ᐅ How do you repair small damages on Ikea BRIMNES furniture?

Created on: 26 Aug 2023 08:12
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salodeo
Hello everyone,

I have an Ikea Brimnes shelving unit that has some minor damage, such as small scratches, slight dents, or tiny surface chips. Since I don’t want to replace the entire piece, I’m especially interested in how to repair these minor damages myself in the most effective and gentle way possible.

Which materials and tools would you recommend? Are specialized repair kits for wood or furniture sufficient, or is it better to use filler putty, sandpaper, and paint?

Tips on the procedure, such as specific steps or techniques, would also be helpful, as well as potential pitfalls or things to avoid in order not to ruin the typical BRIMNES design.

I look forward to your experiences and recommendations!
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Domau0
27 Aug 2023 12:40
salodeo schrieb:
In my case, where there are primarily small scratches and a few light dents, would you also use a furniture polish with wax? Or is repair using a wax stick and matte varnish sufficient?

For small scratches, I would initially recommend just a wax stick and matte sealant. Furniture polish with wax can have an additional effect, but it mainly serves as a cosmetic refresh and helps to even out minor imperfections.

However, if you have properly repaired and sealed the area, the polish is more optional. It can indeed help to provide some extra surface protection and slightly harmonize the color tone, but it is not a substitute for treating fresh damage.

If you are very careful with the repair work, wax repair and matte sealing are completely sufficient.
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uslis47
28 Aug 2023 09:17
salodeo schrieb:
I’m asking because I’m a bit worried about making the area stand out even more visually due to incorrect finishing.

That’s a valid concern. To avoid exactly that, start with small tests and thin coats.

I would recommend:
- Apply the wax first and let it dry
- Sand it completely smooth (very fine grit)
- Apply one or two very thin coats of matte clear varnish
- If the surface looks too matte afterward, gently buff it with furniture polish

This way, you prevent repaired areas from standing out too much.

Good luck with the repair!