Hartsilevyt

Hartsilevyt are resin-impregnated panels used as durable, smooth-surfaced boards in construction, furniture-making and interior finishing. The term is common in Finnish woodworking and building sectors. These panels are produced by impregnating a reinforcing substrate—such as a wood-based core (MDF, particleboard, or plywood), kraft paper, or textile reinforcements—with a thermosetting resin (for example phenolic, melamine, or epoxy) and then applying heat and pressure to cure the resin into a rigid sheet.

Properties include dimensional stability, moisture resistance, abrasion resistance, and a hard, smooth surface that takes finishes and is easy to clean. Depending on the substrate and resin, hartsilevyt can be used in wet environments and high-use areas. They are often designed to withstand routine cleaning and general wear in both domestic and commercial settings.

Common applications include cabinet and furniture surfaces, wall and ceiling panels in kitchens and bathrooms, laboratory benches, and shop fittings. They are frequently chosen for hygienic surfaces, ease of maintenance, and long service life. Variations exist in core material, surface finish, and thickness. In some contexts the term overlaps with decorative laminates and resin-impregnated composites, though hartsilevyt typically denote panels designed for bulk surfaces rather than thin decorative laminates alone.

Care and handling: use mild cleaners and avoid abrasive scrubs. For damaged areas, replacement is usually recommended rather than repair. Safety: curing resins can emit VOCs during manufacture; finished panels are inert, and recycling or disposal follows local guidelines for composite materials.