ᐅ KALLAX paint is peeling on the window side after sun exposure – any solutions?

farli schrieb:
IKEA furniture often has thin melamine or foil coatings, and true paint layers are rare.

That’s interesting, thanks for the information. The shelf is actually positioned directly by a south-facing window, so it receives strong sunlight in the summer, sometimes several hours of direct sun. The melamine coating itself seems quite durable, but exactly where the sun hits the strongest, the paint is starting to peel—though from what you say, it’s more of a coating than paint. There is no direct condensation or moisture there, and the room is very well ventilated. Would your recommendation then really be to sand down the area first and apply a special plastic adhesion primer? And what kind of paint would you suggest to ensure UV resistance?

ROMANTRA schrieb:
So you would really recommend sanding the area first and then working with a special plastic adhesion promoter?

That’s exactly how I would do it. The sanding should be done carefully with very fine sandpaper (e.g., grit 220 to 320) to avoid damaging the surface too much. Then use an adhesion promoter, such as a plastic primer – this ensures better bonding between the substrate and the paint. For the paint, I would recommend a white, matte-finish acrylic paint that is specifically UV resistant. Important: apply several very thin layers to prevent peeling. Also, make sure the surface is thoroughly degreased and free of dust before starting. You could also ask at a hardware store or specialist paint shop for a paint suitable for outdoor furniture, since sunlight exposure is a factor. Do you have experience with these types of DIY renovations?

ROMANTRA schrieb:
The shelf is actually placed right next to the window facing south, so it gets strong sunlight for several hours directly during the summer.

I understand how frustrating that can be! You bought something that should ideally last a long time. Maybe you could try a combination of a protective varnish and a small roller blind or Venetian blind for the window side? That way, you protect the surface while still allowing enough light into the room. Alternatively, a slight change of location might help if that’s possible.

Regarding the products again: UV-resistant acrylic paint (water-based) from the hardware store is usually sufficient. First, degrease and lightly sand the surface, then apply several thin coats. The drying time between coats is important.

When it comes to making corrections, I would add: A little patience saves a lot of trouble. With the right paint and careful work, your KALLAX will look almost like new afterward. 🙂 And a bit of sun protection on the window makes it more durable. Good luck with your work!