ᐅ Why do some BILLY shelves change color when exposed to sunlight?
Created on: 24 Aug 2015 19:37
K
Kuzey33Hello everyone,
I have noticed that some of my BILLY shelves show a noticeable color change after some time of use, especially when exposed to direct sunlight. The color seems to be significantly lighter in some areas or sometimes darker. I am curious why these color changes occur due to sunlight, even though the shelves are supposed to be painted or veneer finished. Are there differences in the materials or surface treatments used that could explain this? And is there any way to prevent or at least reduce the discoloration? Maybe this is also related to environmental conditions? I look forward to your insights!
I have noticed that some of my BILLY shelves show a noticeable color change after some time of use, especially when exposed to direct sunlight. The color seems to be significantly lighter in some areas or sometimes darker. I am curious why these color changes occur due to sunlight, even though the shelves are supposed to be painted or veneer finished. Are there differences in the materials or surface treatments used that could explain this? And is there any way to prevent or at least reduce the discoloration? Maybe this is also related to environmental conditions? I look forward to your insights!
Hello Kuzey33,
first of all, a really good and detailed question! The color change in BILLY shelves caused by sunlight is mainly due to physical and chemical changes in the surface materials because of UV radiation. The shelves are usually made of particleboard with a melamine or foil covering, or they are painted. Especially with foil coverings, color pigments can break down due to UV light, leading to fading or a yellowish tint.
In the case of veneer, it can also happen that the natural wood darkens over time because lignin and other wood components react photochemically. Painted surfaces are generally more resistant, but certain types of paint can also react and discolor, especially if they are not formulated for UV protection.
To reduce color changes, you can, for example, install UV-protective films on windows that filter out most of the UV radiation. Alternatively, placing the shelf so that it does not receive direct sunlight all day helps. There are also special paints and care products with UV protection, but these are usually only preventive.
I hope this helps for now. I am curious about how severe the color change is on your shelves and in which rooms they are located? That might also play a role.
first of all, a really good and detailed question! The color change in BILLY shelves caused by sunlight is mainly due to physical and chemical changes in the surface materials because of UV radiation. The shelves are usually made of particleboard with a melamine or foil covering, or they are painted. Especially with foil coverings, color pigments can break down due to UV light, leading to fading or a yellowish tint.
Kuzey33 schrieb:
although the shelves are actually painted or veneered
In the case of veneer, it can also happen that the natural wood darkens over time because lignin and other wood components react photochemically. Painted surfaces are generally more resistant, but certain types of paint can also react and discolor, especially if they are not formulated for UV protection.
Kuzey33 schrieb:
Is there any way to prevent or at least minimize the discoloration?
To reduce color changes, you can, for example, install UV-protective films on windows that filter out most of the UV radiation. Alternatively, placing the shelf so that it does not receive direct sunlight all day helps. There are also special paints and care products with UV protection, but these are usually only preventive.
I hope this helps for now. I am curious about how severe the color change is on your shelves and in which rooms they are located? That might also play a role.
Hey Kuzey33 and everyone else!!!
It’s fantastic that you brought up this topic because I have exactly the same issue with my BILLY shelf! 🙂
I find it really fascinating how sunlight can cause so much change! It shows how natural laws also affect furniture!
I find that especially interesting because I always thought only materials like polyester could react like that!
I’ve started placing my shelves at an angle to the window and hope that helps. So, if you have any success, please let us know how you manage the issue! And don’t worry, it’s probably just part of the deal. 😃
It’s fantastic that you brought up this topic because I have exactly the same issue with my BILLY shelf! 🙂
I find it really fascinating how sunlight can cause so much change! It shows how natural laws also affect furniture!
Noahlu schrieb:
With veneer, it can also happen that the natural wood darkens over time because lignin and other wood components react photochemically.
I find that especially interesting because I always thought only materials like polyester could react like that!
I’ve started placing my shelves at an angle to the window and hope that helps. So, if you have any success, please let us know how you manage the issue! And don’t worry, it’s probably just part of the deal. 😃
Hello everyone,
to round off the topic from a somewhat technical perspective: the color change of BILLY shelves caused by sunlight is due to a photochemical reaction in which UV rays break down pigments and binders in the surface materials. This leads to a process called “photodegradation.”
Many BILLY shelves are made of melamine resin-coated particleboard, which is quite durable but does not provide complete UV protection. If the shelves are lacquered, their stability depends more on the type of lacquer used. Lower-quality lacquers or laminates tend to react faster.
The location also plays an important role: intense, direct sunlight causes more significant changes than diffuse or indirect lighting.
Yes, especially differences in the types of laminates or veneers used, as well as the quality of the finishes, are decisive.
As an additional note: humidity and temperature fluctuations can also accelerate these changes by putting extra stress on the material.
Those who want to prevent discoloration should consider using UV-protective films or relocating the shelves. Individual sealing with UV-resistant lacquers is possible but often not cost-effective.
I hope this explanation helps you understand the phenomenon better!
to round off the topic from a somewhat technical perspective: the color change of BILLY shelves caused by sunlight is due to a photochemical reaction in which UV rays break down pigments and binders in the surface materials. This leads to a process called “photodegradation.”
Many BILLY shelves are made of melamine resin-coated particleboard, which is quite durable but does not provide complete UV protection. If the shelves are lacquered, their stability depends more on the type of lacquer used. Lower-quality lacquers or laminates tend to react faster.
The location also plays an important role: intense, direct sunlight causes more significant changes than diffuse or indirect lighting.
Kuzey33 schrieb:
Are there differences in the materials or surfaces used that explain this?
Yes, especially differences in the types of laminates or veneers used, as well as the quality of the finishes, are decisive.
As an additional note: humidity and temperature fluctuations can also accelerate these changes by putting extra stress on the material.
Those who want to prevent discoloration should consider using UV-protective films or relocating the shelves. Individual sealing with UV-resistant lacquers is possible but often not cost-effective.
I hope this explanation helps you understand the phenomenon better!
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