ᐅ MALM furniture panels are peeling – are there repair kits available?

Hello everyone,

I have noticed that on my new Malm furniture (chest of drawers), several of the furniture panels, meaning the thin particle boards used as the back panel or side coverings, are starting to come loose in multiple places. The material around the edges already appears slightly swollen. The chest is not located in a damp environment, and the usage is normal.

My question: Are there any special repair kits or suitable products that I can use to reattach these furniture panels firmly and neatly? Does anyone have experience with repairs on the MALM series from IKEA, or know of appropriate adhesives or techniques that are reliable and long-lasting?

I appreciate your tips, thank you in advance!

The issue of delaminating panels in MALM dressers is well known, as IKEA often uses thin chipboard or HDF for the back panels, which are susceptible to moisture and mechanical stress.

For repair, I recommend first fully detaching the loose panel and thoroughly cleaning the surface to remove old adhesive residues. For re-gluing, PU wood glue or a solvent-free construction adhesive are suitable, as they remain permanently flexible and provide strong adhesion.

As far as I know, IKEA does not offer specific repair kits for MALM panels. Alternatively, you can use wood glue, small strips of cling film as spacers or pressure aids, and additional clamps or levers until the adhesive has fully cured.

Moisture should naturally be avoided, and if the edges swell, sanding down superficial damage and possibly roughening the bonding surface beforehand is recommended.

Hello, here is a brief guide on how I repair delaminations on MALM back panels:

1. Carefully remove the old, loose panels.
2. Lightly sand the underside of the furniture panel and the surface on the dresser to improve glue adhesion.
3. I recommend using a strong wood glue (PU glue). Please do not apply too much glue, as it should not cause swelling.
4. Position the panel back precisely, aligning it with a ruler or a straight edge.
5. Secure it with clamps or strong clips; alternatively, use heavy books or a dedicated glue press.
6. Allow it to cure for at least 12 hours.

Please avoid contact adhesive, as it often becomes brittle over large surfaces. Important: ensure good ventilation and prevent any moisture!

Summary: There are no special "repair kits" from Ikea, but wood glue and proper tools are sufficient.

PU glue is the best choice. Sand down any swelling material, then clamp it tightly. Done.

It’s really frustrating when the MALM furniture panels start to come loose! 🙂 I had the same problem once and solved it like this: I always buy a good wood glue, put the panel back in place, and secure it with masking tape and heavy books. After 24 hours, everything was firmly fixed again, and thanks to the careful repair, the dresser almost looks like new 🙂

A few tips: For swollen corners, gently smooth the edges with fine sandpaper before gluing. Also, cleaning the area of dust before applying the glue helps it stick better. Good luck with your repair!

FRANCISCOP schrieb:
The issue with delaminating furniture panels in MALM dressers is well known, as IKEA tends to use thin particleboard or HDF for the back panels, which are susceptible to moisture and mechanical stress.

I agree with this. Additionally, I would like to point out that high indoor humidity can also be a cause, weakening the material properties. If the problem occurs frequently, it is advisable to impregnate the furniture with suitable protective films or coatings.

taudi schrieb:
I recommend using a strong wood glue (PU glue). Please do not apply the glue too thickly, as it should not swell.

This is exactly where success lies. Excess glue quickly causes unsightly swelling, so it is better to apply it thinly, evenly, and allow it to cure under sufficient pressure.

Finally, I recommend that people with little experience try a small test area first to get a feel for the glue application and handling.