What Are The Surface Processes Of PVC Skirting Boards?

PVC skirtings are an essential part of interior design. They are both practical and aesthetically pleasing. They protect the base of walls from damage, hide gaps between walls and floors, and enhance the sophisticated look of a room. In this article, we'll explore what PVC skirtings are, learn about their uses and properties, and delve into common surface treatments, as well as the pros and cons of these treatments.

What is PVC skirting?

PVC skirting is a kind of building profile commonly used in interior decoration, also called skirting board or mopboard, which is a kind of decorative material installed between the bottom of the wall and the ground.

PVC skirting has the function of protecting the wall, making the room look neat and exquisite, and covering the gap between the wall and the ground.

What are the characteristics of PVC skirting?

PVC skirtings have several notable features that make them a popular choice for modern interior design:

Excellent durability

They are moisture-proof, termite-proof, and corrosion-resistant, and have a long service life.

Easy to install

PVC decorative profiles are a premium wall edge material that is easy to install. You can easily cut and install them using only basic tools.

Low maintenance cost advantage

They require little maintenance and can be easily cleaned by simply wiping the surface with a damp rag.

Customizable options

They are available in various colors, textures, and models to match different interior styles.

What are the surface processes of PVC skirting boards?

Surface treatments for PVC skirting boards include PVC film coating process and transfer printing. These processes enhance the appearance and durability of the skirting boards.

1. PVC film coating process

PVC coating is a technology that covers the surface of the substrate with a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film. This process not only improves the appearance of the substrate but also enhances its durability, scratch resistance, and moisture resistance. PVC coating is widely used in various decorative materials such as flooring, furniture, wall panels, especially PVC skirting boards.

PVC coating is usually achieved by hot pressing, cold pressing, lamination, and other methods.

PVC coating changes the characteristics of the product surface. This coating process can improve the texture of the product and enhance the selectivity of the product color. This process is usually used for high-end decorative products and high-end decorative profiles.

Advantages of the PVC film coating process

Aesthetics

PVC coating can provide a variety of colors and patterns, such as wood grain, stone grain, metal grain, etc., to meet different decorative needs.

The surface is smooth and flat after coating, which improves the overall aesthetics.

Durability

PVC film has excellent waterproof and moisture-proof properties and is suitable for humid environments.

The coating surface has good scratch resistance and extends the service life.

Simple maintenance

The surface is smooth and does not easily accumulate dust. It can be kept clean by wiping.

The surface covered with PVC film does not need to be refurbished frequently, saving maintenance costs.

Disadvantages of the PVC film coating process

Environmental issues

If solvent-based glue is used, volatile organic compounds (VOC) may be produced, which will have a certain impact on the environment and human health.

PVC materials may have a certain impact on the environment during production and disposal, and environmental protection should be paid attention to.

Cost factors

The PVC lamination process requires professional equipment, and the initial investment cost is high.

The technical requirements for operators are high, and training is required for standardized operation.

Operation difficulty

The thickness of the lamination layer cannot be adjusted, and too thick or too thin will affect the use effect;

There are certain requirements for the appearance of the product, and defects such as indentation and pollution may be further highlighted during the lamination process.

PVC film coating process

Surface preparation

Before painting, the substrate surface needs to be fully prepared:

Remove dust, grease, and other impurities from the substrate surface to ensure the surface is clean.

Sanding the substrate to make the surface flat will help enhance the adhesion of the PVC film.

Apply a layer of primer on the substrate surface to improve the adhesion of the PVC film.

Gluing

Choose the appropriate glue according to the characteristics of the substrate and PVC film. Commonly used ones are solvent-based glue and water-based glue.

Apply the glue evenly on the surface of the substrate to ensure that there are no omissions and bubbles.

Heating and pressing

The PVC film is heated to an appropriate temperature to make it flexible and ductile for easy lamination.

The heated PVC film is pressed on the surface of the substrate with a laminating machine, and a certain pressure is applied to make the film fit tightly with the substrate.

Cooling and curing

After lamination, the glue-coated substrate needs to be cooled to ensure that the PVC film is firmly bonded to the substrate.

Through natural curing or oven heating curing, ensure that the glue is completely dried and cured to achieve the best bonding effect.

Finishing and quality inspection

Trim the coating substrate and remove excess PVC film and corners.

Perform a comprehensive quality inspection on the coating product to ensure that there are no defects such as bubbles, wrinkles, and peeling on the surface.

2. What is thermal transfer printing?

Thermal transfer is a technology that transfers patterns to the surface of substrates through heat and pressure. This process is widely used in the surface decoration of various materials such as textiles, plastics, metals, and wood, especially in the fields of PVC skirting boards, floors, furniture, and decorative panels. Thermal transfer can not only achieve rich patterns and colors but also provide high-quality decorative effects.

Advantages of the thermal transfer process

High-quality decorative effect

The thermal transfer process can achieve complex patterns and rich colors, including wood grain, stone grain, metal grain, etc., to meet different decorative needs.

The high-resolution printing and transfer process ensures the clarity and details of the pattern, providing high-quality decorative effects.

Strong durability

The surface after thermal transfer has good wear resistance and scratch resistance, suitable for places with high frequency of use.

After curing, the thermal transfer pattern has a strong anti-fading performance and can maintain bright colors for a long time.

Wide range of applications

The thermal transfer process is suitable for various substrates, including plastics, metals, wood, and textiles, and has a wide range of applications.

According to different substrates and design requirements, the thermal transfer process can be flexibly adjusted and has strong adaptability.

Disadvantages of the thermal transfer process

Environmental issues

Some thermal transfer films may use solvent-based inks during the production process, which will produce harmful gases during the volatilization process and have a certain impact on the environment.

A certain amount of waste will be generated during the production and use of transfer films, which need to be properly handled to reduce the impact on the environment.

Cost factors

The initial cost of thermal transfer equipment and high-quality transfer films is high, and the cost may be higher when small batches are produced.

The thermal transfer process has problems such as small printing volume, slow printing speed, and poor printing effect on curved objects. Compared with other printing technologies, it limits the application scope and applicability of transfer.

The control requirements for parameters such as temperature and pressure during operation are high, and professional technicians are required to operate.

Thermal transfer process

Design and production of transfer film

First, design the pattern or image to be transferred according to customer needs and design requirements.

Print the designed pattern on a special transfer film, usually using high-resolution printing equipment to ensure clear patterns and bright colors.

Surface treatment

Clean the surface of the substrate to be thermally transferred, remove dust, grease, and other impurities, and ensure the surface is clean.

According to the different substrate materials, perform corresponding surface pretreatment, such as polishing, primer, etc., to improve the transfer effect.

Thermal transfer

The transfer film with the printed pattern is tightly attached to the surface of the substrate to ensure that the pattern is in full contact with the substrate surface.

The thermal transfer equipment transfers the pattern on the transfer film to the surface of the substrate by applying a certain amount of heat and pressure to the transfer film and the substrate. The control of temperature and pressure is crucial to the transfer effect, and the corresponding parameters are usually adjusted according to different materials and patterns.

After the heating and pressurization are completed, wait for the substrate to cool down, and then carefully tear off the transfer film, and the pattern will be completely transferred to the surface of the substrate.

Curing and quality inspection

Through natural curing or additional heating treatment, ensure that the transferred pattern is firmly attached to the surface of the substrate to increase its durability.

Perform a comprehensive quality inspection on the transferred product to ensure that the pattern is clear, the color is uniform, and there are no defects such as bubbles and wrinkles.

Conclusion

As two different printing technologies, transfer printing and lamination have different application fields, principles, and characteristics. Reasonable use of transfer printing and lamination technology can improve product quality and bring better visual effects and protective performance to products.