Hello everyone,
I have noticed that the finish on my Ikea Malm drawers often appears uneven. This is especially noticeable on the sides and particularly on the fronts: sometimes you can see differences in the surface texture, small waves, or areas that look glossier or duller compared to others.
My question is: why is the finish on Malm drawers frequently unevenly applied or distributed? Is this due to the manufacturing technique, the material, the type of finish used, or could there be issues with surface preparation?
I assume this issue is related to industrial production processes, and that the finish application might be automated? I would appreciate detailed explanations that also consider ecological or technical aspects—perhaps cost factors also play a role.
Thanks in advance for your insights and opinions!
I have noticed that the finish on my Ikea Malm drawers often appears uneven. This is especially noticeable on the sides and particularly on the fronts: sometimes you can see differences in the surface texture, small waves, or areas that look glossier or duller compared to others.
My question is: why is the finish on Malm drawers frequently unevenly applied or distributed? Is this due to the manufacturing technique, the material, the type of finish used, or could there be issues with surface preparation?
I assume this issue is related to industrial production processes, and that the finish application might be automated? I would appreciate detailed explanations that also consider ecological or technical aspects—perhaps cost factors also play a role.
Thanks in advance for your insights and opinions!
Hello Laurits,
I know this problem too! It’s frustrating when you buy such a nice drawer and then notice that the finish is uneven.
I suspect this has to do with the high production speed. When many pieces of furniture need to be made in a short time, not everything can look perfect. I also notice that some drawers are finished better than others, which is probably due to variations in the factory.
Still, I think it’s important to address these issues because we all enjoy beautiful furniture, and the finish should be neat. 🙂 Maybe someone can explain if there are really technical limitations that can’t be influenced?
I know this problem too! It’s frustrating when you buy such a nice drawer and then notice that the finish is uneven.
Laurits schrieb:
Why is the finish on Malm drawers often applied unevenly or inconsistently?
I suspect this has to do with the high production speed. When many pieces of furniture need to be made in a short time, not everything can look perfect. I also notice that some drawers are finished better than others, which is probably due to variations in the factory.
Still, I think it’s important to address these issues because we all enjoy beautiful furniture, and the finish should be neat. 🙂 Maybe someone can explain if there are really technical limitations that can’t be influenced?
Laurits,
to answer your question precisely: the uneven coating on Malm drawers is mainly due to the combination of the material, the painting process, and the production conditions.
Malm furniture is usually made from particleboard with a veneer or laminate surface. A paint layer is applied on this base as a protective and decorative coating. Since particleboard is more porous than solid wood, it absorbs the paint unevenly. This results in varying degrees of gloss or even slight waves.
In addition, paints are often applied industrially using spray techniques. At high feed rates and fast drying times, uneven distribution can occur if the paint layers are not applied or spread perfectly evenly.
Another factor is the surface preparation, meaning how well it was cleaned and smoothed beforehand. Flaws or unevenness present before painting will become visible later.
In short: material properties, factory productivity, and painting methods together lead to the visible irregularities.
Hope this helps you.
to answer your question precisely: the uneven coating on Malm drawers is mainly due to the combination of the material, the painting process, and the production conditions.
Malm furniture is usually made from particleboard with a veneer or laminate surface. A paint layer is applied on this base as a protective and decorative coating. Since particleboard is more porous than solid wood, it absorbs the paint unevenly. This results in varying degrees of gloss or even slight waves.
In addition, paints are often applied industrially using spray techniques. At high feed rates and fast drying times, uneven distribution can occur if the paint layers are not applied or spread perfectly evenly.
Another factor is the surface preparation, meaning how well it was cleaned and smoothed beforehand. Flaws or unevenness present before painting will become visible later.
In short: material properties, factory productivity, and painting methods together lead to the visible irregularities.
Hope this helps you.
Hi Laurits,
I’d like to go a bit deeper into the technical details because the topic is actually more complex than it seems at first glance.
Let’s start with surface preparation: Malm drawers are usually made of MDF or particleboard with a plastic laminate (melamine or acrylic). Before painting, the surface is typically sanded to ensure adhesion. However, minor sanding marks or dust residues can cause variations during painting.
The paint itself is often applied using brush or spray systems designed for efficient mass production. The film thickness and spray angle are not always perfectly consistent—common issues called “paint runs” or “orange peel effect” often become visible after drying. Environmental conditions like humidity and temperature also play a role, as they can fluctuate during these fast industrial processes.
The choice of paint type also affects uniformity: water-based paints dry faster and are more environmentally friendly but can show visible differences more clearly than traditional solvent-based paints, which tend to “level out” and better smooth imperfections.
If you want to know more about the paint technology used, I can gladly provide some examples of industrial techniques. Would you be interested?
I’d like to go a bit deeper into the technical details because the topic is actually more complex than it seems at first glance.
Laurits schrieb:
Is it due to the manufacturing technique, the material, the type of paint, or could there possibly be issues with surface preparation?
Let’s start with surface preparation: Malm drawers are usually made of MDF or particleboard with a plastic laminate (melamine or acrylic). Before painting, the surface is typically sanded to ensure adhesion. However, minor sanding marks or dust residues can cause variations during painting.
The paint itself is often applied using brush or spray systems designed for efficient mass production. The film thickness and spray angle are not always perfectly consistent—common issues called “paint runs” or “orange peel effect” often become visible after drying. Environmental conditions like humidity and temperature also play a role, as they can fluctuate during these fast industrial processes.
Layla schrieb:– that’s an important point. High speed and cost optimization usually mean the painting process is fast and often without manual touch-ups.
this is related to the high production speed
The choice of paint type also affects uniformity: water-based paints dry faster and are more environmentally friendly but can show visible differences more clearly than traditional solvent-based paints, which tend to “level out” and better smooth imperfections.
If you want to know more about the paint technology used, I can gladly provide some examples of industrial techniques. Would you be interested?
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