ᐅ How does Ikea protect Hemnes furniture from sunlight?

Created on: 17 Apr 2022 08:37
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Ginolis
G
Ginolis
17 Apr 2022 08:37
Hello everyone, I have a specific question for the community familiar with Ikea furniture and its material protection: How exactly does Ikea protect its Hemnes furniture against the harmful effects of sunlight?

I am especially concerned about color and material durability, as I plan to place my Hemnes dresser near a window that receives several hours of direct sunlight daily.

I would like to know if any special protective coatings or wood treatments are used during manufacturing to guard against UV radiation, or if there are recommended post-treatments that can be applied to prevent fading or damage.

Thanks in advance for your informed answers!
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JORDON
17 Apr 2022 09:12
Hello Ginolis! 🙂

Great question, the topic is not as simple as it seems. Ikea actually uses painted surfaces for the Hemnes series, usually with a thin layer of water-based clear lacquer. This protects against scratches and some sunlight, but the lacquer has limited UV resistance.

What does that mean in practice? Direct, strong sunlight for many hours can still cause color changes, such as slight fading or even yellowing.

So: Hemnes is durable but not completely sunproof. If you want to keep it looking good in the long term, I recommend using indirect light or curtains/blinds.

Sometimes, an additional care oil or a special UV-protective varnish can help, but you should test this carefully first, since Ikea furniture often has a clear protective finish that shouldn’t just be painted over.

Hope this helps you for now! 🌞
R
RENMA
17 Apr 2022 10:45
For clarification: Ikea Hemnes furniture is typically made from solid pine wood and sealed with either a colored or clear lacquer. The lacquers used usually provide only limited UV protection, as they are primarily designed to protect against scratches and moisture.

UV rays can damage pigments and cause the wood to yellow. Therefore, it is technically accurate that Ikea does not apply a special UV protection on Hemnes furniture that would guarantee long-term sun protection.

For better resistance, a tailored post-treatment is recommended, such as sealing with products that explicitly contain UV filters. However, this may alter the original appearance, so it should be tested first in inconspicuous areas.

In summary: Hemnes furniture does not have integrated sun protection in the strict sense but is superficially protected by lacquer. Long-term protection against fading is largely influenced by sun exposure and additional protective measures.
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NUPIN
17 Apr 2022 11:01
Cool topic! 🌟 I also have my Hemnes dresser placed by a sunny window! Of course, after a few years you can notice some slight discoloration – but I think it adds charm, giving the piece its own story. 😊

If you want to be on the safe side, blinds or roller shades are really effective and easy to install. Alternatively, I’ve heard that certain furniture care products with UV protection can be quite helpful.

I’d say: Plenty of sunlight, but with a bit of caution! 💪
C
chenValeri
17 Apr 2022 11:22
Ikea Hemnes furniture is primed and painted, providing basic protection against sunlight.

However, prolonged direct exposure to UV rays will still cause fading and yellowing.

I recommend not placing the furniture permanently in direct sunlight or using additional UV protection films on windows.
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gilen
18 Apr 2022 08:18
Hello Ginolis,

I would like to share a few practical tips on how to protect your Hemnes furniture from sun damage if you cannot move it out of direct sunlight:

- Avoid prolonged, intense sunlight exposure by using curtains or blinds.
- Regularly care for the furniture with wood-friendly cleaning and maintenance oils. Some of these products contain UV protection additives.
- If the finish is damaged, you can carefully touch it up with fine sandpaper and reseal it with a suitable UV-protective varnish.

It is important not to use just any product. Ikea furniture is usually coated with water-based varnish, and using the wrong type of varnish can cause damage. Therefore, it’s best to test on an inconspicuous area first.

If you want to assess the durability of the finish yourself, a small long-term test with sunlight exposure followed by careful observation can be helpful.