ᐅ What to do if Malm drawer fronts are damaged?

Created on: 18 Nov 2021 09:17
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jokutra
Hello everyone,

I have an issue with my IKEA Malm dressers. Several of the drawer fronts have scratches, small dents, and in some places even paint chips. I am especially interested in how to best treat or repair such damage without having to replace the entire front. Are there any proven repair methods, perhaps special repair kits or techniques you would recommend? I would like to know how to restore the appearance as well as possible and whether I can expect a long-lasting result. Thanks for your tips!
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Wesley
19 Nov 2021 13:26
Oh man, these Malm drawer fronts are such a classic source of little mishaps. I have a tip for you: if you don’t just want a quick fix, you can try sticking a thin matte white film on them. It looks almost like new and is cheaper than replacing them. With a bit of practice, you can even cut it yourself. If you want, this can even save you some scratches on your nerves.
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Josan
19 Nov 2021 15:07
Hello jokutra,

a bit more detailed: The Malm drawer fronts are MDF panels with a painted or foil finish. For small scratches, a furniture touch-up pen in a matching color helps. For deeper damage, you can use liquid MDF or filler putty. It is important to carefully sand the surface smooth with very fine sandpaper after repair to avoid visible transitions. Finally, apply a thin coat of matching paint. Alternatively, IKEA also replaces individual fronts, but this is more expensive. Depending on how much effort you want to put in, there are several options.
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jokutra
20 Nov 2021 06:52
Josan schrieb:
The Malm drawer fronts are MDF panels with a paint or foil coating.

Thank you for the detailed explanation, that helps me a lot. I was considering trying a repair kit. Would you recommend liquid MDF or wood filler – are there significant differences in the final appearance? And what about sanding – can I just use regular sandpaper, or is it better to use very fine grit? I want to achieve as smooth a surface as possible.
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Bagupo
20 Nov 2021 10:35
I would recommend a fine filler compound – it is easy to work with and adapts well. You can sand it with very fine sandpaper, ideally between 320 and 400 grit. Important: Always sand gently to avoid damaging the surface again.
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rebufar
21 Nov 2021 07:29
jokutra schrieb:
I want to achieve as smooth a surface as possible.

In detail – that’s exactly the problem, because the Malm fronts have a relatively simple construction. Perfect results can only be achieved with a professional paint shop or a complete replacement. Repairs will always be a compromise. But who really wants a constantly “perfect” Ikea cabinet anyway? ;-)