4. Coatings for wood-based products

In the fields of interior design and furniture, where large surface areas are required, laminated panels and laminated moldings made from these panels are the most stable and cost-effective solutions, provided they are finished (or “enhanced”) with an economical decorative surface, whenever possible. There are, however, two exceptions: large-particle panels, such as medium-density fiberboard, can be finished with a simple varnish—or, better yet, a stain and varnish—to achieve effects reminiscent of marquetry (interior partition design, custom furniture) or leather (tables, dressers, etc.).

Setting aside MDF fiberboards, which are mainly used for lacquering, the primary panels that receive a finish (see box) are particleboard panels, which, in their raw state, do not appeal to consumers. The following therefore applies primarily to them, but also to blockboard and...