Wood panel and laminates manufacturer EGGER has launched a revolutionary new range of boards into the UK market which replicate the look of painted timber at a significantly lower price point.
EGGER’s new ST27 MDF and melamine-faced chipboard decors come in ten neutral solid colours, as well as a painting-grade option – effectively a textured primed board that can be sprayed to meet specific colour requirements.
The use of painted timber in domestic kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as occasional furniture, is a trend that continues to grow in popularity – albeit with a hefty price premium.
Painted wood is a style which is also in demand for interior and commercial design applications – where muted paint tones with a heritage feel can be used to create an elegant, timeless and high-value look. But, here, cost and durability are often key drivers.
“Our ST27 painted timber-effect panels are virtually indistinguishable from the real thing but at a significantly lower cost, “said EGGER UK head of marketing Nick McClughin. “They have a hard-wearing melamine finish and don’t fade in bright light.
“Although the painted timber look is not new, it is set to become more mainstream than it has been previously. Thanks to the new texture plate used in its manufacture, ST27 offers a realistic grain pattern and depth which makes it a great alternative or accompaniment to timber.
“It’s also low-maintenance, removing the time-consuming and costly operations that cutting and working with veneers involves – as well as reducing waste.”
An underlying oak-grain design is in keeping with the look and feel demanded in this sector of the market. Matching 0.8mm ABS edging for each decor can be supplied, as well as a 2mm painting-grade option.
The versatility of the new range makes it an attractive option for shopfitters, architects and specifiers – with the possibility of mixing and matching MFC and MDF boards with real timber to realise the benefits of each.
“We offered the MFC product to furniture manufacturers earlier this year,” added Nick McClughin. “And although we were very confident that it would gain traction, the reaction since we launched the texture has been phenomenal and so quick too.
“It usually takes months for a new product development to take hold. But we are confident this finish seems to be exactly what architects and specifiers have been looking for with the ability to offer clients the aspirational painted timber look along with significant savings on project costs.
“Manufacturers are already using it in a number of ways. Some are painting it, some are using the ready finished MFC options, others are using it as veneer replacement on end panels – to tie in with a timber frame or door – or it can replace real timber completely.
“New developments normally take many months to take hold. But we are confident this finish seems to be exactly what architects and specifiers have been looking for with the ability to offer clients the aspirational painted timber look along with significant savings on project costs.”
“Although we already manufacture a board that can be painted, which is very popular due to its flexibility, there are applications such as tables, shelving, gondolas, wardrobes and case goods where specifiers and shopfitters wish to create a look but have concerns over the ability of paint to stand up to the rigours of a commercial environment. This is where our pre-finished melamine and MDF boards are best suited.”