MDFMelamin

Melamine-faced MDF, often referred to as MDF-melamine, is a decorative composite panel consisting of a core of medium-density fibreboard with a melamine resin–impregnated surface layer. The melamine-coated faces provide a hard, smooth, durable decorative finish, while the MDF core supplies flatness, stability, and ease of machining.

Manufacture: The core is produced from wood fibres bonded with urea-formaldehyde resin and hot-pressed into rigid panels. A decorative sheet of melamine-impregnated paper or a resin-coated film is laminated to one or both faces under heat and pressure; edges are typically sealed with matching edge banding or edging.

Properties: Melamine-faced MDF offers a uniform, flat surface with good stain resistance and ease of cleaning. It has favorable dimensional stability and can be machined, drilled, and finished with minimal warping. Nevertheless, the melamine layer can be damaged by sharp impact or heat, and the core can swell if moisture penetrates; outdoor use or high humidity requires special moisture-resistant grades.

Applications: It is widely used in kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, interior doors, shelving, and shop fittings where a decorative, low-maintenance surface is desired. It is often chosen as a less expensive alternative to solid wood or plywood with a veneer.

Environmental considerations: MDF products may emit formaldehyde from the resin binder. Many producers offer low-emission grades (for example, those meeting stringent standards). End-of-life disposal and recycling can be challenging, and ventilation is recommended during fabrication and installation.