Moisture-proof Board Manufacturing Method

Moisture-resistant boards cannot be used directly on furniture; decorative paper must be applied to the surface. The proper method is to soak the decorative paper in a melamine solution and then press it onto the board using a heat press. Therefore, the moisture-resistant boards we use for furniture are generally called melamine moisture-resistant boards. Melamine is a formaldehyde-free solution, making it environmentally friendly. This method not only avoids secondary pollution but also reduces the release of formaldehyde from the underlying substrate. This treatment method is widely accepted and commonly used. However, the quality of this surface treatment varies. Because melamine solution is about 10 times more expensive than other adhesives, many people mix formaldehyde-based glue into the solution, which is not very environmentally friendly. Therefore, boards are also divided into fully melamine and semi-melamine boards. This is difficult for non-professionals to distinguish; the main way to tell is by whether the surface is transparent to the substrate (especially with new boards, not old ones). The type of steel plate used in the melamine laminating press also affects the surface finish, resulting in smooth, textured (coarse, fine, and velvety), and embossed (large and small embossing) surfaces. Textured and embossed surfaces are 2-3 yuan more expensive than glossy surfaces, but they are generally used for cabinet doors; the cabinet body is usually glossy.

Moisture-resistant boards originated in Europe. They are made by adding granular moisture-resistant particles to the original melamine (commonly known as particleboard) substrate. Note: When purchasing, look at the cross-section. Generally, the green particles are independent granules, evenly distributed, and the surrounding substrate shows its original wood grain color. Representative examples include Austrian Egger boards and German boards, which have good moisture-resistant performance.

The price is over 100 yuan per sheet. However, some unscrupulous manufacturers add green pigment to the substrate to imitate moisture-resistant boards in order to increase sales. How to identify this? Look at the cross-section; if the entire substrate is green without independent particles, such boards are not moisture-resistant and may even have a higher formaldehyde content.

In fact, many people equate moisture resistance with waterproofing. This concept is actually inaccurate. To differentiate their boards from ordinary boards, manufacturers add green or red (green is more common, with red considered more premium) as an identification mark. The moisture-resistant agent has no effect on the board's inherent waterproof performance. In practice, boards with and without moisture-resistant agents expand at the same rate when soaked in water; the so-called moisture resistance only applies to moisture in the air.