PVC vs PET decorative film: which one fits your project?
PVC and PET films both give furniture and panels a decorative surface, but they behave differently in production. The right choice depends mostly on how you will apply the film.
Start with your process
Before comparing materials, ask how the film will be applied. Most of our customers use one of three processes:
- Vacuum membrane pressing: the film is heated and pressed over MDF doors with routed edges and grooves.
- Profile wrapping: the film is wrapped around long profiles such as frames and mouldings.
- Flat lamination: the film is laminated onto flat boards such as cabinet fronts, wardrobe doors and wall panels.
PVC film
PVC softens and stretches when it is heated, so it can follow routed profiles, rounded edges and deep shapes. This is why PVC is the usual choice for vacuum membrane pressing and for profile wrapping. It is also the material with the widest choice of looks: wood grain, solid colors, soft touch, embossed in register (EIR), stone and fabric textures, and high gloss.
PET film
PET is firmer and keeps a flat, even surface. It is mostly used for flat lamination of panels, where the film does not need to stretch around shapes. PET does not contain chlorine, which some buyers ask for.
What about PP?
PP film is another chlorine-free option. It is used for flat lamination and wrapping. If you are comparing PP with PVC or PET for a specific product, send us the details and we will advise.
Quick guide
| Your process | Usual choice |
|---|---|
| Vacuum membrane pressing (routed doors, 3D shapes) | PVC |
| Profile wrapping (frames, mouldings) | PVC or PP |
| Flat lamination (flat boards and panels) | PVC, PET or PP |
Every machine and line is different, so treat this as a starting point. Tell us your machine and product, and we will recommend a film and thickness.
Other things to decide
- Surface: matte, soft touch, embossed in register, high gloss or textured.
- Thickness: our films range from 0.12 mm to 1.5 mm, depending on the series.
- Width: 1240 mm to 1420 mm.
- Backing: plain, or with self-adhesive backing.
- Quantity: our minimum order is 1,000 m per color.
Have a sample you want to match? Send it to us. We can match the color and texture.
Not sure which film to choose?
Send us your process, product and the look you want. A sales manager will reply with a recommendation and price.