How to laminate chipboard at home?

Particleboard is one of the most budgetary materials that is still not abandoned in the manufacture of furniture. In general, with competent design, interior items look like a worthy imitation of natural wood, contribute to the overall style. But ordinary chipboard is not suitable for this purpose. The stove looks unpresentable. In addition, there is a risk of splintering if you inadvertently touch the edge. About 40 years ago, a technology was developed to obtain decorative surfaces using lamination. Consider how to laminate chipboard with your own hands at home in more detail.

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Features of obtaining chipboard

Particleboard (particle board) is used for the manufacture of furniture items of the classes “average” and “economy”. If the surface is covered with decorative and protective material, then we are talking about a laminated chipboard (chipboard).

For facing chipboard apply:

• Laminated plastic impregnated with a resin composition.
• Synthetic thermosetting resin impregnated paper film.

In the manufacture of chipboard in the factory, use a conveyor belt or short-cycle belt press. Under conditions of high pressure and temperature, the resin spreads over the surface and a durable, one-piece web is formed.

Important! Modern equipment used in enterprises makes it possible to achieve a realistic imitation of the texture of wood, textile, and ornamental stone. The chipboard is produced with a glossy, embossed surface, as well as with a 3D effect.

Alternative technologies:

1. Another technology for decorating chipboard is often confused with the lamination process: lamination. In classic lamination, the resin is melted and then crimped. Lamination involves bonding. An adhesive is applied to the base, then a polymer thermoplastic film or laminated paper is applied.

Important! Such material is less durable, can swell and deform. As for the laminated board, it is a single indivisible whole.

2. There is another technology that resembles lamination - veneering. Veneer is the thinnest layer of noble wood. The thickness of the veneer is from 2 mm. Bonding to the surface of the veneer is carried out using adhesive compositions: one- or two-component.

Important! The surface does not just look beautiful. It is truly unique, as the natural pattern of the tree is preserved. Veneer is quite demanding in care. It can be painted, varnished, impregnated or waxed. If the coating is peeling off, experts recommend using a universal or joinery adhesive.

3. Sometimes you can find such a definition as synthetic veneer. This is a paper web with a texture imitating bumps in wood, impregnated with urea resin. Sometimes the surface is varnished.

Important! The material is durable, tough, identical to the wood veneer to the touch.

Thus, lamination is a technology of “welding” decorated paper to the base using synthetic molten resins. The resulting surface is resistant to high temperatures, moisture and mechanical stress.

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DIY laminating methods for chipboard

Of course, it is impossible to accurately reproduce the factory process of laminating chipboard with your own hands. At least because you have neither professional skills, nor specialized equipment. In addition, the compositions used in industrial laminating contain toxic substances.

The best option is lamination:

• Chipboard lining with self-adhesive film. This is a dense canvas made of synthetic material with an adhesive applied to the back.

Important! It is enough to remove a layer of protective paper and stick the film to the surface. Air bubbles can be removed with a spatula made of plastic or a soft cloth.

• Bonding a film of polymer material using universal glue. The glue is applied to the chipboard, not aged for long. Then the film is carefully glued. For better adhesion, it is rolled with a roller or crushed by a press.

Important! Of the above two options, the second is more reliable. As practice shows, self-gluing has to be periodically glued or acquire a new one. The savings are quite dubious. The best option is to purchase chipboard with industrial lamination.

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How to laminate chipboard at home: lamination technology

This part of the article is devoted to stubborn people who are used to doing everything on their own. So, the procedure for gluing a chipboard plate with a synthetic film is as follows:

• Stripping and puttying of a plate. As a result, an absolutely smooth and even surface is obtained.
• Primer surfaces with any wood compound.
• Cutting the film. For this you will need: scissors, pencil and tape measure. You can get a perfectly flat edge with a clerical knife and a guide.

Important! A centimeter grid on the back of the film makes cutting more convenient.

• The separation of the film from the protective base, gluing it on the surface of the chipboard.

Important! To make the film more even, you need to smooth it with a clean, dry cloth from the center to the edges. If you blow the film with a regular hair dryer (in this case, you need an assistant), it will go smoother.

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Choosing a film for lamination

The film, which is used when laminating chipboard with one's own hands, is divided into the following categories:

• Melamine. Gives the material additional resistance to moisture and mechanical stress. The melamine film contains formaldehyde resin, which poses a health hazard.
• PVC A polymer material that does not contain toxic substances. At the same time, the water resistance of the base is significantly improved. PVC film is great for interior decorating.
• Phenolic film. Compared to the two previous options, it is not very moisture resistant, but it significantly increases the wear resistance of materials.

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Stock footage

So, to laminate chipboard at home, you will need a minimum of tools and materials, as well as an additional pair of hands. Film lamination of furniture is quite popular, you can use it to laminate facades and countertops. You can thus get a neatly executed surface without bumps and air bubbles.