ᐅ Why does the color change more quickly in newer BILLY models?

Hello everyone,

I recently purchased a new Billy bookcase and noticed that the color of the newer models changes noticeably faster than with older ones. My question is: why does the color of newer Billy models change more quickly?

I observed that especially with the newer shelves, the surface often darkens or discolors unevenly after just a few months. This seems to be less pronounced in the previous model I bought several years ago.

From a technical perspective, what factors cause this? Is it due to the type of coating used, the wood material, the base substances, or perhaps the manufacturing process? I would appreciate detailed explanations, as I would like to understand this better.

Basically, the color of wood-based materials changes over time due to external factors such as UV exposure and humidity. In newer BILLY models, the surface is usually treated with a thinner layer of paint or a different veneer compared to older models.

teo56 schrieb:
Is it due to the type of paint used, the wood material, the raw materials involved, or perhaps the manufacturing process?

Exactly, many older models often use a thicker coating and different painting techniques that are less prone to color changes.

Additionally, more cost-effective materials and time-saving surface treatments have been used in recent times, which can lead to faster darkening of the color over time.

I can only agree and add: The type of wood-based panel material used (MDF or particleboard) is also decisive due to the varying density grades. Newer panels are often manufactured more cost-effectively, which means higher porosity and therefore a greater impact on color absorption and change.

Additionally, cheaper models often undergo a rapid drying process during painting, which results in slight variations in color tone.

Because newer shelves often have thinner paint coatings. Thinner layers react more quickly to light and moisture.

Additionally, the quality of materials used changes over the years, as companies need to optimize. This applies to both the chipboard and the paint.

In addition, newer BILLY models are often finished with a lighter paint, which makes dark stains more noticeable.