ᐅ Kallax color fades in sunlight – any experiences?

Created on: 10 Jun 2022 10:13
O
oskarkeo40
Hello everyone,

I have been using several IKEA Kallax shelves for about a year now, all in white. I have increasingly noticed that the color on the shelves and the sides facing the window is fading significantly, appearing yellowish or dull.

I am wondering if anyone else has had similar experiences with Kallax in direct sunlight? I am especially interested in whether this discoloration is a general issue with the surface coating used or if it is more related to your specific light conditions.

Are there any tips on how to prevent this fading, or is repainting or refinishing inevitable after a while?

I look forward to your feedback and, ideally, concrete solutions. Thank you in advance!
J
Jodyro
10 Jun 2022 12:43
Kallax is usually coated with melamine resin, which is quite UV-resistant, but prolonged direct sunlight exposure can still cause color changes.

I do not recommend repainting, as the paint will not adhere well to the surface.
L
Luchen
10 Jun 2022 13:08
I have Kallax in black and can confirm that it dulls quickly in the sun. Fading is not as noticeable as with white, but the material does lose its gloss.
B
BAUEVA
10 Jun 2022 13:45
oskarkeo40 schrieb:
Melamine resin-coated particle board is used, which should be somewhat UV-resistant but probably not 100%

That is exactly the key point. ‘UV-resistant’ does not mean ‘UV-proof.’ Since IKEA likely uses cost-effective materials, it can be assumed that the coating does not contain real UV stabilizers or filters.

It would be interesting to know if IKEA itself provides technical information or warranty terms regarding fading.
O
oskarkeo40
10 Jun 2022 14:02
BAUEVA schrieb:
It would be interesting to know if IKEA provides technical information or warranty terms regarding fading.

I have read through the warranty terms, and fading due to UV exposure is defined as normal wear and tear and is not explicitly covered. So, it seems you would have to bear the damage yourself if the shelves are placed in sunny locations for a long time.
V
vin_leo
10 Jun 2022 14:27
BAUEVA schrieb:
IKEA probably relies on affordable materials

Well, that’s exactly why they are affordable! But sometimes you shouldn’t confuse price with high quality. I think a slight color fade is acceptable if the price is right. 🙂
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enrique7
11 Jun 2022 09:15
Today, I took a closer look at the manufacturer’s specifications from IKEA: The Kallax shelves are made of melamine-coated particleboard, which offers some resistance to abrasion but does not explicitly guarantee UV resistance.

This supports the idea that fading due to prolonged UV exposure is to be expected. One way to significantly delay the fading would therefore be additional UV protection, such as window films, or relocating the unit.