ᐅ How can I remove scratches from the wooden parts of an IKEA Platsa unit?

Hello everyone,

I recently noticed some scratches on the wooden parts of my IKEA Platsa cabinet. These are the white, painted surfaces, which are quite delicate. The scratches aren't deep but are visible and affect the overall appearance. I assume the Platsa units are made of melamine-coated particleboard, possibly with a plastic overlay, but I'm not entirely sure.

My question is: What is the best way to effectively remove or at least significantly reduce these scratches on the wooden parts? Are there suitable products or DIY methods that have proven effective without damaging the surface?

It would also be helpful to know whether special repair kits from IKEA or universally available products should be used. Does anyone have experience with this type of furniture and can offer practical advice? I want to avoid making the surface worse by using the wrong materials.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Hello Aenne,

First of all, thank you for your detailed question – that makes it much easier to provide a suitable answer. The IKEA Platsa is usually made of melamine-coated particleboard with a plastic foil or paint finish. This surface is relatively delicate but can be treated well with the right approach.

Here is my suggestion on how to deal with the scratches:

- Start by cleaning the surface: use a slightly damp cloth with mild dish soap, avoid harsh solvents.
- Depending on the scratch depth, you can try special repair waxes or pens from a furniture repair kit. IKEA offers repair kits for some products, but hardware stores also carry appropriate options.
- For superficial scratches, a simple furniture polish or furniture care pen from a specialty store can help; these polish out light scratches and even out minor color differences.
- Deeper scratches can be carefully filled with repair wax. Important: warm the wax (for example in your hand), then press it into the scratch and smooth off excess material with a plastic card.
- After filling, polish the area with a soft cloth.

It is important not to sand too aggressively or use strong solvents, as the foil is very thin and sensitive.

Tip: Always test the product first in an inconspicuous spot! This helps you avoid unpleasant surprises.

I hope these instructions are helpful. If you have any questions about specific products, feel free to ask.

Hello Aenne, I have had good experiences with a white paint pen from Platsa, similar to those sold in hardware stores for furniture or doors. Lightly sand the scratches, apply the paint pen, let it dry, and you're done.

fredle schrieb:
Depending on the depth of the scratches, you can try special repair waxes or pens from a furniture repair kit.

This advice is very helpful, thank you! In addition, I would recommend making sure to avoid heavy wear on the Platsa surface.

If the scratches are deeper, I have sometimes very carefully used fine sandpaper (grit 800 to 1000) – but only on sturdy or unpainted parts, otherwise you can easily cause even more damage.

Furthermore, there are repair creams designed for melamine resin-coated furniture that work very well on minor surface scratches. You apply this thinly with a soft cloth, let it dry, and then gently polish it afterwards.

If you’re unsure, you should definitely test it first on a less visible spot.

And very important: Regular maintenance with furniture care products specifically made for plastic or melamine surfaces protects against new damage and helps preserve the surface longer.

I hope these tips help to restore the Platsa’s appearance.