Hello everyone,
I recently acquired the popular IKEA BILLY bookshelf made of solid birch and have realized that wood maintenance is not quite straightforward. My question is: What kind of wood care is recommended for the BILLY shelf to keep the surface in good condition over the long term without affecting the typical light appearance or the natural feel?
I am especially interested in tips on which care products (e.g., oils, waxes, varnishes), application frequency, and methods have proven effective. Also, what is the best way to handle minor signs of wear such as scratches and discoloration?
I would appreciate any experience-based advice or reliable recommendations.
I recently acquired the popular IKEA BILLY bookshelf made of solid birch and have realized that wood maintenance is not quite straightforward. My question is: What kind of wood care is recommended for the BILLY shelf to keep the surface in good condition over the long term without affecting the typical light appearance or the natural feel?
I am especially interested in tips on which care products (e.g., oils, waxes, varnishes), application frequency, and methods have proven effective. Also, what is the best way to handle minor signs of wear such as scratches and discoloration?
I would appreciate any experience-based advice or reliable recommendations.
D
derrick341 Oct 2022 08:14I would also add: If the shelf is heavily used, felt pads on the feet are advisable to prevent scratches on the floor and to enhance stability. This also protects the overall furniture structure.
Nice discussion here 🙂
A little lockdown tip: If friendly guests ask about minor signs of use, just wink and refer to the natural wood look – it’s got life in it, so to speak 😉
Wood just lives!
daalessio schrieb:I can only agree with that. Also: Always maintain in well-ventilated rooms, otherwise the oil tends to accumulate too much on the surface.
The drying time should be properly observed, ideally at least 12 hours
A little lockdown tip: If friendly guests ask about minor signs of use, just wink and refer to the natural wood look – it’s got life in it, so to speak 😉
Wood just lives!
S
sebastia562 Oct 2022 11:35Thank you for the very helpful answers so far! I especially appreciate the tip about using a linseed oil-based care product and the maintenance intervals.
Can you recommend whether the BILLY shelf should be sanded before the first oiling? So far, I have only dusted the surface thoroughly with a microfiber cloth.
And one more question: What about ready-made wood care products available on the market that contain waxes or silicones in addition to oil? Should these be avoided or are they generally fine?
Can you recommend whether the BILLY shelf should be sanded before the first oiling? So far, I have only dusted the surface thoroughly with a microfiber cloth.
And one more question: What about ready-made wood care products available on the market that contain waxes or silicones in addition to oil? Should these be avoided or are they generally fine?
B
baAlejandr2 Oct 2022 16:42sebastia56 schrieb:
Can you recommend whether the BILLY shelf should be lightly sanded before the first oiling?A light sanding with very fine sandpaper (grit 220 or higher) before the first oiling can improve the wood’s absorption and create a more even surface. Be sure to remove all dust before applying the oil.
sebastia56 schrieb:
What about ready-made wood care products available on the market that contain waxes or silicones in addition to oil?I advise against products containing silicones, as they seal the surface and make future treatments difficult. Waxes are not inherently bad but can affect the natural breathability of the wood if applied too thickly. For the BILLY shelf, which is highly visible, I recommend using pure oils or oil blends without additives.
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