ᐅ KALLAX doors losing color – is this normal?

Hello everyone,

I have a KALLAX shelf from IKEA, and recently I noticed that the doors are gradually losing their color on the surface. Especially along the edges and handle openings, the white paint is becoming paler and looks somewhat faded. I mainly use the shelf in a room with normal indoor temperature and little direct sunlight.

My question is whether this is a known issue and if it is normal for the doors to lose color intensity so quickly. Could this be a material problem, or can it also be caused by mechanical wear?

Has anyone had similar experiences or advice on how to best treat or prevent this?

Best regards and thanks in advance!

Hello LEOUS5,

LEOUS5 schrieb:
Is this a known issue and is it normal for the doors to lose their color intensity relatively quickly?

I can tell you that with KALLAX doors, it is quite possible for the surface to lose some of its color over time, especially if they are used frequently or subjected to mechanical stress.

The doors are usually made from particleboard with a veneered or coated surface, which is not necessarily as resistant to wear or scratches as solid wood. Cleaning products with aggressive ingredients can also damage the surface.

So, if you often touch the doors with damp hands or if they get slightly bumped when opening and closing, this can cause minor abrasions that become visible as color fading.

However, this shouldn’t happen too quickly, depending on how heavily they are used – it is generally not normal for it to become very noticeable after a short time.

I would recommend cleaning the doors with a soft, slightly damp cloth and avoiding harsh cleaning agents. If you still have a warranty, it might be worth contacting IKEA customer service, as they sometimes replace parts if it is a material defect.

Maybe someone else will share similar experiences, which can be helpful.

Best regards!

Hello,

to properly understand the issue with color fading on KALLAX doors from a technical perspective, it is important to first examine the surface structure in detail. The doors are usually made of MDF or particleboard with a laminated melamine resin coating that is colored.

This melamine surface is resistant to scratches and moisture; however, it is sensitive to mechanical abrasion and harsh cleaning agents. Several factors can contribute to premature color loss:

- Frequent rubbing or wiping with abrasive sponges
- Use of solvent-based cleaners (alcohol, acetone, etc.)
- Exposure to sunlight, even if weak, can over time cause slight fading
- Fluctuations in humidity can slightly affect the material

Laurence schrieb:
Still, this should not happen too quickly depending on the intensity of use – it is not normal for significant fading to occur after only a short time.

I agree with this; rapid and noticeable color loss is rather unusual—especially if the shelf is only a few months old.

For a more precise assessment, I would ask:
- How old are the doors exactly?
- Have any aggressive cleaning agents been used?
- Are the doors placed in a very bright spot, or is direct sunlight completely avoided?
- Are there any visible scratches or abrasions that might have damaged the surface?

If you could provide this information, it would help to better evaluate the situation.

In case of a defect due to material or manufacturing, IKEA usually offers goodwill solutions, especially if it occurs within one year.

As a preventive measure: avoid harsh or abrasive cleaners, use mild cleaning products and soft cloths.

Best regards

Fading is not common with normal use. However, if you frequently touch the doors or expose them to moisture, it can happen.

I would recommend not cleaning the surface with harsh cleaners and, if possible, handling it infrequently.

If the fading occurs unusually quickly, contact IKEA, as they usually handle such cases generously.

FAZAR schrieb:
To assess this accurately, I would ask: How old are the doors exactly? Have aggressive cleaning agents been used? Are the doors located in a very bright spot, or is direct sunlight completely excluded?

It is important to note that the finish on KALLAX doors is not a traditional paint coating, but a melamine resin surface, which is very durable but not invincible.

If they lose color significantly within a few months, this usually indicates mechanical or chemical stress. UV degradation plays a smaller role under indirect lighting but could be a factor over the long term.

LEOUS5 schrieb:
Use the shelf mainly in a room with normal indoor temperature and little direct sunlight

That actually sounds like normal conditions. So, if rapid color fading occurs, it may indicate a manufacturing defect or damaged material.

I would suggest describing this specific issue to IKEA regarding the KALLAX doors, as they may already have feedback from other customers. If the shelf space is used frequently, stronger mechanical stresses, such as repeated opening or bumping of the doors, might also contribute.

In conclusion: Color fading as described is not inherently “normal,” but can certainly occur with heavier use.