4. Coatings for wood products

In the furniture and fittings sectors, where large surfaces are required, coated panels and coated mouldings are the most stable and least costly solutions, if you choose to "ennoble" them with an economical decor, where possible. Two exceptions are large particleboard and medium-density fiberboard, both of which can be simply varnished, or better still, stained and varnished, for effects reminiscent of marquetry (interior fittings for partitions, original furniture) and leather (tables, chests of drawers, etc.).

Apart from MDF fiberboard, which is mainly used for lacquering, the main panels to be coated (see box) are particleboard, which in its raw state does not appeal to the consumer. The following is therefore primarily concerned with particleboard, but also applies to battenboard and plywood. MDF is usually left exposed or lacquered. With the exception of these...