ᐅ How do you repair dented pockets in PAX drawers?

Hello everyone,

I recently noticed that some of my IKEA PAX drawers have small but visible dents and creases. These not only affect the appearance but also sometimes impact the smooth operation of the drawers. Since I like to maintain my furniture myself and want to avoid unnecessary expenses, I’m wondering: what is the best way to repair dents in PAX drawers?

I’m especially interested in which tools and techniques work well for pulling out or smoothing the dented areas without damaging the surface or having to completely disassemble the drawer. I’m also curious about experiences with repair kits or tricks that have proven useful in everyday situations.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

The easiest way is to remove the drawer and carefully work on the damaged area from the inside using a rubber mallet. Be careful not to damage the surface.

Hello SIMAN,

dented pockets on PAX drawers are unfortunately a common issue, especially with fronts that have a foil coating. Repairing them can be somewhat challenging because you need to consider the material thickness and coating.

I recommend first carefully removing the drawer and closely inspecting the damaged area to determine whether it is a deep deformation or just minor dents. For light dents, sometimes a hairdryer (set to medium heat) and then gently pressing from the inside can help make the material more flexible and push the dent out.

For more severe deformations, it is often useful to place a stable backing and carefully work the dent out using a flat tool or something similar, to avoid tearing the surface.

Important: Never apply excessive heat or force, as this can quickly damage the surface.

I would recommend also considering the issue from the assembly perspective: dents often occur during installation or when the drawers are overloaded. If you remove the front panel, you can more easily work on the dents. A small lever, such as a flat plastic spatula, can often help with this.

Alternatively, some furniture repair kits offer special filler compounds suitable for laminated surfaces. You can apply these in a thin layer, smooth them out, and then gently sand before color-matching. However, this method is more suitable for larger damages.

Brian schrieb:
For minor dents, sometimes using a hairdryer (set to medium heat) and then gently pressing from the inside helps to make the material flexible and pull it out.

Thank you very much for this tip! I actually have a plastic front with a foil coating on the drawers. Are you sure that heating the material with a hairdryer won’t cause any permanent damage? How long should it be heated roughly, and is there any kind of safety limit to avoid discoloration?

The advice regarding a base or support also sounds interesting. What exactly should I use for this? Any sturdy wooden board, or something softer?

Regarding your question, SIMAN: The heating time with a heat gun depends heavily on the material thickness, but generally, 1 to 2 minutes on medium heat is enough to make the film and the underlying plastic layer more flexible. You should keep the heat gun moving and not hold it too close to avoid heat buildup or discoloration.

For the backing, I recommend a flat, smooth board made of plastic or MDF that is sturdy enough but does not scratch. If you press the material from behind with a suitable support piece, you can carefully push the deformations back into shape.

However, if the surface at the dent is torn, repair with filler or even replacing the front panel is the better solution.