What is Architectural Film?
Architectural film is a versatile, self-adhesive finishing material that seamlessly covers various surfaces, such as walls, ceilings, doors, and furniture, whether they are flat or curved. At DXB Interior Wrapping, our architectural film transforms spaces efficiently and affordably, offering a sustainable choice with its eco-friendly, durable, and diverse designs.
Thanks to the film’s various certifications, it can be used in almost any setting. The film has a special self-adhesive backing that makes it easy to apply to even the most complex shapes and surfaces.
There are many brands of architectural film on the market, some of the top brands include Bodaq, 3M, and Cover Styl. Many of the architectural films produced by these brands are class A fire and smoke-rated, ensuring safety without compromising on style. They have been certified by recognized international institutions, guaranteeing their performance. From production through to installation, these films support a healthy environment by minimizing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and avoiding hazardous chemicals.
Architectural Film or Interior Film: Understanding the Terminology
Architectural film, interior film, and interior wrap are terms that are often used interchangeably in the world of design. These labels all refer to the same innovative material used extensively in both architectural and interior design projects.
Other common synonyms for interior film include surface film, decorative film, design film, interior finish film, interior covering, interior vinyl, interior coating, and interior refurbishment film. Each of these terms highlights the diverse applications and transformative capabilities of the film, emphasizing its role in modern design and renovation projects.
Structural Properties of Architectural Film Wrap
The architectural vinyl film is comprised of multiple layers, each contributing to its functionality and aesthetic appeal:
- Embossed and Printed Film Layer: This top layer is made from vinyl chloride plastic, expertly crafted to replicate various textures and appearances such as wood, marble, concrete, brick, metal, fabric, and more. It’s the visible layer that defines the look of the film.
- Air-channeled Adhesive Layer: Beneath the decorative surface is an adhesive layer made from acrylic plastic, specifically polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). This material is chosen for its strength and lightweight properties. Importantly, PMMA does not contain bisphenol-A, a compound often found in other plastics, making it a safer choice in environments sensitive to chemical exposure.
- Release Back Paper: This layer acts as a protective backing for the adhesive, ensuring that the film maintains its stickiness and integrity until application. It’s removed during the installation process.
Each layer of the architectural film wrap is designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind, ensuring that it not only looks good but is also durable and safe for various applications like kitchen wrapping and bathroom wrapping.
Safety and Health Properties Of Architectural Film
- Child-Safe: The architectural film is non-toxic and poses no health risks, making it perfectly safe for environments frequented by children, such as schools and daycares. Its safety ensures that it can be used without concerns for children’s well-being.
- Antibacterial Properties: Backed by comprehensive certification and technical reports, architectural film has proven antibacterial qualities. Tests have demonstrated its effectiveness in inhibiting the formation of bacterial biofilms on its surface, ensuring a healthier living environment.
- Antifungal: Due to its moisture resistance, the film does not support the growth of fungi, thereby preventing the development of mold and mildew. This feature makes it an excellent choice for maintaining clean and healthy indoor spaces.
Environmental Properties Of Architectural Film
- Reduction in Waste and Resource Conservation: The use of architectural film significantly decreases the amount of waste generated during renovations and helps conserve natural resources. The film is also recyclable, which lessens its environmental footprint.
- Lower CO2 Emissions: The manufacturing process of architectural film is designed to minimize CO2 emissions. Efforts by Hyundai L&C include improving energy efficiency, switching fuels, implementing combined heat and power systems, utilizing renewable energy, and enhancing material use and recycling.
- Free of Volatile Organic Compounds: Architectural film is free from harmful chemicals, including heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates. This absence of volatile compounds makes it an exemplary choice for residential spaces, ensuring safety and health.
Textures and Patterns of Architectural Vinyl Wrap
Architectural film boasts an impressive variety of over 500 patterns, designed to authentically replicate an array of materials including stone, marble, wood, metal, fabric, and paint. This extensive selection ensures limitless creative possibilities for any design project.
The range includes:
- STONE & MARBLE: Perfect for creating a sophisticated, natural look for wrapping countertops
- WOOD: Offers the warm, classic appeal of wood grains, ideal for wrapping interior doors.
- METAL: Ideal for sleek, modern designs often used to wrap window frames and furniture wrapping.
- FABRIC & LEATHER: Adds a touch of elegance and comfort, also great for furniture and luxury wardrobe wrapping.
- SOLID COLORS: For those seeking bold or subtle uniformity in all spaces, most commonly used to wrap bathroom cabinets as well as wrapping kitchen cabinets.
With such a variety, there’s no limit to what you can imagine and achieve with architectural film.
The Texture Advantage
One of the standout features of vinyl wraps, particularly in the Wood Collection, is their realistic texture. These patterns not only visually mimic the appearance of wood but also feel like real wood to the touch. This sensory match is achieved without the high costs or logistical challenges of using actual wood.
Common Application Areas of Architectural Vinyl Film
Architectural vinyl film is exceptionally versatile, suitable for a range of environments and applications. Here are the most common areas where it’s used:
Residential
- Homes, Condos, Apartments: Refresh and redesign interiors, from kitchen cabinets to furniture, enhancing livable spaces.
Commercial and Public Spaces
- High-Rise Buildings: Revitalize common areas such as lobbies, elevators, and gyms.
- Medical Facilities: Ideal for medical offices and hospitals due to its ease of cleaning and sanitization.
- Educational Institutions: Safe and suitable for spaces frequented by children.
- Senior Living Facilities: Create welcoming environments that feel like home for seniors.
- Cafes and Restaurants: Update décor to enhance dining experiences.
- Retail Spaces: Durable solutions for refurbishing and maintaining aesthetic appeal.
- Hospitality: Achieve unique, maintenance-friendly designs that impress guests.
- Offices and Coworking Spaces: Transform workplaces by refinishing surfaces for a comfortable, attractive setting.
Specialized Facilities
- Transportation Hubs: Applied in airports and stations for quick, disruption-free installations.
- Transport Vehicles: Ideal for RVs and boats, offering lightweight yet aesthetic updates.
- Vertical and Horizontal Transportation Systems: Suitable for escalators, moving walks, and elevators, complying with safety standards and offering excellent durability.
Upgrading and Refurbishment
- General Upgrades: Perfect for repairing damaged surfaces without full replacements, suitable for various settings like commercial spaces, malls, and more.
Architectural film is not only a practical choice for updating interiors but also maintains its pristine appearance for over a decade, proving its durability and stain resistance. This makes it an ideal solution across both commercial and residential sectors.
