ᐅ Looking for care instructions for Ivar IKEA shelves. Is sanding necessary?

Created on: 27 May 2009 22:05
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nanadeluna
N
nanadeluna
27 May 2009 22:05
Hello,

I am planning to get some Ivar shelves and was wondering if anyone knows the best way to treat them to:

1. prevent darkening and keep the nice light wood color as much as possible

2. make them washable, as I want to use some of them in the kitchen

I was thinking of using a clear varnish or wood stain, which I believe comes in both glossy and matte finishes. Since I have no experience with Ivar, I would really appreciate any advice. In some forums, I read that the shelves need to be lightly sanded first—is that correct?

I am open to any recommendations. Thank you!
H
hinnakk
31 Mar 2011 19:44
From my experience, I can say that before treating IVAR, you should always sand it first. Start with 120 grit, then move to 150/160 grit, and finish with 240 grit.

There are two options for the product you use.

1. You can use a wood oil, for example, OSMO TopOil. This will slightly enhance the grain, making it stand out more than before.

2. You can varnish the wood. There are varnishes available with a small amount of white pigment, which keeps the wood looking light. For this, I would recommend consulting a specialist store.

In general, oiling is the simpler and more reliable option in terms of results. Oiled wood is very durable and, as long as it doesn’t come into contact with standing water, it tolerates moisture well. I prefer oiling because there are oils free of harmful substances, whereas I am less certain about varnishes.

Whether you varnish or oil, the wood will darken over time.