ᐅ Which oil is suitable for maintaining matte Kallax surfaces?

Created on: 9 Aug 2021 19:37
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Luixli
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Luixli
9 Aug 2021 19:37
Hello everyone,

I recently purchased several Kallax shelves with a matte finish and now want to care for them properly to maintain their beautiful, understated look. My specific question is: Which oil is best suited for preserving matte Kallax surfaces?

It is important to me that the oil treatment does not significantly alter the matte appearance or create any unwanted shine, while still protecting the surface and possibly masking minor signs of wear. Does anyone have experience with particular oils that work especially well for this type of wood or finish?

I’m looking forward to your tips, including any explanations or advice on application and effects.
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gasidney
9 Aug 2021 20:01
I recommend linseed oil or a special furniture oil for matte surfaces. Both penetrate well and hardly change the appearance. It is important to apply thinly and distribute evenly.
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blapau
10 Aug 2021 08:58
Hello,

I would like to add that when choosing maintenance oil, it is essential to pay attention to the matte effect.
gasidney schrieb:
I recommend linseed oil or special furniture oil for matte surfaces.
This is basically correct. However, some matte surfaces can be sensitive to highly glossy oils or wax components. For IKEA Kallax, which are usually melamine-coated or laminated, natural oils like cold-pressed linseed oil or maintenance oils without silicones are preferred.

I also recommend testing on an inconspicuous area first. The amount of oil should be applied thinly to preserve the matte appearance and avoid unwanted glossiness.

Alternatively, maintenance oils with matting agents (e.g., special furniture care products labeled “matte”) can be used to increase protection without risking shine.

Note: Kallax surfaces are generally not raw but coated, so oil care is mainly a refreshment, not an impregnation.
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maugi
10 Aug 2021 11:42
Oh, hey, great question! 🙂
Luixli schrieb:
It’s important to me that the oil finish doesn’t change the matte appearance too much, so it doesn’t create an unwanted shine

I totally understand that! I have a Kallax shelf myself and often use a special oil-based furniture oil designed specifically for matte or satin finishes. This way, the surface stays velvety but well protected.

Sometimes I also use natural oils like walnut or jojoba oil, which absorb well and are less shiny than common linseed oil. Be careful to avoid rapeseed or olive oil, as they can go rancid and become sticky.

Another tip: after oiling, be sure to thoroughly rub off any excess oil with a soft, dry cloth. This helps maintain the matte look and prevents a glossy oil layer from forming.

Good luck caring for your Kallax – I love how nicely simple matte surfaces look! 😉
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Khalil
11 Aug 2021 07:15
This is great that so many useful tips are coming together here! 🙂

I used linseed oil and am really happy with the results!
maugi schrieb:
After applying the oil, be sure to thoroughly rub off any excess oil with a soft, dry cloth.

This was the crucial tip for me. Otherwise, the surface quickly looks greasy and loses its matte appearance.

I also highly recommend testing the oil on a small area first and patiently applying several thin layers. This way, the look remains nicely subtle.

So, don’t be afraid of oil—just give it a try and work gently! 🙂