Question:   Is Decorative Imaging Pty Limited the only company in Australia licensed to use the Opalz process?
Answer:     Yes
 
Question:   Why powder coat MDF. Are there currently problems with finishing MDF?
Answer:      The common methods of finishing MDF all have problems associated with them.
For example, vacuum formed vinyl can peel off on the edges and can wrinkle up when located next to a source of heat such as an oven or a toaster. Edge banding limits the design of MDF components and has a history of peeling off. Polyurethane requires 3 coats and is generally only painted on one face and the edges, leaving plain melamite on the remaining surface. Painted MDF also has the disadvantage of releasing harmful VOC's to cure the paint, which causes damage to our environment. Opalz powder coated MDF resolves all of these problems and is a beautiful and durable finish.

Question:   What are the advantages of using Opalz for finishing MDF?
Answer:     Firstly, Opalz powder coating allows designers the freedom to create almost any shape or form because the powder coating can spray any shape. With Opalz, the powder coating seals the board on all faces which means that there are no foils or edge banding to lift off. Opalz is a single stage process which means a rapid turnaround of jobs is possible.

Question:   What are the applications for Opalz?
Answer:      Opalz is rated for internal applications and can be used on a wide variety of MDF products such as work station tops, retail displays, all types of furniture, office fitout, joinery, commercial furniture to name a few. Please talk to our office about your application.

Question:   How does the process work?
Answer:     Please refer to the Process Description page on this web site.

Question:   Where was the Opalz process invented?
Answer:    The technology has been developed in conjunction with two of Australia's largest suppliers to the building products industry. Interpon, the world's largest supplier of powder coatings, has developed the special powder used in the Opalz process and Carter Holt Harvey, one of Australia's largest manufacturers of MDF, supplies the special grade of MDF board used in the Opalz process. 

Question:  How can I be confident about the quality of this product?
Answer:    The extensive technical resources of both Interpon and Carter Holt Harvey have been utilised in the development of Opalz. Extensive testing has been carried out in the laboratories of Interpon and Carter Holt Harvey to ensure that the Opalz powder coated MDF is of the highest possible quality.

Question:   What about the environment?
Answer:     Opalz powder coated MDF is environmentally friendly. Please refer to the Environmentally friendly page on this web site for more information.

Question:   What is the coating thickness?
Answer:      The coating thickness is greater than the requirements of the relevant international standards and is generally in the range of 100 to 120 microns. 

Question:   Does Opalz comply with the standards?
Answer:     At this point in time there is no Australian Standard for the powder coating of MDF. However, Opalz complies with the relevant international standards. Please refer to the Technical Information page on this web site for more details. 

Question:  Is the finish expensive?
Answer:    No. Opalz is very price competitive with other forms of finishing MDF such as two pack polyurethane and vinyl foils.

Question:   Is there any special care or maintenance required for this finish?
Answer:     Opalz MDF powder coating is easy to care for. Please refer to the Care and Maintenance page of this web site for deatils.