ᐅ How can Ikea Hemnes furniture be protected from sunlight?

Created on: 5 Jul 2022 10:34
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Sobla
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Sobla
5 Jul 2022 10:34
Hello everyone,

I own several Ikea Hemnes furniture pieces made of lacquered pine wood and have noticed that direct sunlight in the room noticeably fades the surface over time and sometimes causes small cracks. My specific question is: What is the most effective way to protect Ikea Hemnes furniture from sunlight without altering the appearance and feel of the furniture? I am looking for practical and proven tips – both regarding treatments applied directly to the furniture and interior design approaches that reduce light exposure.

I am considering options such as installing UV protection films on the windows or treating the furniture with a special varnish, but I am unsure about the exact effects these might have on the furniture surface and possibly the warranty.

I would appreciate detailed responses that explore this issue from different perspectives. Thanks in advance!
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toril
5 Jul 2022 14:07
Hello Sobla,

Regarding your question, "What is the most effective way to protect Ikea Hemnes furniture from sunlight without changing the appearance and feel of the furniture?" there are several practical approaches. Hemnes furniture is protected with a layer of lacquer that only partially resists UV exposure. Therefore, direct sunlight often causes fading.

An effective protection includes:
- Installing transparent UV protection films on the windows. These can reduce UV radiation by up to 99% and prevent fading without significantly affecting the quality of light in the room.
- Positioning furniture so that it is not constantly exposed to direct sunlight.
- Alternatively, furniture can be treated with special wood stains or varnishes that offer UV protection. However, you need to make sure to use compatible products to avoid damaging or discoloring the existing lacquer layer.

The Ikea warranty is usually not affected by surface recoating, but it is advisable to check the specific terms.

I recommend testing a small, inconspicuous area before applying any direct coatings.

In summary: UV protection films on windows are the gentlest and most effective method to protect the furniture and preserve its original appearance.
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Giagau
6 Jul 2022 09:18
toril schrieb:
Applying transparent UV protection films to the windows. These reduce UV radiation by up to 99% and prevent fading without significantly affecting the quality of light in the room.

I agree and would like to add: Besides UV protection films, light-transmitting curtains or blinds with special UV-protective coatings are also very effective. They provide additional privacy without completely darkening the room.

Furthermore, you should regularly clean the furniture surfaces, as dirt particles can damage the finish, making sunlight cause damage more quickly.

If you want to refinish the furniture, thin-layer oils are recommended. They preserve the wood character and can be used together with a UV blocker. However, this is usually not practical for painted Hemnes furniture, since the paint should not be removed.

In short:
- UV protection films or special curtains
- Keep furniture out of direct sunlight
- Regular gentle maintenance

These measures significantly extend the lifespan of your Hemnes furniture.
K
klo61
7 Jul 2022 11:05
Giagau schrieb:
UV protection films or special curtains
- Keep furniture out of direct sunlight
- Regular gentle maintenance

These are the main tips I would also recommend. Additionally, regarding care products, I want to point out that oils or waxes should not be used on painted furniture like Hemnes, as they can damage the finish. Instead, special furniture care sprays designed for painted surfaces are suitable, as they combine protection and maintenance.

If possible, try to position your furniture so it only receives indirect sunlight. This is especially noticeable with large windows facing west or south.

One final thought: if you want to significantly reduce UV exposure, especially for very light-colored wood furniture, investing in window films with a high UV protection factor and good light transmission is worthwhile. These can be applied by yourself or by a professional.

Sometimes a combination of several measures is the best way to protect Hemnes furniture from fading and damage over the long term.