ᐅ KALLAX paint is peeling on the window side after sun exposure – any solutions?

Hello everyone, I have a problem with my IKEA KALLAX shelf, which is placed directly next to the window side that receives a lot of sunlight. After a short time, I noticed that the paint is peeling on the sun-exposed side, despite normal use and no mechanical damage. I am especially interested in why the paint deteriorates so much under UV exposure and, above all, what practical solutions exist to prevent or fix the paint peeling. Does anyone have experience with this, perhaps regarding post-treatment or suitable protective products? Thanks for your tips!

That sounds like typical UV damage. The best solution is to repaint the affected area with UV-resistant paint or clear coat. UV window film can also help.

I would ask a bit more precisely: How strong is the sunlight exposure, and how long has the KALLAX been there? Some IKEA furniture is coated with melamine resin, which is sensitive to UV light. The peeling might indicate poor adhesion of the original paint combined with thermal stress. For refinishing, it is recommended to carefully sand the affected areas, apply a primer, and then apply at least two thin layers of UV-resistant white acrylic paint. It is also important to ensure good ventilation, as moisture can affect adhesion. How about direct moisture exposure, such as condensation?

That sounds annoying and quite frustrating, especially when you’ve just bought the shelf. In my experience, UV damage happens faster than you might think, and often you get the impression that the furniture looks worn out after a short time. It’s good that you’re looking for solutions here – I hope you find something that holds up well. If there isn’t an easy fix, moving the shelf to a different location might be an alternative. Sometimes that helps, even if it’s inconvenient.

That sounds like a little battle between the sun and the KALLAX, haha 🙂 To help prevent this, you could apply a thin layer of UV protective varnish. These are usually available as spray cans at hardware stores, which is quick and provides a light protective coating. Or even better: sun protection glass for the window! That also saves a lot of energy and helps the KALLAX look good for longer. :-) Have you considered whether a curtain or blinds might help protect it?

I think it is important to fully understand the cause before simply painting over the problem. The issue could be due to poor surface preparation or low-quality coatings. IKEA furniture often has thin melamine or foil finishes, and genuine paint layers are rare. As a result, the paint tends to peel easily under UV exposure. Simply sanding and repainting might only provide a short-term fix. It is better to first remove the loose paint with fine sandpaper, then apply a special adhesion promoter designed for plastics before applying UV-resistant paint. This approach helps prevent future peeling.