Hello everyone,
I have noticed that the finish on some of my IKEA Malm furniture is starting to peel off in certain areas. This mainly happens on the edges and spots that I touch or clean more often. I bought the furniture about two years ago and find it quite frustrating that this is already happening – after all, the material should have a certain durability.
I would like to know the best way to prevent this peeling and what I can do if the finish is already starting to come off. Are there any experiences with how to repair minor damage? Or should I contact IKEA customer service directly?
I am also interested in whether this might be related to cleaning – I usually use a regular household sponge and a mild cleaning agent.
Looking forward to tips and experiences. Thanks in advance!
I have noticed that the finish on some of my IKEA Malm furniture is starting to peel off in certain areas. This mainly happens on the edges and spots that I touch or clean more often. I bought the furniture about two years ago and find it quite frustrating that this is already happening – after all, the material should have a certain durability.
I would like to know the best way to prevent this peeling and what I can do if the finish is already starting to come off. Are there any experiences with how to repair minor damage? Or should I contact IKEA customer service directly?
I am also interested in whether this might be related to cleaning – I usually use a regular household sponge and a mild cleaning agent.
Looking forward to tips and experiences. Thanks in advance!
Hello Eliseo37,
IKEA Malm furniture is usually coated with a melamine resin finish, which is durable but not completely resistant to mechanical wear and moisture. Paint peeling can be caused by the following:
- Repeated or prolonged exposure to moisture (for example, frequent cleaning with overly wet cloths)
- Use of harsh cleaning agents that damage the surface
- Mechanical damage from bumps or rubbing
If the finish is already peeling, a full repair is difficult without professional equipment. However, small damages can be repaired with special repair kits (wood or melamine repair) available from specialist retailers. It is important that the surface is clean and dry before repairing.
To prevent damage, I recommend:
- Cleaning only with slightly damp, soft cloths and mild dish soap
- Avoiding direct contact with aggressive chemicals
- Preventing heavy mechanical stress on the affected areas
You can also contact IKEA customer service if the furniture is still under warranty or if there is a manufacturing defect. They often offer replacements or goodwill solutions.
I hope this helps.
IKEA Malm furniture is usually coated with a melamine resin finish, which is durable but not completely resistant to mechanical wear and moisture. Paint peeling can be caused by the following:
- Repeated or prolonged exposure to moisture (for example, frequent cleaning with overly wet cloths)
- Use of harsh cleaning agents that damage the surface
- Mechanical damage from bumps or rubbing
If the finish is already peeling, a full repair is difficult without professional equipment. However, small damages can be repaired with special repair kits (wood or melamine repair) available from specialist retailers. It is important that the surface is clean and dry before repairing.
To prevent damage, I recommend:
- Cleaning only with slightly damp, soft cloths and mild dish soap
- Avoiding direct contact with aggressive chemicals
- Preventing heavy mechanical stress on the affected areas
You can also contact IKEA customer service if the furniture is still under warranty or if there is a manufacturing defect. They often offer replacements or goodwill solutions.
I hope this helps.
usbla schrieb:
Peeling of paint can have the following causesIn addition, I would like to add some technical details, as I also repair Malm furniture myself. The melamine coating is thermally applied to the particleboard, during which the surface fuses with the substrate – however, if there are errors in this process (for example, faulty adhesion, material impurities, or excess moisture), delamination can occur.
It is important to check whether the affected areas are only superficially damaged or if the baseboard has already been compromised.
For repair in several steps:
1. Sand the peeling edges with fine sandpaper (240 grit) – carefully, to avoid removing too much material.
2. Clean with isopropanol to remove grease and dust.
3. Apply a suitable repair paint or melamine repair paste from a hardware store. Apply several thin layers, allowing each to dry thoroughly between applications.
4. After drying, gently polish the surface to restore a smooth finish.
Regarding the cleaning question: sponges with too rough a surface or solvents can damage the coating. I recommend microfiber cloths with mild cleaning agents.
My question to Eliseo37: Are the furniture pieces mainly kept in a dry room, or are there areas with elevated humidity? This strongly affects the durability of the surface.
If there are further questions, I am happy to help.
Eliseo37 schrieb:
I would like to know the best way to prevent this kind of paint peelingHey, I’m unfortunately quite familiar with paint peeling, but don’t worry! 🙂 Once the paint starts to peel, it usually looks worse than it actually is. With a bit of patience and the right products, you can manage it pretty well.
For small chips or peeled areas, I usually use so-called “furniture repair markers,” which come in various colors. They’re really handy, quick, and make the surface look much better at first glance. For larger areas, a thin layer of clear varnish works well and also gives the furniture a fresh shine.
A cleaning tip: I now only wipe my Malm furniture parts with a lightly damp microfiber cloth and very rarely use a drop of dish soap. And definitely never use bleach or abrasive cleaners – they make the surface brittle!
Also, it’s best to care for the furniture regularly and dust it lightly. This helps the paint last much longer.
If you want, feel free to share how your repair goes! I’m sure you’ll manage it 😉 Good luck!
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