ᐅ My Kallax shelf keeps developing streaks from sunlight – any tips?

Hello everyone, I have the following issue: My Kallax shelf from Ikea keeps developing new visible streaks whenever it is exposed to direct sunlight. It almost looks like the wood or the surface is discoloring or fading unevenly due to the sunlight. The rooms where I use the shelf have relatively large windows, so depending on the position, the sun shines directly on it in the morning and afternoon. Does anyone have tips on how to prevent these streaks or know exactly what causes them? I have considered repositioning or treating it differently but would prefer minimal effort and no visible protective films. Thanks for your insights!

petrale schrieb:
My Kallax shelf from Ikea keeps developing new visible streaks whenever it is exposed to direct sunlight.

That sounds like surface fading, possibly caused by UV radiation or differences in the material. However, I wonder: Are the streaks always in the same place, or do they change with the position of the sun? This would be important to understand the cause. Have you checked whether the shelf might have different surface treatments in certain areas? That would explain why some parts react more than others. It would also be interesting to know if the streaks appear on the paint, the wood surface, or a laminate.

Streaks usually occur due to uneven UV exposure. A simple solution is to move the shelf out of direct sunlight or apply UV-protective film to the window.

Oh, I know that one! Sunlight is truly magical – but not so great for streaks, unfortunately. 🙂 Maybe a clear UV-protective coating, applied in a thin layer, could help. It prevents discoloration without being visible. Or you could get a stylish curtain to filter the sunlight a bit – very elegant and also makes the space cozier. Good luck!

faso31 schrieb:
Are the streaks always in the same spot, or do they change with the position of the sun?

This is really a key point, as a constant location suggests mechanical or finish-related causes, while changing streaks strongly indicate varying sunlight exposure.

Regarding the topic: Kallax shelves are usually made of particleboard with a melamine resin surface. While this surface is durable, it is not UV-stable. Long-term exposure to sunlight can therefore alter the color. One suggestion would be to treat the shelf with a UV-resistant clear coat—preferably an acrylic or polyurethane varnish specifically designed for furniture.

Additionally, filtering sunlight can help, for example by using UV window films or blinds. Especially if repainting is considered, I would pay attention to untreated areas and protect them accordingly.

Tevin schrieb:
Kallax shelves are usually made of particleboard with a melamine resin surface. This surface is durable but not UV-resistant.

Thanks for the note! Yes, melamine resin is quite common with Kallax. I’ve also noticed that these stripes often appear slightly lighter—so a kind of fading.

vin_leo schrieb:
Maybe a transparent UV-protective coating would help

sounds interesting, but I wonder if such a coating would adhere properly to melamine resin. Do you have any experience with that? I’d also be interested to know if there’s any kind of treatment I could apply regularly to prevent this.

So far, it’s a mystery to me why the stripes have this striped shape. Maybe it has something to do with sunlight coming through window frames or plants?