ᐅ How can I avoid scratches when assembling the IKEA Brimnes wardrobe?

Hello everyone, I’m about to assemble the IKEA Brimnes wardrobe and I really want to avoid scratching the surfaces during assembly. I have built furniture before, but especially with more affordable pieces like this one, I find it quite frustrating when scratches occur, as they tend to be very noticeable.

I’m interested in what precautions you take when assembling the Brimnes wardrobe to prevent scratches on the white surface. Are there specific techniques, tool settings, or materials you use to protect the wood parts? Maybe tips on how to best handle the edges and the coating?

I would appreciate practical, experience-based advice to help me achieve the best possible result with my wardrobe.

lo_ga schrieb:
I’m interested in what precautions you take when assembling the Brimnes wardrobe to avoid scratches on the white surface.

That’s a very good question. I know the feeling when assembling such a wardrobe and hoping everything stays scratch-free. On my first try, I was quite nervous, especially since you really don’t want to damage the finish.

What helped me a lot was laying out all the parts on a soft surface—old blankets or a large towel. This way the surfaces are protected when you place the parts down or turn them on the work area. When screwing, I also make sure not to apply too much pressure on the surfaces and try to hold them by the edges to prevent slipping and scratching.

For the handle area, I used special edge protectors I got from a dentist’s office. It was a bit improvised but worked better than I expected. Of course, this slows down the assembly a bit, but I think it’s worth it.

Simply always lay out the parts on a clean, soft surface during assembly. Use a screwdriver with a soft handle grip and tighten the screws carefully.

Also, make sure that screws and tools are free of dirt or sand to avoid causing any scratches.

lo_ga schrieb:
Are there any special techniques, tool settings, or materials you use to protect the wooden parts?

I recommend first carefully reviewing the assembly instructions to understand the process and avoid surprises.

To protect against scratches, the following measures are helpful:
- Use a continuous, soft, and clean surface underneath (e.g., a lightweight mat on the floor or large towels)
- When handling the panels, try not to place the surfaces on the floor or other hard surfaces
- Use tools with plastic or rubber grips so that metal parts do not accidentally contact the surface
- For larger panels, it’s better to work in pairs to hold and move the parts more securely
- Use a screwdriver with a torque setting to avoid overtightening the screws

Regarding edges: these are usually sensitive due to the coating, so always guide them by hand when positioning and screwing, and avoid pressing down firmly on them.

I find the construction of the Brimnes really interesting, but I understand that the fear of scratches can be frustrating! 🌟 My absolute top tip: Don’t place the parts directly on the hard floor. I laid out a thick wool blanket, and it truly made a big difference.

boelnu schrieb:
On my first attempt, I was quite nervous, especially with the finishes—you naturally don’t want to damage anything.

I feel the same way, which is why I found it helpful to work slowly and patiently instead of rushing to assemble everything. I also always kept a small box of microfiber cloths nearby in case something slipped, so I could quickly and gently clean without rubbing.

That’s what makes building really enjoyable! And don’t get discouraged—every scratch can also tell a little story 😉

Hello lo_ga,

I completely understand your concern, especially with furniture that has a white coated surface, where caution is very important. Here are a few basic tips I would like to share with you:

- Preparation: Check that all components are undamaged and wipe them down with a clean, soft cloth before assembly to remove dust or small particles.

- Work surface: As already mentioned, a soft, large surface is essential; the best options are a large sheet, blanket, or even a large foam mat.

- Tools: If possible, use screwdrivers with rubberized handles. Avoid cordless electric screwdrivers with high torque if you don’t have torque control.

- Handling: Try to hold the parts by the edges rather than the surface, and always keep them perpendicular to the material to prevent slipping.

- When fastening screws: Insert the screws carefully and do not tighten them fully right away; first tighten them lightly and adjust the position if necessary.

If you like, I can also recommend making a small checklist for the assembly beforehand, so you don’t have to rush and can approach each step thoughtfully.

I hope these tips help you!