ᐅ Why do the colors of BILLY shelves change after extended use?
Created on: 27 Apr 2024 14:07
D
Datau5
Hello everyone, I have a question that has been on my mind for a while and I hope to get some knowledgeable answers here: Why do the colors of IKEA’s Billy bookcases change after extended use? I have several Billy bookcases that initially had a clear, uniform color, but after a few years, the surface looks somewhat different—sometimes faded or slightly discolored. I am especially interested in understanding which physical or chemical processes might be involved, whether this is related to the material or the coating, and if factors such as light, humidity, or possibly usage and cleaning have an impact. Does anyone have deeper insights or perhaps personal experience with this? Thank you in advance!
I would like to add that BILLY shelves are made from wood-based panels with a melamine resin coating, which is generally quite durable. However, these types of plastics do react to environmental conditions. In addition to UV radiation, humidity causes the wood panels to expand and contract slightly, which on a microscopic level affects the bond between the paint and the substrate. All of this often results in noticeable color changes.
Regular, gentle cleaning with appropriate products helps to maintain the surface. Aggressive wiping or abrasive cleaners can further weaken the protective layer and enhance fading.
Regular, gentle cleaning with appropriate products helps to maintain the surface. Aggressive wiping or abrasive cleaners can further weaken the protective layer and enhance fading.
There are also studies from material testing institutes that show the plastic coatings used in furniture construction—especially melamine and foil laminates—have limited UV resistance. This means that even with indirect sunlight exposure, the pigments change over months and years.
Additionally, the quality of the substrate boards is crucial. Particleboard or MDF can swell slightly due to moisture, causing minor color changes from surface tension. The combination of these factors provides a plausible explanation for the observed color changes in BILLY shelves.
Additionally, the quality of the substrate boards is crucial. Particleboard or MDF can swell slightly due to moisture, causing minor color changes from surface tension. The combination of these factors provides a plausible explanation for the observed color changes in BILLY shelves.
kieran schrieb:
The combination of these factors plausibly explains the observed color changes in BILLY shelvesI agree with this. Essentially, it is about the aging processes of the surface, which occur through the interaction of material, environmental influences, and usage. Cleaning habits should not be underestimated either.
Anyone who values colorfastness should choose a location with as much UV protection as possible and avoid aggressive cleaning agents. In professional settings, coatings with UV absorbers are often used for long-lasting color durability, which are not applied in affordable furniture like BILLY.
kasan schrieb:
Are there specific threshold values at which these factors become relevant?Good question, and thank you for pointing that out, kasan. From various sources, I found that UV damage in melamine coatings can become visible after prolonged daily exposure at around 200 lux of UV content – roughly equivalent to moderate sunlight through a window.
Temperature and humidity fluctuations starting at about 40-60% relative humidity can cause minimal material changes that only become noticeable over several months. Accelerated color changes are particularly explainable in cases of direct sunlight or damp rooms.
I appreciate the many detailed contributions; especially the explanations by pikins and kieran have been very helpful to me!
Similar topics