What plywood produces a glossy concrete surface?
Film faced plywood with a phenolic resin overlay produces a glossy, mirror-like finish on poured concrete. HDO (High Density Overlay) plywood also creates a smooth, glossy surface due to its dense resin-impregnated fiber overlay. The glossier the overlay, the smoother and more reflective the resulting concrete surface will be.
How many reuses can glossy-surface formwork plywood achieve?
Reuse counts vary by grade. Standard film faced plywood with 120 g/m² overlay typically delivers up to 10 to 15 reuses. Premium grades with 220 g/m² film achieve up to 20 to 30 reuses. HDO panels can reach up to 20 reuses or more with proper cleaning, release agent application, and covered storage between pours.
Is glossy concrete finish suitable for architectural exposed concrete?
Yes — glossy-surface plywood is specifically designed for architectural exposed concrete where the off-form finish is the final visible surface. The smooth phenolic or HDO overlay transfers a clean, uniform finish to the concrete with minimal blowholes and no grain transfer, reducing or eliminating the need for post-pour surface treatment.
What is the difference between glossy and matte concrete finish plywood?
Glossy finish panels use film faced or HDO overlays that produce a smooth, reflective concrete surface. Matte finish panels use MDO overlays that transfer a subtle texture to the concrete, producing a flat, non-reflective surface. Glossy is preferred for architectural feature walls and columns, while matte suits interior structural elements where a softer finish is acceptable.