The evolution of decorative overlays and their limitless design and performance possibilities continues to be an area of great interest to designers and specifiers. These innovations necessitate the need to regularly review and update – and in some cases establish – relevant industry standards that provide a common basis of understanding throughout the industry and among all users of the products.

The publication is a compendium of voluntary standards for decorative overlays made from cellulosic or polymeric materials. The purpose of the compendium is to outline the attributes of each type of overlay, provide the user with information and industry-accepted test methods to determine the performance and physical characteristics of the different types of overlay, and to allow identification of the appropriate product for a particular application. The decorative overlays covered in the compendium are decorative foils, three-dimensional lamination overlays, light basis weight papers, oriented polypropylene films (OPP), thermally fused papers, and vinyl films.

The use of the compendium is completely voluntary, and it does not preclude anyone from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing or using products not conforming to the standards.

Industrial grade particleboard, medium density fiberboard (MDF) and hardboard are recognized throughout the wood industry as ideal substrates for decorative surfaces. Decorative surfaces are broadly separated into two groups – overlays and coatings – and are applied to composite panels by different techniques to produce an incredibly diverse palette of decorative panels used in a wide range of finished products including cabinets, mouldings, flooring, furniture and store fixtures.

As an additional resource, CPA has developed a new test method for Light Basis Weight Papers, designated as CPA WR-01-2009, “Standard Test Method for the Evaluation of Wear Resistance of Laminated Decorative Surfaces Using Abrading Wheels.” This test, referenced in the compendium, measures the ability of a laminated decorative surface to resist abrasive wear-through of the decorative layer, utilizing a Taber rotary platform, double-head abraser equipped with abrading wheels. For more information visit www.pbmdf.com and click on “Standards & Test Methods.”

To find out more about the dynamic uses of decorative surfaces, CPA publishes an annual Surface & Panel Buyers Guide dedicated to providing the most comprehensive information available about North American composite panel and decorative surfacing products. The Guide includes in-depth descriptions of the different types of composite panels and decorative surfaces, along with key features and services offered by the major producers of these products. The 2009 Surface & Panel Buyers Guide is available from CPA at no charge in printed form and online.

ABOUT THE DECORATIVE SURFACES COUNCIL
The Decorative Surfaces Council (DSC) is part of the CPA and provides oversight for programs and publications that benefit the wood-based decorative surfaces industry. Participation in the DSC is open to all CPA members.

For more information about the compendium and the DSC, or to obtain a copy of the new standard, visit www.pbmdf.com.