5 Key Surface Finishing Materials - Pros and Cons!

Surface finishing materials in innumerable designs and patterns abound today. Choosing the right material that best suits a design concept and specific needs of a space is extremely important.

Today we look at a few materials, their uses, advantages and disadvantages.

·       Laminates

A vital surfacing material, Laminates are made from layers of decorative Kraft-paper glued together under high pressure and temperatures and then treated with melamine and phenolic resins. Available in sheet sizes of 8’x4’ in thickness of 0.5mm to 1.5mm.

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Pros

-       Cost effective and durable, they can be used both on horizontal and vertical surfaces for all types of furniture units.

-       Being available in a variety of colours, textures and patterns makes it a versatile material for varied themes.

-       Easy maintenance, as it can be cleaned with a moist cloth.

Cons

-       Non heat resistant, this material has to be handled carefully when used as countertop materials.

-       Gloss and High Gloss options are not entirely scratch proof.

-       Non Uni-Core laminate edges are unappealing as their black core is exposed.

·       Veneer

Veneers are thin slices of good quality hardwood glued onto a core sheet of plywood or Mdf board. Available in sheet sizes of 8’x4’ in thickness of 1.2mm to 1.35mm.

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Pros

-       A very small amount of good quality hardwood Veneer can achieve the look of solid wood making it a sustainable option.

-       Warping, splitting and cracking associated with solid wood can be avoided when Veneers are used.

-       Veneers are more readily available and a less expensive option when compared to solid wood.

Cons

-       Veneer work requires skill, making it expensive.

-       Highly susceptible to damage from water, it has to be given a protective layer in the form of Melamine or a Varnish finish.

-       Repairs have to be handled carefully, as increased sanding to rectify any errors can remove the thin wood layer and expose basic core beneath.

·       Acrylic Laminates

Acrylic Laminate is a light weight, non-toxic, reflective, high gloss premium finish. Available in sheet sizes of 8’x4’ in thickness of 1mm to 8mm.

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Pros

-       Available in a wide range of solid colours in glossy finish, they enhance the visual appeal of the space it is used in.

-       Colour and brightness of the material is retained for many years.

-       Scratch resistant Acrylics are user friendly as they do not tarnish easily.

Cons

-       High maintenance since its glossy surface requires regular cleaning as finger prints and stains are easily visible.

-       Expensive option that can be used only in select spaces.   

·       PVC Sheets

Poly Vinyl Chloride is a hybrid material made of polymer fibres and additives. Available in sheet sizes of 8’x4’ in thickness of 1mm to 4mm.

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Pros

-       Available in solid colours, patterns and wood prints, both in matt and glossy finish.

-       Material can be bent at 90deg, allowing a seamless finish at the edges.

-       Being Water and termite proof makes this a versatile material that can be used in humid climate.

Cons

-       Skilled labour is required to deliver the bend required to cover edges.

-       Certain boards of lesser thickness are prone to cracks during bending process and a guarantee from the company is essential.

·       Polyurethane finish (Duco finish)

A high sheen paint finish done on Mdf boards. It is a Nitro cellulose lacquer paint that is marketed under the brand name Duco. The name stuck due to its popularity in the Interior field.

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Pros

-       A clear or coloured wood/metal paint finish that dries by solvent evaporation to produce a hard, durable finish.

-       The finish is water resistant and can be used in moist areas, provided the base is a Waterproof board.

Cons

-       Labour Intensive as a number of applications and buffing is required to achieve a high level of sheen, in turn making it expensive.

-       Not advisable in areas of high traffic as small abrasions and nicks are difficult to repair and can look shabby over a time period.

-       Change in atmospheric temperatures can affect the finish. 

-       Not environmentally safe as it is solvent based.

“Clothes make the man”, they say... Likewise, choose finishing materials for Interiors judiciously. Till next time, take care!

PRIYADARSHINI B S

PD DESIGNS