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Board: base material + veneer
In fact, most of them are composed of base material (core material) + finishing.
In the last issue, we have explained in detail the advantages and disadvantages of the base materials such as multi-layer board, particle board, European pine board, density board, etc., as well as the applicable customization space. I believe that everyone has a general understanding of the base material. Today we will continue with the content of the last issue and explain in detail the content of the board finish, so that we can make more accurate choices when selecting boards for whole-house customization.
Classification of finishes
The veneer is a piece of decorative paper attached to the outer layer of the substrate. Compared with the substrate, the role of the surface material is more inclined to display and decoration. Its main variables are color, pattern and texture.
The commonly used board finishes on the market can be roughly divided into the following types: solid wood veneer finish, melamine finish, PVC film paper finish, and paint finish. Let's take a look at them one by one.
Melamine finish
In the current panel furniture market, the mainstream facing paper should be melamine facing board.
Melamine veneer is a melamine-impregnated paper that is pressed onto the surface of a substrate at high temperature (the substrate includes density board, particle board, multi-layer board, etc.). The finished board is a melamine veneer panel/triamine board/veneer panel/ecological board, etc. Secondly, depending on the different steel plates used when hot-pressing the decorative paper, it can be divided into a variety of different effects such as glossy, hemp, embossed, cloth-textured, corrugated, rayed, synchronized pattern, etc.
Advantages and disadvantages of finished boards:
Advantages: beautiful appearance, diverse patterns, and simplified artificial board production process, avoiding painting, spraying and other processes (including realistic imitation wood grain, stone grain and other surface effects), corrosion resistance, high temperature resistance, wear resistance, waterproof, smooth surface and easy to clean.
Disadvantages: It has higher requirements for the base material and the process is more complicated than solid wood veneer.
Solid wood veneer finish
Wood veneer, also known as thin wood veneer, is made by peeling and slicing solid wood into thin slices, then treating it with chemicals and applying high temperature and high pressure to create a thin, paper-like veneer. After being coated with glue in a high-temperature hot press, it is affixed to substrates such as density board, particle board, and multi-layer board to create a wood veneer panel.
Because veneers are divided into imported and domestic, and precious wood and ordinary wood, the range of choices becomes larger. Therefore, the grade of solid wood veneer panels is determined by the material type and thickness of the solid wood veneer.
Advantages: Solid wood veneer panels have a real and natural feel, clear texture, and simple craftsmanship, achieving true value for money. Therefore, they have become the main finishing method used for custom furniture at home and abroad.
Disadvantages: Because solid wood veneer finishes are divided into thin and thick skins, the thin skin is more transparent and easily scratched, while the thick skin has a better three-dimensional effect, but is easily affected by the environment, prone to warping and cracking, and is not very durable.
PVC film paper facing (molded door panel)
Polyvinyl chloride coating, also known as PVC film, is characterized by its softness. The base material is typically density fiberboard (ABS, PVC, PET, PS, PC, etc. are currently used for blister packaging). It is often used to wrap styling-friendly panels, enhancing their moisture resistance. PVC coatings come in a wide variety of colors, allowing for the creation of diverse styles. The textures embossed on advanced PVC film appear lifelike, creating a visual illusion.
Advantages: rich colors, pure monochrome color, soft film, suitable for various shapes of density boards, environmentally friendly, stain-resistant, easy to clean, easy to maintain, no edge banding, etc.
Disadvantages: poor high temperature resistance (cigarette butts can burn the surface), not resistant to ultraviolet rays, etc.
Paint finish
Unlike the previous types of board finishes, a baked varnish is sprayed onto the base board. The surface then undergoes six to nine sanding cycles (the number varies between manufacturers; a higher number of sanding cycles implies higher craftsmanship and costs), priming, drying, and polishing (three base coats, two sides, and one gloss coat). This process allows for direct spraying on all six sides of the board, providing excellent waterproofing and moisture resistance and easy cleaning. However, its disadvantages are the complex and time-consuming production process and its higher price. Baked varnish boards are primarily used in furniture such as cabinets and sideboards.
Advantages: rich and adjustable colors, smooth and delicate surface, easy to clean and maintain, etc.
Disadvantages: complex process, long production cycle, afraid of bumps and scratches, not resistant to UV rays, fading problems, not environmentally friendly, etc.