ᐅ KALLAX faded after just a few years – is sunlight exposure a factor?
Created on: 10 Feb 2024 14:07
I
ioanpu
Hello everyone,
A few years ago, I bought the IKEA KALLAX shelving unit and placed it against a wall in my living room. Recently, I noticed that the color of the unit looks quite faded, which to be honest is a bit disappointing. I suspect that the frequent direct sunlight coming through the large window in front of it is the main cause of the fading.
Has anyone here experienced this or knows how much sunlight actually affects the plastic or surface of KALLAX units? Are there any ways to reduce or prevent this effect?
I look forward to your insights and tips!
A few years ago, I bought the IKEA KALLAX shelving unit and placed it against a wall in my living room. Recently, I noticed that the color of the unit looks quite faded, which to be honest is a bit disappointing. I suspect that the frequent direct sunlight coming through the large window in front of it is the main cause of the fading.
Has anyone here experienced this or knows how much sunlight actually affects the plastic or surface of KALLAX units? Are there any ways to reduce or prevent this effect?
I look forward to your insights and tips!
Wesley schrieb:
My trick: In addition to UV-protective film, I covered the shelf with a light cloth on sunny days.This helps temporarily. To add: Most films block UVA and UVB rays, which are responsible for fading.
Using furniture care products with UV protection is also possible within limits, as long as the material is not damaged. In the long term, however, placing the furniture out of direct sunlight is best.
It would be interesting to find out whether IKEA provides specific care instructions regarding UV exposure.
A brief "mini-workshop" on the topic of KALLAX and UV radiation:
1. Material analysis: KALLAX is made from particleboard with a melamine, veneer, or foil coating.
2. UV impact: UV rays break down organic binders in adhesives and surface layers, causing fading and brittleness.
3. Mechanisms of fading: Breakdown of color pigments through photochemical reactions.
Tips:
- Use UV-protective glass or films on windows.
- Rotate the shelving unit occasionally to prevent uneven UV damage.
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight exposure.
A professional UV-protective coating or a furniture refinishing with clear varnish is usually not offered by IKEA, so DIY measures are the best option.
1. Material analysis: KALLAX is made from particleboard with a melamine, veneer, or foil coating.
2. UV impact: UV rays break down organic binders in adhesives and surface layers, causing fading and brittleness.
3. Mechanisms of fading: Breakdown of color pigments through photochemical reactions.
Tips:
- Use UV-protective glass or films on windows.
- Rotate the shelving unit occasionally to prevent uneven UV damage.
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight exposure.
A professional UV-protective coating or a furniture refinishing with clear varnish is usually not offered by IKEA, so DIY measures are the best option.
Oh yes, I know that feeling! After a few years, my KALLAX especially starts to look faded near sun-facing windows. But hey – the more sunlight, the brighter the mood, right? 😉
Jokes aside, what I find interesting is: has anyone really managed to prevent fading using special films or curtains? I think those are the best tips here, because replacing furniture just because of color changes isn’t the goal.
Maybe someone can share their experiences with the properties of the advertised UV protection films? Are there really differences, or is it all just marketing?
Jokes aside, what I find interesting is: has anyone really managed to prevent fading using special films or curtains? I think those are the best tips here, because replacing furniture just because of color changes isn’t the goal.
Maybe someone can share their experiences with the properties of the advertised UV protection films? Are there really differences, or is it all just marketing?
LOGEMIN schrieb:
A professional UV protection coating or furniture finishing with clear varnish is usually not offered by IKEAI think that’s an important point, thanks for mentioning it!
I guess the shelf was never really intended to be left unprotected in direct sunlight for many years. Maybe this wasn’t considered much when buying it.
bauku schrieb:
Maybe someone could share information about the properties of the advertised UV protection films?I’m interested in that too – how reliable are the claims about UV shielding? And are there really big differences between the products?
I’d appreciate it if anyone here has trustworthy information or knows how to choose such films effectively.
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