Outdoor Application Test of Laminated Indoor-Grade PVC Film on PVC Foam Board
At Boardway, a leading Chinese manufacturer of PVC foam board, we are committed to delivering high-quality, reliable products to our customers. To ensure our offerings meet a wide range of needs, we regularly conduct tests to evaluate their performance under various conditions. Recently, one of our American customers tested our indoor-grade laminated PVC foam board in an outdoor environment to observe its durability and behavior. This article shares the results of that test and provides valuable guidance on selecting the appropriate laminated PVC foam board for different applications, ensuring you make the best choice for your specific needs.
1. Overview of the Test
Introduction to the Test Setup
The indoor-grade laminated PVC foam board tested features a surface laminated with a PVC film that mimics a wood grain appearance. This product is primarily designed for indoor use, offering an aesthetically pleasing and cost-effective solution for a variety of interior applications. To assess its performance under outdoor conditions, a customer in Wisconsin, USA, placed the laminated PVC foam board samples outdoors for 8 months and 18 months, respectively. These samples were subjected to the state's typical weather conditions, including rain, UV radiation, snow, and temperature fluctuations.
Purpose of the Test
The primary goal of this test was to evaluate the durability and performance of the indoor-grade laminated PVC foam board when exposed to harsh outdoor elements. The test aimed to determine how well the PVC foam board and its laminated PVC film withstand prolonged exposure to environmental stressors, such as moisture, ultraviolet rays, and freezing temperatures. This evaluation helps to identify potential issues and provides valuable insights for recommending appropriate product usage and selecting the correct grade for specific applications.
2. Test Results
Performance of the PVC Foam Board
After 8 months and 18 months of exposure to the outdoor environment in Wisconsin, the base material of the PVC foam board demonstrated remarkable resilience. Despite being designed for indoor use, the PVC foam board itself did not show signs of aging, such as cracking, warping, or disintegration. The laminated layer's adhesion remained strong, indicating that the glue used for lamination was effective even under adverse weather conditions, including rain, snow, and UV radiation.
Issues with the Laminated PVC Film
However, the test results highlighted significant issues with the PVC film laminated on the surface. The wood-grain film, which is designed to enhance the board's aesthetic appeal, began to degrade noticeably. After extended outdoor exposure, the film's surface became prone to detachment and could be easily scratched off with a fingernail. Additionally, the wood-grain pattern of the PVC film showed signs of color changes. The samples with dark gray and off-white wood grains experienced slight fading, while the sample with light gray wood grain exhibited more severe fading. This degradation indicates that while the base PVC foam board can withstand outdoor conditions to some extent, the indoor-grade laminated PVC film is not suitable for prolonged outdoor use, as it fails to maintain its integrity and appearance.
Left: Sample After 8 Months Outdoor Exposure
Right: Sealed Sample Kept Indoors for 8 Months
Laminated PVC Foam Board
3. Recommendations Based on Test Results
Indoor vs. Outdoor Applications
The results of the outdoor application test clearly indicate that indoor-grade laminated PVC foam board is best suited for environments where it will not be exposed to prolonged harsh weather conditions. The issues observed with the laminated PVC film, including detachment and significant fading, underscore the importance of using the product within its intended indoor environment.
For projects requiring materials that will be used outdoors for extended periods, we strongly recommend opting for our outdoor-grade laminated PVC foam board. This version is specifically designed to endure exposure to elements such as rain, UV rays, and temperature fluctuations, ensuring long-term durability and aesthetic appeal.
Choosing the Right Product
When selecting the appropriate laminated PVC foam board for your project, it is crucial to consider the following factors:
a. Intended Use: Determine whether the application is primarily indoor or outdoor. Indoor-grade laminated PVC foam board is ideal for interior projects such as wall cladding, furniture, and decorative elements. If the board will be exposed to outdoor conditions frequently or for long durations, choose the outdoor-grade variant.
b. Environmental Exposure: Assess the types of environmental stressors the material will face. Indoor-grade boards are suitable for controlled environments, whereas outdoor-grade boards can withstand more severe conditions like continuous sunlight, rain, and snow.
c. Expected Duration of Use: Consider how long the board needs to maintain its performance and appearance. For temporary outdoor use or short-term events, indoor-grade boards might suffice. For permanent installations, the outdoor-grade laminated PVC foam board is the better choice.
Processing Laminated PVC Foam Board
Laminated PVC Foam Board
Benefits of Outdoor-Grade Laminated PVC Foam Board
Cost-Effectiveness of Indoor-Grade Laminated PVC Foam Board
While outdoor-grade laminated PVC foam board provides superior performance in harsh conditions, indoor-grade boards offer a cost-effective solution for applications primarily within interior environments. They are perfect for projects where exposure to outdoor elements is minimal or only occasional, providing excellent value without the added cost of outdoor-specific treatments.
4. About Boardway
Boardway is a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-quality PVC foam boards, based in China. With years of experience in the industry, we are dedicated to providing innovative and reliable solutions to meet the diverse needs of our global clientele. Our commitment to excellence, quality, and customer satisfaction has positioned us as a trusted partner for various applications, from construction to creative projects.
Our Products and Services
At Boardway, we offer an extensive range of PVC foam boards, catering to both indoor and outdoor applications. Our product lineup includes:
PVC Foam Board
WPC Foam Board
PVC Trim Board
Additionally, we provide comprehensive customization services to meet specific customer requirements. Whether you need tailored dimensions, unique laminates, or specific performance characteristics, our team is ready to assist in delivering the perfect solution for your project. Boardway's dedication to quality and innovation ensures that we provide products that not only meet but exceed customer expectations.
5. Conclusion
The outdoor application test of our indoor-grade laminated PVC foam board highlights the importance of selecting the right product for specific environments. While the base material demonstrated durability, the PVC film showed significant degradation under outdoor conditions. For long-term outdoor use, we recommend our outdoor-grade laminated PVC foam board. For indoor applications or occasional outdoor exposure, the indoor-grade option provides a cost-effective solution. Contact Boardway for expert advice and high-quality PVC foam boards tailored to your project's needs. We are committed to delivering durable and suitable materials for a wide range of applications.
