Kitchen wrap with interior film

Leather film, wood textures, concrete look—interior films are now made so beautifully that they’re hard to distinguish from the real thing. With new printing techniques, wood film not only looks good but also feels realistic because of the texture in the grain. Want to transform an old fashioned beech wood cabinet into trendy light oak? Or turn a dull kitchen into glossy gold?

You can refresh an outdated reception desk with a rugged concrete look or give a flat door a chic marble print. From silk look, carbon, to granite—whatever you can imagine, there’s an interior film available with the desired pattern or design. The possibilities are sure to inspire every creative mind.

Many people have negative associations with film, often dismissing it as “cheap plastic.” This is understandable when thinking of the shelf film “from grandma” with its fading, peeling edges, and unsightly air bubbles. Indeed, there’s a lot of poor-quality film out there. However, advancements have been made; modern laminate flooring looks very different now than it did 25 years ago.

High-quality interior films are specially developed for sustainable restyling of interiors. Well-known brands for quality interior films include 3M Di-Noc, LG, Coverstyl and Bodaq interior films.

The beauty of the new generation of interior films is that they look realistic even up close. Additionally, you rarely see a repetition of the pattern. Typically, the top layer of the film has a texture added. Wood film features a grain, the ‘concrete’ has small pits, and in leather films, you can see and feel the relief. The ‘gold’, ‘copper’, and ‘brushed steel’ films contain shiny metallic particles, while granite films have a 3D effect with small glass-like particles.

The films are somewhat stiff and thick (up to 400 microns) and have a fairly hard top layer. This type of interior film can withstand a lot of wear and tear, which is necessary, as most objects wrapped in interior film are everyday items like cabinets, doors, reception desks, tables, etc.

Applying interior film requires special techniques. While it’s not difficult to mount a flat surface, the thicker films necessitate careful finishing. You want to avoid unsightly cut edges and the horror of peeling corners where dirt can accumulate. When even a tiny bit of film starts to lift, people tend to pick at it. To deliver a durable product, it’s essential to apply the right techniques.

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At the photo: During the 2 day workshop, you will learn the best and safest techniques to finish panels and cabinet doors.

In the training on interior film application, you’ll learn various techniques, like how to finish the corners of cabinet doors neatly. You’ll practice cutting and finishing techniques and receive guidance on how to properly handle edges so they don’t attract attention. You’ll also learn how far the film can be safely stretched and how to work with rounded surfaces and other challenges.

Until recently, we organized the interior foil course exclusively in Dutch. But we noticed that there was an increasing demand for an English-language course. So we started an English-language Interior Film course. Do you not speak Dutch? But do you speak (a little) English? Then go to the Interior Foil course (“interieurfolie”) and select a date where “ENGLISH” is mentioned.

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At the photo: Interior films can be shaped with heat. Note: Durable finishing along the edges and underside requires technique.

Before starting a project, it’s crucial to know if the surface is suitable for applying the film. The surface must be clean and grease-free, and some may be too porous or textured for proper adhesion. If applying film over paint, a bonding test should be performed first. You’ll get tips on when to prime and seal.

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At the photo: This intricately shaped drawer cabinet door requires a lot of skill in finishing.

With the right knowledge about substrates, pre-treatment of substrates and the right assembly and finishing techniques, you can confidently deliver a beautiful, sustainable product. And the possibilities are endless. It is understandable that more and more sign and painting-oriented companies are entering this challenging business.

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At the photo: Film has many advanteges; it covers in one layer and is instantly dry. The disruption is minimal, and wrapped furniture and doors are immediately ready for use. And last but not least, the design possibilities are truly enormous.

Want to learn more about applying interior films? During the two-day workshop at Appcademy, you’ll learn about assessing and preparing surfaces. You’ll explore interior films like Bodaq, 3M Di-Noc, Coverstyl and LG, practicing application and finishing techniques on various surfaces. You’ll also receive information to avoid quality issues. Click the button below for more information, pricing, and available dates!