Light Basis Weight Papers (LBWP) and Decorative Foils are popular surface materials that have excellent fidelity to showcase any printed pattern or design. These paper-based laminates are widely used in cabinets, store fixtures, paneling, shelving, closet systems, and home and office furniture. Optional chemical, optical, or gloss matte embossing of these papers enhances the realism of woodgrain and natural patterns making this decorative surface accepted by customers and are a value-based option for designers.
Distinguished by weight, LBWP ranges in weight from 23 to 50 grams/m², while Decorative Foils weigh between 40 and 200 grams/m². Both laminates may contain acrylic, polyester, or other resins added during the paper-making process (pre-impregnated) to improve the internal bond strength. Pre-impregnating may add between 20-50% of the original base paperweight. The paper is then printed and topcoated with polyurethane, urea, polyester, acrylic, melamine, or a combination thereof for increased durability and performance.
| Why We Like It! “We utilize decorative foils and papers because they provide an economical overlay without having to sacrifice quality and appearance. Advances in gloss and texturing along with high-quality printing and thousands of colors and patterns make decorative foils and papers an ideal solution for low-wear applications.” They are used for products including slatwall, home office furniture, bookcases, retail displays, paneling, shelving, cabinets, closet systems, home office furniture, pegboard, and RTA furniture. – Flat panel laminator/processor & components manufacturer |
MORE INFO Read the complete Design Portfolio: The definitive guide to sourcing decorative surfaces and composite panels. Composite Panel Association More information, plus industry news, testing & certification, policy and stewardship at the Composite Panel Association's website CompositePanel.org | 
|
Inspiration: Decorative foils are often used in furniture for the home or office, slatwall systems for home storage, and retail fixtures, including profile wrapping for shelving. LBWP is often used in RTA furniture, closet systems, shelving, and vertical surfaces.
Decorative Foils are often called impregnated papers and are used in more demanding applications where durability and scratch resistance are critical. Although impregnated paper does not require a topcoat to be considered a foil, most foils receive a finished topcoat for increased durability. Topcoated foils are often also called “finished foils.”
LBWP and Decorative Foils are typically divided into standard and industrial categories. Standard-grade papers contain a lower amount of resin in the base paper and offer an economic overlay for use on general surface applications.
With a higher resin content, industrial-grade papers should be specified for applications that demand higher production and processing performance (i.e., improved cutting and machining). The possibility of single-sided panels further enhances the cost-effectiveness of this decorative laminate. Laminating both sides of the substrate is unnecessary to achieve a balanced panel. As an additional application, depending on weight, LBWP and Decorative Foils can be profile wrapped to produce trim that is an exact match of the flat surface.
Both paper laminates will accept a variety of adhesives applied during the laminating process. Additionally, they can be supplied precoated with hot melt adhesive ready for hot roll laminating. The performance and appearance of the finished panel will be affected by the adhesive system used and substrate quality.
Have something to say? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.