Wood-Based Panel Specifications
Before ordering timber veneer or panel products, read this information to understand normal material behaviour including bowing, warping, and colour changes, and how to minimise these characteristics.
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
- Paint & Spray Finishes
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
For maximum protection, combine all three methods. While these methods significantly reduce colour change, some change is inevitable with natural timber products.
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
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.
Questions? We're Here To Help!
Should you have any questions or concerns about wood-based panels or timber veneer characteristics, contact our team on (03) 9357 3345 or email contact@bord.com.au. Our team can provide guidance on product selection, recommend appropriate coatings and treatments, and address questions about your specific application.