ᐅ How can I repair dents in Malm furniture?

Created on: 8 Feb 2018 09:17
M
manmi
M
manmi
8 Feb 2018 09:17
Hello everyone,

I have noticed several small dents on my Malm furniture caused by everyday use. My goal is to properly repair these dents without significantly damaging the surface or altering the original appearance.

My question is: what are the recommended methods to remove dents from Malm furniture? I am especially interested in whether these dents can be treated using simple household items or if special tools and materials are required.

I would appreciate detailed tips and a step-by-step guide that is easy to follow, even for a beginner. Thank you in advance!
K
KESIRI
8 Feb 2018 09:52
For dents in Malm furniture, I recommend first using a damp cloth and an iron.

Place the cloth over the dent and steam it with the iron set to medium heat. The moisture causes the wood inside to swell again, allowing the dent to gradually disappear.
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leomo
8 Feb 2018 10:35
KESIRI schrieb:
Place a cloth over the spot and steam over it with an iron set to medium heat.

I can only confirm that this usually works great! 🙂

Lightly dampen the area and then carefully iron – almost like giving the furniture surface a little spa treatment 😉 But be careful, not too hot and not too long, or instead of a dent you might end up with burn marks!
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manmi
8 Feb 2018 11:07
KESIRI schrieb:
Moisture causes the wood inside to swell again, allowing the dent to recover.

Thanks, that helps already!

What about pine wood, which often has a smooth, lacquered surface? Could ironing or moisture damage the lacquer layer?

Are there differences between solid wood and particle board versions, and how should one proceed carefully in these cases?
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Louie
8 Feb 2018 12:42
manmi schrieb:
What about Malm, which often has a smooth, lacquered surface? Could ironing or moisture damage the lacquer layer?

Good question. Ikea Malm furniture usually has a melamine or foil coating, not a traditional lacquer finish. This means it is sensitive to moisture and heat. Therefore, you should always be very careful when using steam. My recommendation: use a thin, well-wrung cloth to keep the surface as dry as possible.

Also, work with a low temperature and only apply the iron briefly.

For deeper dents, sometimes a wooden spatula combined with fine sandpaper can help, but only on uncoated surfaces.
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Merlin52
8 Feb 2018 14:18
I’ll add a somewhat more methodical approach:

1. Cleaning: First, clean the dented area with mild dish soap to ensure no dirt particles damage the surface.

2. Moistening: Place a damp cloth over the dent; it should be only slightly damp to avoid swelling the coating.

3. Heat: Carefully iron over the cloth with an iron set to low heat, making sure never to place the iron directly on the surface.

4. Let it dry and observe whether the dent lifts.

If this doesn’t work, you can use repair kits from the woodworking supply store. These contain filler putty, which can be color-matched and sealed with sandpaper and, if needed, clear varnish.

Important: Always test first in a hidden area and be patient!