ᐅ How can I prevent scratches on Malm furniture?

Created on: 26 Apr 2020 18:03
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parbla9
Hello everyone,

I recently bought a Malm factory-made piece of furniture from IKEA and am really pleased with the design and craftsmanship. However, I am now wondering how to effectively prevent scratches on the surface. These furniture pieces have a rather soft surface finish or oil coating, which is quite sensitive to mechanical wear.

Therefore, my question is: What specific measures—from daily handling to protective products and simple DIY tricks—do you recommend to permanently avoid scratches? Are there any special tips that help better protect the finish or surface?

I would greatly appreciate detailed, practical advice, including any products or methods you personally trust. Thanks in advance!
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Ethan
27 Apr 2020 13:24
Hello parbla9,

I can relate to your question well, as I have worked with Malm furniture for a long time myself.

Regarding your questions about paint and sealing:

1. The surface of Malm furniture is usually melamine-coated, which means traditional paints often have difficulty adhering properly or do not stick permanently without professional preparation.

2. If you want to seal the surface, special clear coatings that are compatible with melamine resin are best; these can be found, for example, at specialty stores for furniture or cabinet making.

3. Be cautious with oils or waxes, as they may alter the surface or cause blotching.

4. A practical tip: If you want to be sure, ask at your hardware store or consult a furniture restorer for products specifically designed for melamine-coated surfaces.

Very important: Always read the manufacturer’s instructions for the paint carefully and test it on an inconspicuous area before treating the entire piece of furniture.

I hope this helps you move forward effectively.
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feklo
27 Apr 2020 14:12
Ethan schrieb:
classic varnishes hardly or not at all adhere permanently without professional preparation

Exactly, I once had a situation where a friend tried to treat his Malm bed himself with wood oil – the result was uneven and left dull spots.

Therefore, my advice for you would be not to get too caught up in details if you don’t have experience, and rather consider consulting a restorer.

If you do want to do some maintenance in the meantime: damp cleaning, a soft cloth, and possibly a high-quality furniture polish.

For the felt pads and protective underlays, I can also recommend buying the suitable pads directly from Ikea, designed specifically for Malm models. They are precisely matched to the load.
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parbla9
28 Apr 2020 08:29
Thank you very much for the detailed information and tips!

In summary, I will continue to use water and mild dish soap sparingly for cleaning, regularly clean felt pads, and avoid any DIY attempts with varnish or oil.

I will also look into getting suitable protective plates or underlays and, if necessary, consult a professional about sealing.

If anyone has advice on everyday care (such as vacuuming, moving furniture, or managing children/pets), I am always happy to receive more tips.
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Karsten45
28 Apr 2020 09:45
parbla9 schrieb:
If anyone has advice on everyday behavior [...]

Very important: No harsh actions on the furniture surface! ;-)

So, no slurping water glasses, no toys falling down, and if there are children in the house, maybe set up a small "play area" on the floor so the little ones don’t have to climb on the tables.

Then the Malm will gladly join in with a smile. 😉
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rubybi
28 Apr 2020 10:17
Additional everyday tips:

- Vacuuming is fine, but never run the nozzle directly over furniture surfaces.
- When moving furniture, always lift it instead of dragging. This helps prevent scratches on both the floor and the furniture.
- Place small blankets as scratch protection for pets.

Following these simple rules can help preserve Malm furniture for a long, scratch-free time.