ᐅ How can I protect Ikea PLATSA from scratches?

Hello everyone,

I recently bought an Ikea Platsa shelving unit and am really satisfied with its functionality and design. However, I am concerned about the surface, as I have read that it can be quite prone to scratches. My question is: How can I best protect the Ikea PLATSA unit from scratches and superficial damage in everyday use without compromising its appearance? Are there any proven methods or products that work particularly well with this furniture series? I want to avoid the piece becoming unattractive after a short time.

I look forward to your experiences and tips!

I would recommend sticking felt pads on the edges and surfaces that frequently come into contact with objects or other furniture. Plastic or silicone mats inside the compartments also help protect against scratches caused by storing items. This is usually sufficient.

Raulix schrieb:
How can I best protect the Ikea PLATSA shelving unit from scratches and superficial damage in everyday use without losing much of its appearance?

The topic of surface protection for furniture like the Ikea PLATSA is actually more complex than it seems at first glance, as the materials and coatings used are sensitive to certain influences.

The PLATSA system uses a relatively thin melamine resin coating on wood-based panels, which offers decent durability but can be easily scratched or worn off if not handled properly. Therefore, I recommend protecting it in several steps:

- First, it is important to minimize mechanical stress: this means avoiding placing heavy or sharp-edged objects directly on the surface without protection.

- As already mentioned, you can attach transparent felt pads or foam cushions under decorative items or speakers.

- For high-traffic surfaces, such as top panels, a transparent self-adhesive plastic film designed specifically for furniture works well. This film is thin enough to be hardly noticeable and effectively protects the surface from scratches.

- Alternatively, there are furniture polish sprays with nanotechnology coatings that harden the surface, but their effectiveness varies greatly and they should not be used on melamine surfaces without risking damage to the appearance.

- Additionally, I recommend regular cleaning with a soft, damp cloth; harsh sponges or aggressive cleaning agents promote scratch formation.

Could you also describe in which room and how you use the PLATSA unit? That might help to recommend which protective measures make the most sense.

danial60 schrieb:
Could you also describe which room you use the PLATSA shelf in and how?

This is an important point. If the shelf is placed in a high-traffic room like the living room and you often put items such as keys, bags, or decorative objects on it, I recommend adding a glass top custom-made to size. This will fully protect the surface while allowing the shelf’s design to remain clearly visible.

If the shelf is used simply for storage in a bedroom or hallway, felt pads and careful handling are usually sufficient.

Ultimately, the level of protection also depends on how much effort you want to invest in maintenance—regular cleaning, avoiding sharp objects, and the targeted use of protective materials together are often the most effective.

Additionally, if you want to keep the look as unchanged as possible, I would advise against regular waxing, as this often causes melamine surfaces to appear smeared or uneven.