Popular Wardrobe Accessories, Finishing Materials and Hardware Fittings

Wardrobe accessories, finishing materials and hardware fittings are the essentials that bring out the aesthetics of the frame or the carcass of the wardrobe. These materials give life to the wardrobe and give that wardrobe its final appearance and functionality. Earlier it was only the hinge door option coupled with drawers that existed, however today the options are endless!

Finishing materials are the materials that are pasted on to the surface of the wardrobe’s core materials which could range any where from MDF to HDHMR. Finishing materials are pasted on all the exposed or the visible outer panels of the carcass. This outer panels include the main doors, the two side panels and the bottom skirting. In certain situations when the side panels are resting against the walls finishing materials are not applied. Keep in mind that the finishing material is different from that used in the inners of the wardrobe. The inners are generally laminated with a 0.8mm white or cream colored laminate. This is applied to all the sections of the insides of the wardrobes and also includes the backs of the main doors. Types of finishes used are laminates, veneers along with polish, PU paint, acrylic and back painted acrylic surfaces.

Laminates:

  • Laminates are added to wardrobes in matte and gloss finishes. Laminates are entry level surface finishes.
  • The appearance is very neutral and balanced in a laminated finish. Although they are as striking in appearance they are very commonly used for its pricing and durability
  • Laminates are manufactured using a mixture of flat papers and plastic resins that are bound together using high pressure and automated machinery. The outer layer or the top layer is printed with decorative designs and a variety of colors.
  • Laminates are generally available in two classification types; High pressure laminates that are used on plywood and low pressure laminated that are used on laminates.
  • Laminates are a highly durable material and can easily withstand every day wear and tear.
  • Repairs cannot be conducted in laminates if the corners are chipped and the whole sheet needs to be replaces
  • Laminates are available in variety of colors and finishes that include matte, gloss and high gloss
  • Laminates are available in different texture as well. E.g wood, stone etc.
  • Laminates are highly resistant to scratches and abrasion.
  • Laminated surfaces are easy to clean with regular wiping cloth.
  • Laminated surfaces are an entry level product and thus is highly economical to use
  • Laminate sheets are available from Rs. 800 a sq.ft

Acrylic Finishes/ Back Painted Acrylic Glass:

  • Acrylic finishes give the appearance like they are painted in a highly reflective gloss finish. The visual appeal it adds to the wardrobe is very striking as the colors stand out giving the wardrobe a very rich look to it.
  • Acrylic surfaces finishes are made out of polymer fiber and it has the appearance of lacquer finish. The appearance of acrylic surfaces is smooth, seamless and has a mirror-like appearance to wardrobe cabinets.
  • Acrylic surfaces are known to retain their color and smooth gloss for a long period of time. Its visual appeal can last for long periods of time
  • If the surfaces are cleaned using glass cleaning spray or cleaners containing ammonia can lead to fine scratches can appear on the surface that will eventually lead to the changing of the color of sheets to yellow.
  • Acrylic sheets are available in a variety of colors and it can retain its gloss and shine for long periods of time.
  • Acrylic surfaces do not delaminate or fade away over a period of time. They will appear flawlessly smooth but will require regular cleaning as dirt, stains and finger prints can be easily noticeable on them.
  • Everyday maintenance can be carried out using a mild soap liquid mixed with water along with a mild cloth for the cleaning of surfaces.
  • Acrylics sheets range in thereabouts of Rs. 1500 per sq.ft

Veneers Sheets

  • Veneer can be applied to a sub base of solid, plywood and also MDF
  • Veneer is a natural material
  • Veneer is a very thin slice of wood that is obtained from a tree log and hence is also called as wood veneer
  • The complete outer surface is made out of real solid wood
  • Veneers are prone to scratches and thus need care and maintenance
  • Veneers are available in several classifications that include raw veneers, paper backed veneer, phenolic backed veneer, laid up veneer, reconstituted veneer and wood on wood veneer
  • Veneers are available in a limited type of colors as it is a natural material
  • Veneers give the appearance of a natural wood and thus give the wardrobe a finish of a high-end product
  • Veneers can be susceptible to the presence water
  • Veneers use in wardrobes can last long periods of time if time maintenance is carried out on them
  • As a material veneers can be recycled
  • Veneers have less resistance to abrasions and scratches.
  • Veneers being a natural material is non toxic
  • Veneers need to be polished from time to time to maintain their beauty
  • Thickness that available in veneers range from 0.8 mm to 4.00 mm