What is Film Faced Plywood?

Film Faced Plywood is a special type of plywood coated on both sides with a durable, waterproof film. This film is made of resin-impregnated paper, which differs from melamine overlays. Its main function is to protect the wood core from moisture, water, and weather exposure, significantly extending the panel’s service life.

Because of its enhanced durability, film faced plywood is widely used in demanding environments, including:

• Shuttering plywood and formwork systems for concrete casting

• Flooring and scaffolding platforms

• Marine plywood and outdoor structures

As a temporary support material, film faced plywood plays a vital role in modern construction, providing strength and stability for load-bearing and demoulding. In short, it can be seen as a reinforced version of ordinary plywood—combining affordability with superior compression resistance, waterproofing, and durability. The protective film layer eliminates the need for release agents and allows direct contact with concrete without causing contamination.

Advantages of Film Faced Plywood

1. Large Format Panels

   • Standard size 1220 × 2440 mm reduces seams and improves structural efficiency.

   • Resistant to warping, cracking, and deformation with excellent water resistance.

   • Easy demoulding, at just 1/7 the weight of steel formwork.

2. Lightweight & Easy to Handle

   • Easier to transport and install, especially in high-rise and bridge construction projects.

3. High Reusability

   • With proper storage and handling, panels can be reused 5–30 times or more, reducing overall project costs.

4. Strong Water Resistance

   • Manufactured with phenolic resin hot-press bonding for superior durability.

   • Glue bonds remain intact even after boiling in water for 6–72 hours.

   • Maintains shape and performance during concrete curing.

5. Good Thermal Insulation

   • Useful in winter construction.

   • Can also be manufactured into curved formwork for specialized applications.

6. Excellent Workability

   • Better nailing, sawing, and drilling performance compared to bamboo or steel plates.

   • Easily processed into different shapes and templates for varied construction needs.