ᐅ How should the painted surfaces of BILLY be properly maintained?

Created on: 21 Jun 2019 09:14
K
KEPURU
Hello everyone,

I would like to start a discussion on the topic: How to properly care for the painted surfaces of Billy?

Specifically, I’m interested in which cleaning products and methods are suitable for maintaining the smooth, painted surface over time without causing damage or unwanted wear. Are there any special precautions to consider? For example, due to the particular paint layers or frequent use.

What experiences have you had with recommended care products? Does a damp microfiber cloth work better, or are special polishes more effective? I look forward to practical tips and also advice on things to avoid.

Thank you and best regards!
K
KEPURU
22 Jun 2019 08:47
Thank you for the previous replies – very helpful.

I checked again with IKEA, and according to the product information, the surface of the BILLY shelves is coated with a melamine-based lacquer that is water-resistant but still sensitive to alcohol-based and harsh cleaning agents.

How do you assess the use of common household glass cleaners, which often contain alcohol? Could they potentially damage the surface over time?

Also, I am interested if anyone has tips for dealing with small scratches – is it possible to repair or conceal them somehow?

Best regards!
T
tra_nina
22 Jun 2019 09:21
Hello KEPURU,

Due to the melamine coating, I strongly recommend avoiding alcohol-based cleaners such as glass cleaner. These can dull the surface and damage the protective layer.

For maintenance, mild soapy water or special furniture cleaners designed for coated surfaces are suitable. It is also important to use a soft, damp cloth and to dry the surface immediately to prevent water damage.

Regarding scratches: small superficial scratches can sometimes be concealed with a color-matched furniture marker or wood repair sticks. Complete repair with paint is generally difficult because this is an industrially coated surface.

For prevention, I also recommend using felt pads under heavy objects to avoid unnecessary damage to the surface.
N
Neogi
22 Jun 2019 10:03
tra_nina schrieb:
Due to the melamine coating, I strongly advise against using alcohol-based cleaners such as glass cleaners.

I agree with that.

It would be interesting to know if there are any documented long-term studies on the effects of various cleaning agents on melamine surfaces. Without such data, many recommendations remain anecdotal.
KEPURU schrieb:
Is there any way to repair or conceal the scratches?

I consider it advisable to minimize mechanical stress on these very sensitive surfaces. Honestly, the best protection against scratches is prevention.

The idea of using furniture touch-up markers is a practical approach, especially if professional tools or coatings are not an option.

Are there any opinions on whether regular maintenance with special polishes (e.g., acrylic- or silicone-based) might help make the surface more resistant?