ᐅ Why are some BILLY shelves more prone to scratches?

Hello everyone, I have a question that has been on my mind for a while: Why are some BILLY bookshelves more prone to scratches than others?

I have noticed that the surface on certain models or production batches seems noticeably more sensitive. I am particularly interested in the role of the materials used, surface treatment, and possible differences in manufacturing or storage. Are there known variations between BILLY bookshelves that cause some models to show visible damage more quickly? I would also appreciate any advice on how to reduce susceptibility to damage—such as handling or maintenance tips.

Thanks in advance for your opinions and experiences!

The susceptibility of BILLY shelves to scratches primarily depends on the surface finish. IKEA mostly uses a hard paper foil or melamine resin-coated particleboard. The latter is more resistant to scratches, but the coating thickness varies depending on the model and production period.

Oralreo schrieb:
die Rolle der verwendeten Materialien, Oberflächenbehandlung und eventuell Unterschiede bei der Produktion

This is exactly where the differences lie. Older BILLY shelves often had thinner paint or foil coatings, which are more easily damaged mechanically. Additionally, manufacturing tolerances in the coating thickness can result in some shelves having a protective layer that is not uniformly thick everywhere.

Furthermore, storage at IKEA itself—such as upright versus flat storage—is a factor. During transport and storage, pressure points or friction on the surface can cause micro-scratches that become visible later.

How can scratches be avoided? Tip: handling the shelves with gloves or at least avoiding hard objects on the surfaces is advisable. It is also recommended to place tools on soft pads on the shelves during assembly to prevent abrasion.

There are different surface options, such as foil-covered or painted. Foil surfaces are often thinner and therefore more prone to scratches. The condition upon unpacking also matters: sometimes shelves arrive with minor scratches because they were not properly protected at the factory or during shipping.

PIN66 schrieb:
Older BILLY shelves often had thinner lacquer or foil coatings, which are more prone to mechanical damage.

That’s only part of the story. In my opinion, how the shelves are used plays a much bigger role. If you treat the shelves like delicate works of art, you won’t have any problems, but others notice even small mishaps — and then the shelf naturally seems more “sensitive.”

I also wonder how much of the perceived fragility is a matter of customer expectations. Honestly, if you buy an inexpensive shelf, do you really expect a surface that won’t show even minor scratches? You have to be a bit more realistic.

eldubi schrieb:
The foil coatings are often thinner and therefore more prone to scratching.

That’s true, but ultimately it’s a trade-off between price and durability. If you’re really looking for something robust, you wouldn’t choose a BILLY but something else — that also applies to the sensitive surface.