Hello everyone,
I’ve noticed that the colors of the surfaces on my Billy shelves change over time. I’m curious about why this happens. Is it related to the type of materials used, the coatings, or do environmental factors like light and humidity play a role?
Are there technical reasons explaining why Billy shelves in particular are affected by color changes? Maybe someone has solid experience or can explain the processes behind this discoloration and how to best prevent it.
Looking forward to your insights!
I’ve noticed that the colors of the surfaces on my Billy shelves change over time. I’m curious about why this happens. Is it related to the type of materials used, the coatings, or do environmental factors like light and humidity play a role?
Are there technical reasons explaining why Billy shelves in particular are affected by color changes? Maybe someone has solid experience or can explain the processes behind this discoloration and how to best prevent it.
Looking forward to your insights!
C
CHRISTOP3329 Jun 2016 09:07Hi Tuju55,
interesting topic! 😊 Color changes in BILLY shelves – or furniture surfaces in general – are usually a combination of material properties and environmental factors.
Yes, the melamine coating often used on BILLY, for example, is quite susceptible to UV light. This means the surface fades or discolors over time.
Additionally, dust and small scratches can enhance the impression that the color is changing.
In short: light + time + use = patina or color change. At least it shows the shelf has character 😉
interesting topic! 😊 Color changes in BILLY shelves – or furniture surfaces in general – are usually a combination of material properties and environmental factors.
Tuju55 schrieb:
Is it due to the type of materials used, the finishes, or do environmental influences like light and humidity play a role?
Yes, the melamine coating often used on BILLY, for example, is quite susceptible to UV light. This means the surface fades or discolors over time.
Additionally, dust and small scratches can enhance the impression that the color is changing.
In short: light + time + use = patina or color change. At least it shows the shelf has character 😉
Hello everyone,
to better understand the phenomenon of color changes on BILLY surfaces, here is a brief structured explanation:
1. Material base: BILLY shelves are usually made of particleboard covered with melamine resin foil or a lacquer layer. These surfaces are durable but sensitive to UV radiation.
2. UV light: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause chemical changes in the coating and is considered the main cause of color alterations.
3. Oxidation: Even small amounts of oxygen and humidity can react with certain color pigments, especially if the surface is slightly damaged.
4. Temperature and humidity: These factors can also cause structural changes in the particleboard, which indirectly affect the surface appearance.
Summary: Color changes are mostly due to environmental influences combined with material properties. True fading is often irreversible.
Tip: Avoid placing shelves in direct sunlight and consider occasional treatment with special care products.
to better understand the phenomenon of color changes on BILLY surfaces, here is a brief structured explanation:
1. Material base: BILLY shelves are usually made of particleboard covered with melamine resin foil or a lacquer layer. These surfaces are durable but sensitive to UV radiation.
2. UV light: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause chemical changes in the coating and is considered the main cause of color alterations.
3. Oxidation: Even small amounts of oxygen and humidity can react with certain color pigments, especially if the surface is slightly damaged.
4. Temperature and humidity: These factors can also cause structural changes in the particleboard, which indirectly affect the surface appearance.
Summary: Color changes are mostly due to environmental influences combined with material properties. True fading is often irreversible.
Tip: Avoid placing shelves in direct sunlight and consider occasional treatment with special care products.
Hey everyone! 🙂
This whole thing reminds me a bit of those old toys that change color in the sun. Only the BILLY shelves do it more slowly.
Exactly! And if you run your finger over the shelf, you can often feel the surface becoming a bit rougher or losing some of its shine. This happens because tiny surface layers wear away over time, which eventually causes the color to look less vibrant.
I’d say: some care, a good location, and your BILLY will stay looking nice for a long time. 😊
This whole thing reminds me a bit of those old toys that change color in the sun. Only the BILLY shelves do it more slowly.
Lyndon55 schrieb:
Long-term exposure to sunlight can cause chemical changes in the coating
Exactly! And if you run your finger over the shelf, you can often feel the surface becoming a bit rougher or losing some of its shine. This happens because tiny surface layers wear away over time, which eventually causes the color to look less vibrant.
I’d say: some care, a good location, and your BILLY will stay looking nice for a long time. 😊
B
bareynaldo30 Jun 2016 07:29I don’t want to be a party pooper, but honestly: this color change is also a deliberate compromise by IKEA.
Sure, but you also have to ask whether the affordable price is the reason the quality isn’t as durable. The surface simply isn’t as high-quality as on more expensive furniture. The veneer and coating are designed for mass production, not for maximum longevity.
So: if you buy BILLY, you get something inexpensive, but you shouldn’t be surprised if after a few years the shelf looks like it has endured much more than it actually has. That’s the downside of the coin.
CHRISTOP33 schrieb:
UV light + time + use = patina or simply color change
Sure, but you also have to ask whether the affordable price is the reason the quality isn’t as durable. The surface simply isn’t as high-quality as on more expensive furniture. The veneer and coating are designed for mass production, not for maximum longevity.
So: if you buy BILLY, you get something inexpensive, but you shouldn’t be surprised if after a few years the shelf looks like it has endured much more than it actually has. That’s the downside of the coin.
Wow, this is exciting!
I can confirm this from my experience: My BILLY shelves stood in the living room for about 5 years. What I learned is to wipe them down with a damp cloth and mild dish soap, dust regularly, and never place them directly in sunlight!
That’s somewhat true, but considering the price, I think the quality is okay. And hey, I’m happy if my living room gets a little bit of ‘character’ :-) Furniture tells stories too, not just us.
Also, some discoloration can fade a bit when the shelves are taken out of the sun—at least that’s my subjective impression.
I can confirm this from my experience: My BILLY shelves stood in the living room for about 5 years. What I learned is to wipe them down with a damp cloth and mild dish soap, dust regularly, and never place them directly in sunlight!
bareynaldo schrieb:
If you buy BILLY, you get something affordable, but don’t be surprised if after a few years the shelf looks like it has held much more weight than it actually did.
That’s somewhat true, but considering the price, I think the quality is okay. And hey, I’m happy if my living room gets a little bit of ‘character’ :-) Furniture tells stories too, not just us.
Also, some discoloration can fade a bit when the shelves are taken out of the sun—at least that’s my subjective impression.
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