Film-faced birch plywood is high-quality plywood that is covered with treated resin paper which turns into a protective film during manufacture. This type of plywood is commonly used in construction and vehicle production since it is easy to mount and work with. It is easy to color, making it a popular choice for outdoor playground equipment and children’s furniture.
FILM-FACED PLYWOOD
Film-faced plywood (also known as phenolic plywood) is a special type of plywood with both sides coated with a wear-resistant, waterproof film. The film is meant to protect the wood from harsh environmental conditions and extend the service period of the plywood. Film-faced plywood is called phenolic plywood because both sides are soaked in phenolic resin to create a durable, water-resistant, smooth, and stable surface.
Thomes offers many different colors of phenolic plywood:
- Industry standards
- Dark Brown Phenolic
- Black Phenolic
Thomes also offers special colors of phenolic plywood:
- Light brown Phenolic
- Green Phenolic
- Yellow Phenolic
- Marine Blue Phenolic
Two basic versions of film-faced plywood are available at Thomes: film/film (F/F) and film/wire (F/W). Some of the benefits of phenolic plywood available at Thomes are:
- Edges are sealed for longevity
- Relatively low price
- Longer shelf life
- Higher resistance to cracking
- Suitable for logo printing
- Ideal solution for transport and construction industries
TWO BASIC VERSIONS ARE AVAILABLE
Film/Film (F/F)
This version is smooth on both sides and can be produced in multiple colors. F/F was first developed as a concrete forming panel, which remains its principal use. However, it can be used in any application where moisture resistance, strength, and abrasion resistance are required.
FILM/WIRE (F/W)
F/W wire mesh plywood has a wire mesh surface on one side and is smooth on the other. It has the same strength and moisture-resistant properties as F/F film-faced plywood with the extra benefit of non-slip capabilities
In both versions, the edges are factory sealed with an acrylic sealant to minimize moisture ingress. Phenolic-coated plywood is available in:
- Light brown Phenolic (Grammature: 117g/m2)
- Black Phenolic (Grammature: 120 g/m2)
- Yellow Phenolic (Grammature: 167 g/m2)
- Green Phenolic (Grammature: 120 g/m2)
HEXA DESIGN PHENOLIC FILM
The Hexa option is an excellent choice for decorative flooring due to the hexagonal pattern. Both sides of the plywood are coated with a high-density paper film that is saturated with a phenol-formaldehyde resin for maximum anti-slip prevention. It can be coated in grey or brown film and is often used in the transportation industry as flooring due to its extreme slip- and wear-resistant properties. Common applications include:
- Loading platforms
- Trailers
- Vans
- Stages, stands, terraces
- Scaffolding
- Playground and sports facilities
APPLICATIONS OF FILM-FACED OR PHENOLIC PLYWOOD
DOMESTIC APPLICATIONS
Phenolic-coated plywood is used to make furniture such as chairs, tables, beds, and sofas. Film-faced plywood is water-resistant and will not warp or experience mechanical stress during the manufacturing process. Compared to normal plywood, film-faced plywood has more wear-resistant surfaces and is durable, making it ideal for use in constructing high-quality furniture.
These properties also make it a popular choice for constructing children’s toys.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS
Phenolic-coated plywood is used in the transportation industry for bus and truck flooring. According to the types of face/back, phenolic plywood can be divided into smooth and anti-slip film-faced plywood. Anti-slip phenolic plywood is used to create flooring materials for trucks, vehicles, and other platforms.
Another use is to make shuttering boxes. Due to the water-resistance of film-faced plywood, it is recommended for shuttering boxes because they are used to contain wet concrete during the drying process.
