ᐅ KALLAX sticky after sun exposure – polish or paint?

Hello everyone,

I have noticed that the surfaces on my IKEA KALLAX shelf, in areas exposed to stronger sunlight, have become somewhat sticky. These spots feel matte and tacky, which makes using the shelf a bit uncomfortable, especially since dust and particles seem to stick more easily. My question to the community is: Would it be better to treat these sticky surfaces with a polish to restore a smooth, pleasant feel, or should I consider repainting it completely?

I understand that the KALLAX is usually made of particleboard with a melamine coating, which might make this more challenging. I’m looking for a sustainable solution that looks good visually but also makes the surface more resistant to further discoloration or damage in the long term. Do you have any practical tips or experiences to share?

Thanks in advance!

I would avoid polishing. The surface is melamine-coated, which you don’t really polish. Painting is the better option, but make sure to sand it thoroughly beforehand.

Hello Bu-do,

Your issue with the sticky surface on the KALLAX caused by sunlight is typical for melamine-coated particleboard, which degrades due to heat and UV exposure.

Quick guide to a solution:
1. Preparation: Thoroughly clean the surface with isopropanol to remove grease and dust.
2. Sanding: Gently roughen the affected areas with very fine sandpaper (grit 240 or finer). Be careful not to sand through the melamine coating.
3. Polishing: Polishing is technically challenging because melamine is not a lacquer layer but a hard synthetic resin surface. Polishing can only partially reduce stickiness, and skin oils may make the sticky feeling worse.
4. Painting: Ideally, use a matte or satin acrylic paint suitable for furniture. Always apply a compatible primer designed specifically for plastic or coated surfaces beforehand.

Note: You can test how the surface reacts to sanding and painting on an inconspicuous spot first.

Summary: Polishing is only a short-term, unreliable fix. Painting after proper preparation is more durable and offers better protection.

I hope this helps you!

I previously painted KALLAX with sunlight myself. The important thing is a good primer and several thin coats of paint. Polishing won’t make a difference.

Bu-do schrieb:
Is it more effective to treat these sticky surfaces with a polish to restore a smooth and grippy finish, or would it be better to repaint completely?

I’m familiar with the problem of sticky surfaces caused by UV exposure – it can be quite frustrating because you want to keep the furniture that is otherwise in good condition intact.

I chose to repaint myself because I felt that polishing only improved the surface temporarily and the sticky feel came back. Also, I think it’s important to take your time when renovating, as quick fixes often don’t provide lasting results.

I wish you good luck with your project; it can be annoying, but in the end the outcome is satisfying if you keep at it.

nonpra schrieb:
Painting is the better option, but make sure to sand well beforehand.

That is generally correct, but more precision is needed. Melamine coating is very hard and has poor adhesion with paint. A thorough pretreatment with a special adhesion promoter is advisable. Additionally, a fine intermediate sanding after priming is recommended to achieve a smooth and even surface.

In other words: Simply sanding is not enough. A suitable primer plus an appropriate type of paint (polyurethane or acrylic) is essential to ensure durability and appearance. For furniture exposed to sunlight, avoid paints without UV protection to prevent further darkening and brittleness.

I do not recommend polishing, as it is not a sustainable solution for damaged melamine surfaces.