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

Created on: 23 Nov 2022 08:17
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teo56
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.
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Tofra45
23 Nov 2022 10:22
Deandre schrieb:
Newer panels are often produced more cost-effectively, which means higher porosity and therefore more impact on color absorption and changes.

Exactly. Higher porosity also means moisture can penetrate the material more easily – this promotes discoloration.
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FAVALERIE9
23 Nov 2022 10:40
I have noticed that the light in the room has a significant impact. The more sunlight that hits the shelf, the faster the color changes – this applies to all models, but it is more noticeable with the newer ones.
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emmett
23 Nov 2022 11:04
The material composition plays an important role. Older Billy shelves sometimes had different types of wood in the core, which are less sensitive to light.
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teo56
23 Nov 2022 11:30
Thanks for the information so far!

To add: Can the type of coating (e.g., PU varnish vs. melamine resin finish) affect color stability? I’m asking because I noticed that some newer models are described as melamine-coated, while others are varnished.

What difference does this make?
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RENMA
23 Nov 2022 13:15
teo56 schrieb:
Can the type of coating (e.g., PU varnish vs. melamine resin coating) affect color stability?

Yes, it does. PU varnishes are generally more resistant to mechanical wear and UV radiation, maintaining color better. Melamine resin coatings are less flexible and can fade or yellow more quickly because they are thinner.

The lower application weight of melamine coatings results in a thinner protective layer, which makes the color tone more susceptible to change.
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Deandre
23 Nov 2022 14:02
It should also be noted that melamine coatings are abrasion-resistant but do not protect against UV fading as well as paint finishes. This explains the faster color changes in new models when they have a melamine coating.