ᐅ What are your experiences with color fading on KALLAX back panels?

Hello everyone, I have a question about my IKEA KALLAX shelves, specifically regarding the back panels: What experiences have you had with color fading on the KALLAX back panels? My back panels are made of a type of thin hardboard with a coated surface, and after some time exposed to light, I’m noticing significant discoloration or fading, especially in areas more exposed to sunlight. I’m interested in how durable the back panels have been for you, whether you’ve encountered similar issues, and if you have any tips or tricks to prevent or treat the fading. Are there any suitable protective measures or recommended alternatives if someone wants to replace the back panel? Thanks in advance for your expertise!

Hello Marblerim,

I can confirm your experience with the color fading on the KALLAX back panels. This coated cardboard tends to fade when exposed to strong sunlight. One reason is that the material does not have a UV protective coating, which is often found on higher-quality furniture parts.

From my experience, I can recommend the following:

1. Avoid direct sunlight exposure whenever possible.
2. Applying a UV protection spray (for example, from the plastics or furniture care sector) can significantly slow down the fading.
3. If the back panel has already faded, usually the only solution is to replace it with an alternative back panel, for example made of thin plywood or MDF, which you can treat with paint or finish yourself.

In summary: The original back panels are not very lightfast. Protection or replacement is often necessary if the shelving unit is placed in a sunny spot.

If you need more detailed information about UV sprays or sources, feel free to ask!

Short answer: KALLAX backs fade quickly when exposed to direct sunlight. It is better to use shade or create custom backs.

Additional information: The color fading on the KALLAX back panels is typically caused by the materials used and their coatings. Since these are thin hardboard panels that are likely not designed for prolonged UV exposure, the effect mainly occurs after long periods of exposure.

A more practical technical solution is to repaint the back panel with a matte, UV-resistant spray paint or, if needed, replace it with a back panel made of MDF boards (e.g., 3–6 cm (1.2–2.4 inches), painted or veneered).

It is also important to consider the room’s humidity, as these materials can potentially swell.

In short: fading is a known issue but can be effectively managed with suitable material replacement or UV protection methods.

This happened to me as well, and I found it really frustrating because the KALLAX shelf otherwise fits perfectly. When I noticed the discoloration, I initially felt a bit helpless.

Fortunately, I was able to replace the back panel quickly, but before that, I also wondered if there might be a way to protect the material myself.

If you have the shelf placed in a spot with a lot of sunlight, I can only share from my experience: try using a Venetian blind or something similar to reduce the amount of direct sunlight.

I hope this helps you and that you find the best solution for your situation!

Recommendation: Completely remove the rear wall and replace it with one made of microfiber board. Painting it with UV-resistant paint is advisable.