Have you decided that you want to use PVC lamination sheets? They’re great for decorative purposes because they can help you complete the look of a particular place. You can apply them to furniture or different parts of your kitchen, depending on what look you’re trying to achieve.
There are two types of lamination sheets, though: self-adhesive and non-self-adhesive. That being said, you may not know the different applications for both of them, so you are probably confused when it comes to which one of them to select for your home. Here, you will learn more about these lamination sheets and their different applications.
PVC Laminates – What Are They?
PVC lamination sheets，also generally called PVC membrane foil, consist mainly of PVC and are generally available in two types. one is PVC calendering sheet: calendering sheet is made by calendering process, calendering is the process of passing heated PVC plastic through the gap of one or more pairs of horizontal rollers rotating in opposite directions, so that the material is subjected to extrusion, extension and becomes a film product with a certain thickness, width and smooth surface. PVC calendering sheet is generally used as the base material of SPC/MDF/LVT/WPC flooring wear-resistant layer or printing layer, in addition, it is also the second PVC lamination sheet – PVC decorative film‘s base material, PVC decorative film is made of PVC calendering film and printing layer lamination, it can be made into the wood grain film, marble film and other decorative films we often see. These decorative films can be directly laminated with glue or laminated to the surface through processes such as vacuum pressing, laminating, profile wrapping. Usually, their role is decorative. It is not uncommon to see them as the top layer of different surfaces, such as plywood\wood profile\aluminum profile\doors\kitchen cabinets\wardrobe\furniture etc.
What Are the Applications for Self-Adhesive and Non-Self-Adhesive PVC Lamination Sheets?
As mentioned, PVC lamination sheets can be self-adhesive and non-self-adhesive. Both of these lamination sheet types are used for specific things, so it’s important to know which one of them is right for you.
Self-adhesive sheets have glue on the backside. Most of the time, they are used to decorate a terminal home or an office. So, if you have furniture or different things that you would like to decorate to improve their look, then self-adhesive sheets are the way to go.
Meanwhile, non-self-adhesive PVC lamination sheets don’t have glue on their backside. On top of that, they are usually bought by decoration factories or furniture factories in order to help decorate different pieces.
How Are They Applied on Different Surfaces?
PVC lamination film can be applied on various surfaces using different methods.
One of these is cold lamination. Cold lamination makes sure the application is free of bubbles or wrinkles. Also, it ensures the pressure is even so that the PVC laminated sheet will stick to the surface smoothly.
On the other hand, hot lamination uses heat, and does this is in order to help melt the adhesives on the plastic. This seals your PVC lamination sheets on the surface. As long as the sheets are heat-resistant, this is a great process to use, as it will help stick the films for a long time.
Vacuum pressing is also an application process used for PVC lamination sheets. It is, in fact, one of the most common ways of applying these films. It can help laminate the sheets onto flat surfaces, and it also helps absorb the space between the panel and the film into the vacuum. Afterward, both boards are heated in order to complete the laminating process.
Profile wrapping is also used in the process of applying PVC lamination sheets. It helps apply a decorative sheet to the outside of a surface. Through PVC lamination, all the profiles or just a portion of them can be laminated. Profile lamination also makes it possible to wrap multiple shapes with various angles and curves.
PVC lamination sheets are then covered on the surface of different boards, like flake boards, veneer boards, fireboards, MDF and block boards, as well as PVC profiles. Moreover, it can be applied to high-pressure materials. Slates, floor slabs, asbestos boards, plastic, and aluminum profiles are not uncommon either.
How to Maintain PVC Laminates?
After applying PVC laminating sheets, it is also important to know how to maintain them. Fortunately, it is all pretty easy. You can take a mild liquid detergent to do the job, and use a cotton cloth that is non-abrasive, clean, and wet. Gently wipe the surface, and after you’re done, make sure to dry the surface. Otherwise, the laminate will have marks all over it, or it might start warping. If there are any stains, you could also use acetone to remove them.
You should also consider a microfiber cloth or just a vacuum cleaner for dusting in case you applied the lamination PVC sheets on furniture.
Moreover, to prevent damage to the surface, you should ensure there are no sharp objects nearby.
Why Use PVC Lamination Sheets?
PVC lamination sheets come with different advantages. So, they are:
Non-Toxic
What makes PVC lamination sheets so amazing is the fact that they are not toxic. They are free of any toxins, lead, as well as harmful chemicals. Even if they come in contact with water or moisture, they will not release anything harmful.
So, if they are used in hospitals or rooms where elders or kids reside, they will not pose any danger.
Resistant
High resistance is another benefit of PVC lamination sheets. They are corrosion-resistant, stain-resistant, moisture and water-resistant, termite-resistant, bacterial-resistant, and abrasion-resistant.
Furthermore, they are weatherproof and also resistant to wear and tear, which adds to their durability. If you wish to add them to bathrooms, kitchens, or any furniture that you place in a high-traffic area, you do not have to worry about any potential damage.
Easy to Clean
Even if they may need cleaning from time to time, maintaining them is very easy because the sheets are actually stain-resistant. As such, you will not see any spots or marks on them. All you need is to wipe them quickly and they will be as good as new.
Flexibility
PVC lamination sheets can bend at 90 degrees. Thus, you can bend them up or fold them without worrying. They can be applied smoothly on furniture or other surfaces, so they look very stylish and professional. Applying them at the edges will work nicely as well.
Final Thoughts
PVC lamination sheets can not only be applied using numerous processes, but they also work for various applications, whether they are for your home or office. Self-adhesive and non-self-adhesive sheets are used for different purposes, and they are applied differently.
That being said, you should consider where you are going to apply the sheets to know which type to buy. But no matter what, by using this kind of material, you will obtain an amazing-looking surface that will not be damaged any time soon.