regarding the durability of protective measures.
Felt pads are a short-term solution, but when heavy items are frequently moved, they can quickly lose their adhesive strength. A good alternative is rubber or silicone coasters, which are non-slip and do not shift even under load.
The polyurethane protective film mentioned by KIN42 is a technically advanced option often used for high-quality furniture. It has high scratch resistance and does not yellow quickly. It is advisable to choose roll goods with a thickness of at least 0.1 mm (0.004 inches) specifically designed for furniture surfaces.
Regular cleaning is essential—coarse dirt increases abrasion.
Felt pads are a short-term solution, but when heavy items are frequently moved, they can quickly lose their adhesive strength. A good alternative is rubber or silicone coasters, which are non-slip and do not shift even under load.
The polyurethane protective film mentioned by KIN42 is a technically advanced option often used for high-quality furniture. It has high scratch resistance and does not yellow quickly. It is advisable to choose roll goods with a thickness of at least 0.1 mm (0.004 inches) specifically designed for furniture surfaces.
Regular cleaning is essential—coarse dirt increases abrasion.
Hey, I think many people underestimate the power of small everyday helpers 😉
I protected my Malm chest of drawers with simple, but very thick glass panels. Of course, it costs a bit more, but it looks really elegant and provides excellent protection against scratches, liquids, and so on.
If you prefer something less noticeable: the self-adhesive transparent protective films also work great, though they are not as durable as glass.
Sometimes a well-chosen tablecloth is enough to preserve the surface – and in a design that matches the room.
I protected my Malm chest of drawers with simple, but very thick glass panels. Of course, it costs a bit more, but it looks really elegant and provides excellent protection against scratches, liquids, and so on.
If you prefer something less noticeable: the self-adhesive transparent protective films also work great, though they are not as durable as glass.
Sometimes a well-chosen tablecloth is enough to preserve the surface – and in a design that matches the room.
tutan schrieb:
I can understand how annoying it is when the white surface of your MALM dresser looks like it’s been through a fight after just a few weeks. 😅 I know that frustration well! It really bothers me when I put in effort, and then small scratches ruin my furniture.
I really like many of the tips mentioned here, especially the combination of felt pads and protective films. However, it’s also important to analyze the cause – for example, whether children or pets are the main source of the scratches. That way, you can apply more targeted protection or set usage rules. It’s also about empathy for the furniture, as I call it – treating it consciously and respectfully. 🙂
fike48 schrieb:
Are there any recommendations for specific brands or material thicknesses that are advisable?One of the recommended protective films is the 3M Scotchgard furniture protection film, which is optimized for surfaces and has a thickness of about 0.1 to 0.15 mm (0.004 to 0.006 inches). This film is UV-resistant, does not yellow, and can be removed without leaving any residue.
It is important to thoroughly clean the surface before application. Install the film preferably at room temperature and use a squeegee for bubble-free mounting.
A final quick tip:
If you decide to use a protective film, first test its adhesion on an inconspicuous spot of the MALM dresser to ensure no unwanted chemical reaction or discoloration occurs.
Also, clean the film regularly (once a month) with a microfiber cloth to remove dust and fine sand. This maintains the protective effect and appearance over time.
If you decide to use a protective film, first test its adhesion on an inconspicuous spot of the MALM dresser to ensure no unwanted chemical reaction or discoloration occurs.
Also, clean the film regularly (once a month) with a microfiber cloth to remove dust and fine sand. This maintains the protective effect and appearance over time.
Similar topics