ᐅ Why are some BILLY shelves more prone to scratches than others?

Why are some Billy shelves more prone to scratches than others? My experience shows that there can be significant differences in scratch resistance even among seemingly identical products. I wonder whether this is due to the manufacturing, different surface coatings, or the materials used. Could there also be factors outside the production process, such as varying care or usage? I am interested in a well-founded explanation to better assess quality when buying new.

An important point you raise is the surface coating. IKEA often uses melamine resin coatings for the BILLY shelves, which can vary in thickness and quality. Older series sometimes had thinner or less durable laminates. Production batches can also differ, so newer shelves are often more robust. Additionally, the type of use plays a role: scratches do not only result from direct impact but also from abrasion caused, for example, when placing heavy objects.

flota schrieb:
Even production batches can vary, so newer shelves are often more durable.

That’s a great point! I was always a bit worried about letting my favorite wire-haired dachshund climb on an older BILLY shelf. Of course, he often leaves small marks. 😉

Maybe the issue isn’t just the coating, but also how sensitive the material is to everyday wear and tear. For cleaning, it’s probably better to use soft cloths since even a little pressure can cause scratches.

The differences in scratch resistance of BILLY shelves can mainly be attributed to the quality of materials and workmanship. Although the shelves are made of melamine-coated particleboard and are generally durable, the thickness of the melamine layer often varies between different production batches or manufacturing locations.

Furthermore, different types of lacquer and films may have varying degrees of hardness. Older models usually have slightly thinner coatings. Exposure to UV light and temperature fluctuations can also make the surface more vulnerable over time.

For use in high-traffic areas, I strongly recommend opting for newer versions and, if necessary, using maintenance products that help protect the surface.

To better understand the cause of varying scratch resistance in BILLY shelves, a brief look at the individual components is recommended:

1. Particleboard: BILLY shelves use wood-based materials of different densities, which affect stability.
2. Melamine coating: The thickness and quality of the melamine film can vary depending on the production date.
3. Manufacturing: Edges and corners are often the most vulnerable. Uneven painting or application of films reduces surface hardness.

Common factors that encourage scratches:
- Strong friction from hard objects
- Use of microfiber cloths with a coarse texture
- Cleaning agents containing abrasive particles

Summary: Differences result from a combination of material thickness, coating quality, and usage. Proper care of the shelves and using recommended cleaning products can help minimize scratches.

The melamine coating is often the cause with BILLY shelves. Older shelves have thinner coating, which results in more scratches. Newer ones have more durable surfaces.