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Wood-Based Panel Specifications

Bowing, Cupping, or Warping of Wood-Based Panels

Wood-based panels are inherently subject to bowing, cupping, or warping. This applies to both their raw form and when combined with materials such as:

  • Timber Veneer
  • Standard Laminate
  • Engineered Wood Laminate
  • Engineered Metal Laminate
  • PP Film

Wood-based panel bowing, cupping or warping is not automatically considered a defect. These characteristics are subject to the properties of the raw material, its thickness, the prevailing weather conditions (before and after processing), face materials applied, further processing requirements and its intended application.

While we adhere to the relevant manufacturers' specifications and follow the AS/NZS 1859.3: 2005 sandwich panel construction methodology prescribed in the Timber Veneer Association of Australia's Manual for Decorative Wood Veneering Technology, we cannot guarantee any wood-based panel product be free of bowing, cupping or warping.

A tolerance of approximately 3mm per metre can at times be expected. For unprocessed panels and substrates, we refer to the relevant manufacturers' specifications.

To minimise bowing, cupping, or warping, we recommend applying the same face material (species or type and thickness) to both sides of a panel at the same time.

Colour Change of Reconstituted and Natural Timber Veneers

All timber veneers will change colour over time when exposed to sunlight - this is a natural characteristic of timber products, not a defect. Understanding how and why this happens will help you advise your clients and specify the right protection methods.

What Causes Colour Change

The degree of colour change depends on:

  • How much UV light exposure the veneer receives
  • Timber species
  • Initial colour and dye types (for reconstituted veneers)
  • Distance from windows and light sources

How Different Veneers Change

  • Light colours: Darken over time
  • Grey tones: Shift to green shades
  • Dark browns: Lighten over time

How to Minimise Colour Change

Protective Coatings (Most Effective)

High-quality solvent-based acrylic-polyurethane coatings with UV blockers are the most effective way to protect veneers from sunlight discolouration. These coatings significantly reduce colour change caused by UV radiation.

Important: Lower quality coatings without UV blockers won't provide adequate protection. They may yellow and degrade, causing worse discolouration than uncoated veneer.

UV Blockers in Production

Quality reconstituted and re-toned veneers are produced with UV blockers built in. This provides base-level protection before any coating is applied.

UV-Protected Glass

Installing UV-protective film or glass on windows provides an additional layer of protection for veneered surfaces, furnishings, and other materials in the space.

Best Results

For maximum protection, combine all three methods:

  • Specify veneers with UV blockers in production
  • Apply high-quality UV-protective coatings
  • Use UV-protective glass in high-exposure areas

While these methods significantly reduce colour change, some change is inevitable with natural timber products.

Testing Standards

Industry testing protocols are available to assess veneer and coating performance. Contact the Timber Veneer Association of Australia at info@woodveneer.asn.au for the "Recommended Test Protocol for Colour Change of Recon & Dyed Veneers."

This information is based on research conducted by FWPRDC (now FWPA), CSIRO, and the University of Melbourne.

 

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at orders@bord.com.au or call 03 9357 3345 before placing your order.