Film faced plywood is lightweight with exceptional ability to repel water, chemicals, corrosion, wear, and tear. The adhesive film coating sets this types of plywood apart from other kinds. The film is usually in brown or black color. There is no such difference between both color coatings.
You can get it from any Vietnam Plywood Exporters if from this country. Below is a complete demonstration of this plywood, its benefits, and its uses.
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What is film faced plywood? What does “film faced” mean?
Film faced plywood, also known as formwork plywood, shuttering plywood, or concrete form, is a type of plywood sheet coated on both sides with a durable, waterproof film. This film is made from adhesive-impregnated paper, typically using phenolic resin, and differs from common overlays like melamine paper, PVC, MDO (medium density overlay), or HDO (high density overlay).
The purpose of the film is to protect the inner wood core from moisture, water, and harsh environmental conditions, significantly extending the plywood’s service life. Film faced plywood is commonly manufactured with hardwood or mixed wood cores to ensure strength, impact resistance, and dimensional stability.
Thanks to its smooth surface and weatherproof coating, film faced plywood is widely used in heavy-duty construction and industrial settings. It performs exceptionally well in applications such as concrete formwork, shuttering systems, floorboards, and even vehicle building. Its reusability and resistance to swelling or delamination make it a preferred material for outdoor or repeated-use scenarios.
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Film faced plywood can have a variable thickness ranging from 12mm, 15mm up to 27mm. You can select the measurement as per your needs.
Advantages of Film Faced Plywood
Film faced plywood, also known as phenolic faced plywood, is a versatile material widely used in construction, industrial manufacturing, and furniture making. It is highly valued for its high strength, durability, moisture resistance, and cost efficiency. Below are the key advantages and common applications of film faced plywood across various industries.
1. Excellent Performance in Construction
Film faced plywood is extensively used in building frameworks and concrete formwork systems. Thanks to its water-resistant surface, UV protection, and chemical resistance, it performs exceptionally well in harsh outdoor environments. In shuttering boxes, it ensures smooth and high-quality concrete finishes during the curing process. Its durability allows repeated use under intense sunlight and rough conditions, reducing material costs on construction sites. Whether for residential or commercial projects, film faced plywood provides a strong and stable foundation.
2. Industrial Durability and Versatility
Known for its lightweight yet robust structure, film faced plywood is made using premium hardwood cores and high-quality waterproof adhesives, ensuring it is defect-free and chemically resistant. It is also called Water Boiled Proof plywood due to its ability to withstand boiling water for 20 to 60 hours without delamination. This feature makes it suitable for demanding industrial applications such as shipbuilding (boats and ship parts) and dam construction, where it is used for girder molding boards capable of withstanding high-pressure water. The plywood’s resistance to moisture and chemicals also makes it ideal for industrial maintenance tasks.
3. Ideal for Furniture and Shelving
Thanks to its technical advantages, film faced plywood is well-suited for manufacturing shelves and furniture that require long-lasting durability. Its phenolic film coating protects furniture surfaces from wear, tear, and fading over time. Available in a variety of colors and textures—ranging from bright, dark, to grainy finishes—this plywood not only enhances durability but also adds aesthetic value, reducing the need for additional surface treatments.
4. Specialized Flooring Solutions for Vehicles and Platforms
Film faced plywood is available in two main types:
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Smooth film faced plywood, perfect for construction formwork and wall panels
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Anti-slip film faced plywood, designed for vehicle flooring, scaffolding platforms, and truck beds
The anti-slip variant improves traction and safety in logistics and transport applications. Its high load-bearing capacity makes it ideal for heavy-duty and high-traffic flooring needs.
5. Versatility and Cost Efficiency
Film faced plywood is extremely versatile. Beyond construction and industrial uses, it can be applied indoors for cabinetry, shelving, and furniture. It offers excellent value for money, balancing affordability with high performance. Many products, especially those made in Vietnam, provide credible quality with reasonable pricing and can be reused multiple times before replacement is necessary.
6. Exceptional Durability and Water Resistance
The special phenolic film coating significantly enhances wear and abrasion resistance, extending the product’s lifespan. Its proven water-repellent properties make it suitable for demanding environments like dams and marine applications. Film faced plywood resists damage from rain, snow, hail, and moisture without swelling or warping.
7. Easy Workability and Maintenance
Thanks to its smooth, non-porous surface, film faced plywood prevents dirt and debris from sticking firmly. This allows for quick and easy cleaning using a dry or damp cloth, minimizing maintenance efforts. The smooth surface also facilitates easier handling and installation, improving work efficiency on-site.
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Applications of Film Faced Plywood in Construction and Industry
Film faced plywood, also known as phenolic faced plywood, is widely used in the construction and industrial sectors thanks to its outstanding durability and water-resistant properties. This specialized plywood features a phenolic film coating on both surfaces, providing excellent protection against moisture, chemicals, and abrasion.
Construction Industry Applications
In construction, film faced plywood is primarily used for concrete formwork and shuttering systems. Its waterproof and UV-resistant surface ensures that concrete cures with a smooth finish while preventing damage to the plywood itself. These qualities make it ideal for repeated use on construction sites, significantly reducing material costs.
Film faced plywood also serves as structural panels, flooring, and wall sheathing in both residential and commercial building projects. Its strength and stability provide a reliable base, especially in environments exposed to harsh weather conditions.
Industrial Applications
In industrial settings, film faced plywood is favored for its lightweight yet robust hardwood core bonded with waterproof phenolic adhesives. It is sometimes referred to as Water Boiled Proof (WBP) plywood due to its ability to resist boiling water without delamination.
Common industrial uses include:
- Shipbuilding: construction of boats, ship decks, and ship parts where water resistance is critical.
- Dam construction: manufacturing girder molding boards capable of withstanding high-pressure water flow.
- Heavy-duty flooring: for scaffolding platforms, vehicle floors, and transport equipment where durability and anti-slip surfaces are necessary.
Is phenolic board stronger than plywood?
Yes, the phenolic board is generally stronger and more durable than plywood, especially in terms of its resistance to moisture and mechanical stress. The high mechanical strength of phenolic plywood makes it ideal for applications like concrete formwork, where it can withstand heavy loads and vibrations during construction. Its durability also makes it more resistant to warping, splitting, and weather exposure compared to traditional plywood.
Is phenolic board good for cabinets?
Yes, the phenolic board is a great material for cabinets. Its durability, moisture resistance, and strength make it popular for cabinet-making, especially in kitchens and bathrooms where moisture can be a concern. Unlike typical plywood, phenolic boards use synthetic resin veneers, offering enhanced resistance to wear and a sleek finish, making them a trusted choice in European countries for both furniture and cabinetry.
Can phenolic plywood be painted?
Phenolic plywood is generally not recommended for painting. The phenolic film surface makes it difficult for paint to adhere properly, even with special paints. If painting is attempted, the longevity and durability of the paint cannot be guaranteed, as it may peel or wear off over time due to the smooth, non-porous surface of the phenolic layer.
Why Choose Vinawood Film Faced Plywood?
At Vinawood, we manufacture and supply premium-grade film faced plywood using sustainably sourced hardwood veneers, advanced pressing technology, and high-quality phenolic films. Our products meet strict international standards and deliver consistent performance across demanding construction projects.
You can use this plywood in literally any construction project. Best for outdoor applications, it is strong and durable. It can be local or imported. The plywood supplier from Vietnam offers the best quality product so that you can trust them. VINAWOOD is one of the best plywood Vietnam exporters.
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VINAWOOD – Vietnam Plywood Supplier & Manufacturer
