ᐅ What can be done to prevent fading on the sides of the KALLAX unit placed under a window?
Created on: 27 May 2024 08:37
A
artur46
Hello everyone,
I have a KALLAX shelf from IKEA placed directly under a window at home. Unfortunately, I keep noticing that the back and the surfaces of the sides are fading, probably due to sunlight exposure. The KALLAX is not painted but rather has a melamine coating, which is sensitive to UV light.
Therefore, I’m concerned about how to effectively and permanently prevent the sides of the KALLAX shelf from fading when placed directly under a window. Does anyone know of proven solutions, such as protective films, special coatings, or other measures that protect the material from UV rays without significantly altering its appearance?
Thanks for your tips and experiences!
I have a KALLAX shelf from IKEA placed directly under a window at home. Unfortunately, I keep noticing that the back and the surfaces of the sides are fading, probably due to sunlight exposure. The KALLAX is not painted but rather has a melamine coating, which is sensitive to UV light.
Therefore, I’m concerned about how to effectively and permanently prevent the sides of the KALLAX shelf from fading when placed directly under a window. Does anyone know of proven solutions, such as protective films, special coatings, or other measures that protect the material from UV rays without significantly altering its appearance?
Thanks for your tips and experiences!
artur46 schrieb:
The KALLAX is not painted but rather covered with a melamine layer, which is sensitive to UV lightThank you for describing the problem so well. A small addition: Melamine surfaces age due to long-term exposure to sunlight, which makes the plastic coating more brittle and causes the color to fade.
Unlike wood, this process is hardly reversible. It is therefore best to take preventive measures. I would recommend installing UV protection on the window and possibly adding a light, translucent roller blind system during summer.
Also, frequent cleaning with harsh chemicals can further damage the surface.
I’d like to address this topic in more detail. If you have a KALLAX unit placed under a window and it is exposed to strong sunlight, you will experience exactly this problem with fading.
Proven practical solutions include:
- UV protection films on windows (many people here use them)
- Curtains or blinds, ideally with a solar protection coating
- Positioning furniture carefully and rotating it occasionally to expose different areas to light
Even though I use window film, I make sure that the KALLAX is not exposed to direct sunlight longer than necessary and choose light-colored decorations that don’t fade quickly for the surface.
Additional note: There is no magic fix for faded melamine surfaces; prevention is the only solution.
Proven practical solutions include:
- UV protection films on windows (many people here use them)
- Curtains or blinds, ideally with a solar protection coating
- Positioning furniture carefully and rotating it occasionally to expose different areas to light
Even though I use window film, I make sure that the KALLAX is not exposed to direct sunlight longer than necessary and choose light-colored decorations that don’t fade quickly for the surface.
Additional note: There is no magic fix for faded melamine surfaces; prevention is the only solution.
I understand that fading can be frustrating. A KALLAX is usually quite affordable, and it’s annoying when the surface changes appearance over time.
I have tried a UV protection film myself, which really made a difference. The investment is worthwhile in the long run.
Additionally, I want to point out that the issue is often underestimated in furniture design. Careful planning of how furniture is positioned in relation to sunlight is important.
Maybe you can also complement it with a shelf cube made from a different, more UV-resistant material if parts need to be replaced.
At least now we know several practical ways to minimize fading.
I have tried a UV protection film myself, which really made a difference. The investment is worthwhile in the long run.
Additionally, I want to point out that the issue is often underestimated in furniture design. Careful planning of how furniture is positioned in relation to sunlight is important.
Maybe you can also complement it with a shelf cube made from a different, more UV-resistant material if parts need to be replaced.
At least now we know several practical ways to minimize fading.
benon schrieb:
There is no magic fix for faded melamine surfaces; only prevention helpsThanks for the clear statement – I completely agree. I will probably focus on window films and possibly add blinds.
I had also considered a potential coating, but the concerns here regarding adhesion to melamine are very helpful.
One last question: Does anyone have experience with how long UV protection films typically last or if they lose their effectiveness? This would be important for long-term planning.
artur46 schrieb:
Does anyone have experience with how long UV protection films typically last or if they lose their effectiveness?UV protection films generally have a lifespan of 5 to 10 years, depending on the quality of the film and environmental conditions. More affordable products may start to lose their effectiveness after 3 to 5 years, due to changes in the material and adhesive.
Typically, an anti-reflective and UV-blocking layer is integrated into the film multiple times to ensure long-term performance.
Regular maintenance – that is, cleaning the film with mild, non-abrasive agents – helps extend its lifespan.
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