Search for care instructions for Ivar IKEA shelves, is sanding necessary?

Hello,

I am planning to get some Ivar shelves. Does anyone know the best way to treat them so that they:

1. do not darken but rather keep the beautiful light wood tone as much as possible

2. are washable since I also want to integrate some of them in the kitchen

I was thinking of a so-called "lacquer glaze" in transparent, which, as far as I know, comes in glossy and matte. Since I have no experience with Ivar at all, I would be very grateful for any advice. In some forums, I read that you have to sand the shelves a bit beforehand? Is that correct?

I am open to any recommendations. Thanks

So from my experience, I can tell you that before you want to treat IVAR, you always have to sand it. Best first with 120 grit, then 150/160 grit, and then with 240 grit.

With the product you are using, there are two possibilities.

1. You use a wood oil, e.g. from the company OSMO the TopOil, then the grain will be somewhat enhanced, it stands out more than before.

2. You varnish the wood. There are varnishes that contain small amounts of white pigment and thus keep the wood equally light. For this, I would recommend a specialist shop.

In general, it can be said that oiling is the easier and, in terms of the result, the safer option. Oiled wood is very durable and, as long as it does not get standing water, does not take moisture badly. I prefer oiling because there are oils free of harmful substances and I am not quite sure about varnishes.

Regardless of whether you varnish or oil, over time the wood will darken.