All about MDF film facades

Furniture fronts, if they are made of high-quality material, ennoble the interior, giving it sophistication. Chipboard plates laminated with polymer film certainly deserve attention, but for residential premises, unless they provide for a minimalist direction, MDF facades covered with PVC film are much more relevant. It is worth considering all the strengths and weaknesses of this material in more detail.

MDF is a finely dispersed fraction of medium density wood fiber boards that have undergone high pressure heat treatment. The material in its composition is close to natural wood, does not contain any inclusions, except for wood dust, but is several times harder and stronger than natural wood sheets.

Externally, MDF products resemble thick cardboard sheets. Before the PVC coating is applied to them, the boards look unattractive. But in the factory, they are subjected to grinding, 3D imaging, priming and painting.

And also mass production of panels in PVC film has been established. Do not think that this is an ordinary decorative coating - film facades of MDF are created by steaming polyvinyl chloride into the surface of wood-shaving products by the action of thermal vacuum pressing.

In addition to strength, such facades are highly moisture resistant, so they are most often used to decorate the interior of the kitchen. However, the variety of colors, shades, imitations of this material makes it possible to use it when creating a presentable type of furniture for residential premises with a different purpose.

Facades with polyvinyl chloride film are, first of all, a budget solution to the issue of finishing furniture sets, while its imitations look presentable.

This is an undoubted advantage of the material, but there are other advantages:

• resistance to wear and tear, including abrasion due to the use of cleaning agents;
• a large selection of color palette and texture;
• hygiene, safety due to the natural composition;
• a variety of sizes and shapes of products, especially complex elements can be made to order;
• the material is not subject to the negative influence of ultraviolet rays;
• high temperature resistance and moisture resistance;
• no damage under mechanical stress;
• easy maintenance of facades.

The disadvantages of film panels are mainly associated with the improper use of these products:

• if the room has a constantly high temperature or high level of humidity, the PVC film may peel off;
• the use of aggressive chemicals and products containing abrasive particles for cleaning leads to damage and loss of the appearance of the plates;
• in case of obvious defects, scratches and chips, the repair of the material is not possible.

The listed problems arise most often due to the fact that the material is initially defective. The reason is the use of low-quality glue in the manufacture, non-compliance with technologies, for example, the film layer is too thin.

For cladding MDF boards used as furniture facades, not only PVC film can be used. There are other, equally popular coatings such as plexiglass, plastic or paint.

Let's consider each option separately.

• Products from acrylic (plexiglass, plexiglass) have a rather high cost due to the complexity of production. Unlike plastic, polymer glass has a shinier and smoother surface, is more resistant to deformation than PVC or plastic, and is not exposed to UV rays. However, its forms are standard, and eyes begin to get tired of the beautiful gloss over time.

• For plastic characterized by high wear resistance, lack of exposure to high temperatures and moisture. However, its color range is not as extensive as that of the film, fingerprints remain on it, and restoration cannot be carried out in case of significant damage. In addition, plastic facades are more expensive than foil.

• Painted material is distinguished by a high price, since the process of its creation has several stages. Enamel is not afraid of the sun, it has increased strength characteristics, there is also the possibility of repair and a huge range of colors and shades.

Which of the products is better is a burning question when it comes to choosing a facade, but the answer is simple.

Plastic or plexiglass is suitable if you wish to buy plates with high strength properties and a long service life. Enamel is relevant when the budget is not limited by anything, you need a material with a non-standard color and protection against burnout.

Varieties of films for furniture facades differ in the method of application and are laminated, laminated for plates with a smooth surface and membrane vacuum for curved panels.

The range of decoration options and colors for PVC facades is extremely large.

• Imitations for glass and noble wood species such as apple, ash, maple, bleached oak, wenge, teak.

• Glossy slabs with a spectacular metallic sheen in bright and unusual colors - like gold, bronze, silver, as well as turquoise, champagne, burgundy.

• Films "Chameleon", "Southern Night" or "Northern Lights", depending on the type of lighting, can change their color.

• There are models imitating brindle, zebra or leopard colors.

• Matte, like glossy panels, come in a variety of colors. If desired, you can purchase two-tone facades that perfectly combine with any style of kitchen space.

• Mirrored and monochromatic shiny surfaces that reflect light and expand the space are appropriate for kitchens with a small footprint.

In their shape, models can be smooth, three-dimensional, curved, with milled details and three-dimensional images.

The maintenance of the facades with the foil is easy. This does not require special means, but ordinary detergents are suitable.

Requirements for the content of products using PVC:

• avoid prolonged exposure to moisture on the material;
• do not allow surfaces to cool below –15 degrees Celsius;
• place furniture away from heating and heating devices, stoves and ovens so that the film does not peel off;
• temperatures above +70 degrees Celsius are destructive for polyvinyl chloride boards;
• for cleaning, do not use chlorinated and aggressive compounds, solvents and agents that contain solids that can damage film products.

If in some places the PVC layer leaves the base, the problem can be solved with liquid nails, ordinary PVA wallpaper glue or Moment glue.

For more useful and interesting information about film facades made of MDF, see the next video.