What is the composition of PVC decorative film?
PVC decorative sheets (or films) are essential surface materials in modern interior design and furniture manufacturing.
Drawing on Ogu Industry’s technical expertise, we provide a detailed analysis of the structure and characteristics of these films—details that many people are curious about.
Often mistaken for a simple sheet of paper, this film is actually composed of multiple layers that incorporate advanced engineering.
In this column, we analyze the standard four-layer structure of surface films used by specialized companies like Ogu Industry, and take an in-depth look at the technical roles and value inherent in each layer.
First, let’s examine the typical cross-section of a multi-layered film. As shown in the image above, the film consists of four distinct layers:
Top Layer (Yellow): Transparent Film (Protection)
Second Layer (Green): Print Layer (Design)
Third Layer (Orange): Base S/T (Base Sheet)
Bottom Layer (Blue): Thickness-Adjusting S/T (Application-Specific Customization)
The essence of this multi-layered structure lies in the separation and optimization of functions.
Since it is difficult to achieve aesthetics, protective performance, flexibility, and cost-efficiency simultaneously with a single, uniform material,
each layer is assigned a specific role; by bonding them together, a single surface finishing material with optimal performance is created.
Each layer is manufactured through a precise process and embodies complex technical principles. We examine the functions of each layer in detail, proceeding from top to bottom.
Located at the outermost surface, this layer consists of a transparent polymer resin (such as PVC, PET-G, or PP, depending on the type).
Its core function is to protect the underlying printed layer.
This layer acts as a physical barrier, shielding the printed design from contaminants, scratches, ultraviolet (UV) rays, and chemicals, thereby preserving the original aesthetic over the long term.
Recent advancements have further maximized functionality by incorporating features such as gloss control (glossy or matte finishes) and antibacterial properties.
Ogu Industry PVC Embossing Line
This is the space where the brand's desired design vision comes to life. Oil-based inks are typically used, blended with thinners and pearlescent particles tailored to the specific application.
Oil-based inks offer excellent adhesion and vivid color reproduction, making them ideal for realistically capturing the intricate textures of natural wood or stone.
Furthermore, precise viscosity control via thinners and the addition of pearlescent particles impart a subtle sheen and a sense of depth to the surface, creating a sophisticated visual finish.
Ogu Industry PVC Deco Sheet Printing Line
The orange layer situated beneath the print layer serves as the foundation for the printing process.
If the base sheet's color differs significantly from the intended design, issues such as color distortion or the background color showing through can occur;
therefore, selecting the optimal base sheet color to match the design is essential for producing high-quality film.
The bottom-most blue layer is the thickest section, determining the product's physical properties.
For instance, while standard furniture door surfaces require a thin film, edge films—applied to the edges of furniture—must be significantly thicker to ensure impact absorption and ease of processing.
Interior films also require specific thickness and flexibility to facilitate application on curved surfaces.
This layer defines the film's final application by precisely controlling thickness and hardness (flexibility) to suit these specific uses.
What specific value does this sophisticated multi-layered structure create in actual industrial settings?
Instead of using expensive solid wood, a film is used that features a high-resolution printed layer with a realistic wood pattern applied over a Base S/T, topped with a scratch-resistant transparent protective coating. This approach preserves the aesthetic appeal of solid wood while enabling mass production and drastically reducing costs; furthermore, it offers superior durability and resistance to moisture and warping compared to actual solid wood.
The sharp edges of desk surfaces are prone to frequent impacts.
To address this, a thick film featuring a significantly reinforced thickness-adjusting S/T (structural layer) is applied to enhance impact absorption, while the top transparent film layer offers superior abrasion resistance to prevent the edges from fraying over time.
To achieve the currently popular matte interior look, a matte texture is created through surface treatment of the transparent protective film layer.
In this instance, it is theoretically more advantageous to secure both the matte finish and stain resistance through physical treatment of the protective layer rather than by altering the ink in the printed layer.
In this way, multi-layer film technology provides flexible and effective solutions by optimizing each layer to meet the diverse requirements of clients—such as patterns, durability, and intended use.
In conclusion, the value of multi-layered films in the furniture and interior surface finishing market extends far beyond mere visual aesthetics.
The precise integration of each layer enables the simultaneous achievement of key modern manufacturing goals: high quality, multifunctionality, and cost-efficiency.
Leveraging its accumulated expertise in composite film technology and robust quality management systems, Ogu Industry serves as a partner dedicated to enhancing the product competitiveness of its clients.
Decoration sheets are designed to be bonded to substrates such as standard plywood, MDF, and particleboard. Used for general furniture as well as interior and exterior architectural materials, these sheets offer excellent stability and adhesion, enabling continuous processing and enhancing production efficiency.
| Item | Unit | Property | Test Method | |
| Saddle strength | L | kg/cm² | 250 | KS M 3501 |
| M | 250 | |||
| Tear strength | L | kg/㎝ | 100 | KS M 3501 |
| M | 100 | |||
| Elongation | L | % | 210 | KS M 3501 |
| M | 220 | |||
| Dimensional stability | % | -4% or less | 80℃ × 30 sec | |
| Heat resistance | - | No discoloration | 180℃ × 30 min | |
| - | (DRY-OVEN) | |||
| Product Overview | Designed for bonding onto MDF and PB substrates; used for general furniture and various interior/exterior construction materials. |
| Product Features | Maintains an attractive natural wood flooring look; excellent secondary processability (supports continuous production); retains desired gloss and embossing effects. |
| Product Applications | Furniture surfacing (office, residential, and kitchen furniture), construction materials, etc. |
| Product Specifications | 1250mm × 0.1–0.2mm |
This product is designed to be slit into specific widths and adhered to MDF using the wrapping process. It is used for door frames, window sashes, furniture edges, and various types of molding. Manufactured using state-of-the-art technology, it offers excellent flexibility, ensuring a secure fit even on intricate or complex curved surfaces, while maintaining its shape with minimal spring-back after processing.
| Applications | Wooden door frames, window sashes, and various moldings (baseboards, frames, furniture accents) |
| Specifications | 0.15mm – 0.20mm × 1,250mm |
| Product Features | Available in a wide range of printed patterns and colors that capture the texture of natural wood, allowing consumers to make selections that suit their personal tastes and styles. Excellent slitting properties allow for narrow-width slitting. |
These products are manufactured by applying an adhesive to an NC-contoured MDF surface and then thermoforming it using the membrane process. They are used for kitchen cabinet doors, general furniture doors, and accent furniture that require curved or contoured shapes. By utilizing Korea's leading technology and the latest high-quality materials, they offer excellent formability and allow for diverse design shapes, while delivering superior satisfaction through long-lasting, durable adhesion.
| Application | Facing material for kitchen cabinet doors and wardrobe doors |
| Specifications | 0.25mm – 0.35mm × 1,250mm |
| Product Features | Excellent adhesion; the bond remains semi-permanent after application. Superior flexibility; retains its shape without springing back after forming. |
| Item | Unit | Property | Test Method | |
| Tensile Strength | L | kg/㎠ | 300 | KS M 3501 |
| M | 280 | |||
| Tear Strength | L | kg/㎝ | 80 | KS M 3501 |
| M | 80 | |||
| Elongation | L | % | 110 | KS M 3501 |
| M | 100 | |||
| Dimensional Stability | % | -3% or less | 80°C × 30 sec | |
| Softening Temperature | - | 50 or higher | Vicat | |
| Impact Strength | °C | 2 or less | Charpy | |
This product is slit into narrow strips of the desired width and applied to MDF or particleboard (PB) via an edge-banding process. It serves as a finishing material for the edges of general and kitchen furniture. With excellent adhesive strength and superior performance during continuous application, it ensures complete satisfaction.
| Applications | Edges for various furniture and desks; tabletops and edges of office furniture |
| Specifications | 0.45 ~ 1.5mm × 1,200mm |
| Product Features |
Excellent flexibility ensures superior edge-banding workability and minimal thermal deformation during high-temperature bonding. Offers excellent continuous processing capabilities and superior adhesion—maintained semi-permanently—thanks to a premium coating finish. Delivers particularly clean and strong adhesion when used with equipment such as Tongil Machinery. |
| Item | Unit | Property | Test Method |
| Dimensional Stability | % | -3% or less | 180℃ × 30 sec |
| (DRY-OVEN) | |||
| Hardness | D | 80 or higher | DURO D |
| Hardness | |||
| Softening Temperature | ℃ | 45 or higher | VICAT |
| Method | |||
| Impact Resistance | kg/cm/㎠ | 4 or higher | CHARPY |
