ᐅ Why does the finish on the edges of MALM dressers start to peel?

Hello everyone, I have noticed on several MALM dressers from IKEA that the finish, especially on the edges, tends to peel or flake off over time. I’m interested in understanding what could cause this. Is it a material issue, improper manufacturing, or perhaps external factors like moisture or mechanical stress? The dressers are in a dry room and are used normally, yet the wear is more noticeable on the edges. Are there common weak points with MALM furniture or tips on how to prevent this? I look forward to your experiences and explanations!

The peeling of the paint on the edges of MALM dressers mainly occurs due to insufficient edge sealing. The furniture is made of laminated particleboard, and the UV-cured paint layer usually adheres less well to the edges. Additionally, mechanical stress causes the paint to come off.

SINEL schrieb:
improper edge sealing

That is certainly part of the issue, but I wonder if IKEA consciously cuts corners on quality during production to keep prices low. MALM is an inexpensive piece of furniture that is subjected to more wear and tear than a more expensive model. Perhaps the painting process or the material pretreatment is compromised, causing the finish on the edges to not adhere properly. This wouldn’t be a technical flaw but an economically driven decision.

I have several MALM dressers, and the finish has started peeling at the edges for me as well, especially in areas that are frequently touched or where the dresser lightly bumps against other furniture. For me, the corners began peeling after about 1 to 2 years of use 🙂 This is probably due to the thin layer of finish! Still, I love the design of the dresser; it offers a lot of storage and looks great! Maybe treating the edges with clear varnish or protective tape could help.

Technically, the paint layers on the edges of MALM dressers often start to peel due to several factors. Firstly, the construction using particleboard and laminated surfaces is more prone to moisture absorption at the vulnerable cut edges. Secondly, the paint or foil coating is applied thinly and has lower adhesion compared to solid paint finishes. Another factor is the stress from friction or impacts on the edges, which can mechanically cause the paint to crack. To prevent this, a post-treatment of the cut edges with special edge paint or a protective coating is recommended.

I understand well that it is frustrating to have a nice dresser that quickly becomes unattractive due to paint damage. Many people here seem to mention technical reasons, which sounds plausible. At the same time, I suspect that everyday use and perhaps even small carelessness also contribute. I think it is important to handle furniture carefully and perhaps respond with suitable paint or finish care for the edges. Has anyone had good experience with such aftercare? 😊