ᐅ Kallax surface scratched – unfortunately very prone to damage?

Hello everyone,

A few weeks ago, I bought a Kallax shelving unit from Ikea and unfortunately noticed that the surface is extremely prone to scratches. Even placing light objects on it or occasionally brushing against it with a key causes noticeable scratches on the white painted surface.

I’m interested to know if others have had similar experiences and if there are any specific ways to protect or treat the surface to make it more durable.

Does anyone have tips for care or recommend protective films? Or is this product simply too delicate for everyday use?

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

haurichard schrieb:
the surface is incredibly prone to scratches

To be honest, that doesn’t surprise me. Kallax is not a high-end piece of furniture, but rather an inexpensive everyday shelving unit. The surface is coated, but not at all durable.

Offering a low price inevitably involves compromises in material quality. Anyone expecting pure high-gloss perfection will be disappointed.

Still, I believe it’s reasonable to expect a piece of furniture to withstand a bit more wear and tear – but unfortunately, this product relies heavily on cheap paint that remains very vulnerable.

I can totally relate! I also had a Kallax, and the surface scratched really quickly for me.

But hey, I now use felt pads under my decorative items and a thin fabric underneath, which has helped a lot 🙂

In the end, I still find the shelf very practical and affordable – so no big deal, you just have to get creative! 🙂

For factual clarification: The surface of Kallax is usually made of melamine-coated particleboard. While this melamine coating is cost-effective and easy to maintain, it offers only limited scratch resistance.

Those who want to protect the surface can opt for significantly more durable alternatives such as glass panels or acrylic protective films, which are cut to fit precisely. Applying special clear coats can also make the surface more resistant, but this requires some craftsmanship.

In general, the material in this price range should be regarded as having limited resistance, with higher durability typically achievable only through additional protective measures.

Simply use felt pads and protective mats. This significantly reduces scratches.

Gilbert schrieb:
Getting a low price simply comes with compromises in material quality

Yes, I agree, but I still find it surprising. Furniture that is marketed as suitable for everyday use should have a certain level of surface hardness.

pikin schrieb:
The surface of Kallax is usually made of melamine-coated particleboard

That helps clarify things. I suspected the surface was coated rather than painted.

What still puzzles me: Some areas that only hold lightly loaded items also show scratch marks. So even surfaces that are only occasionally used at an angle are affected.

Does anyone have experience with protective films on clothing—uh, shelf surfaces? How well do they hold up, and do they look reasonably good?