Chipboard Uses and Functionality Explained

Chipboards are a common sheet material that may often be mistaken for structural wood panels because they contain the word ‘board.’ As such, before we dive into its uses, we first have to uncover its structure.

Chipboard Explained

Chipboard is a manufactured wood product with a hardcover-like consistency that may sometimes be called a low-density fibreboard or particleboard. Manufacturers make it by creating a paste of crushed wood particles mixed into epoxy. They are then made into sheets that are heat-treated under induced pressure, leading to a hard board, with the consistency of a hardcover: https://sheetmaterialswholesale.co.uk/sheet-materials/chipboard

Chipboards are as versatile as paper, with applications including industrial and commercial applications as well as hobbies and crafts.

It isn’t the same as cardboard as it is not hollow internally or corrugated, but does come in varying thicknesses, ranked by density. 

So, how do you work with it? Let’s find out.

Using Chipboards

1. Cutting

We know that wood materials with similar or higher density are cut most easily with powered saws that spin fast, like table saws, jigsaws, band saws, or circular saws. It prevents the formation of rough edges. 

NOTE: Mask up when cutting to avoid inhaling the resin and dust coming off the cut edges. They tend to hang in the air.

2. Paint and Protect

Chipboard is highly dynamic and affordable, but it can be a pain to use. Here is a brief guide on protecting chipboards with  paint and sealer:

• Preparation

Use a wrung-out cloth (so as not to soak the board) and clean it to remove any blemishes that could show up on the paint layer. Cover it to ensure it doesn’t attract dust and debris, and wait until it dries before proceeding to sand it.

• Sanding

Using the appropriate level of sanding, rub away blemishes on the surface. Sanding is also a great way to ensure that the paint and sealant material will adhere to the surface much easier. 

• Priming

This should be done out in the open, where you can safely breathe while wearing a mask and gloves. Ventilation means you can avoid the irritation that comes with breathing in the fumes and the gloves keep it away from your skin.

Apply it with a paint roller to create a thin, even layer, and leave it to fully dry. You should repeat two or three times to add layers of primer for more protection.

• Painting

Given the material is basically just really hard paper fiber, it tends to absorb water or an oil base. Give it time to set and fully dry before painting on the next layer. The more layers you have, the more coverage you can get. 

Once the layers dry, it is time for damage prevention with a cover of sealant. When done well, it will create a beautiful, glass-like finish that keeps out moisture.

NOTE: Allow one layer to dry before you add the next for optimal results.

Utilizing Chipboard Explored

We have mentioned some of the places you can expect to see chipboards, but that barely covers the flexible utility of the material. So, let’s discuss some of them.

1. High-End Equipment Shipping

High end equipment, such as electronics and other complex technological tools need extra protection during shipping. Chipboard keeps its structure for longer and is preferred for this purpose.

2. Hardcover Books and Stationery

Notebook covers tend to be tough and you have chipboard to thank for it. They show just how thin chipboards can be and still function well. They also perform well for arts and crafts projects like scrapbooking.

3. Beer Cases

Your average beer cases can weight about 20 pounds and even more if the bottles are made from glass. Chipboard is perfectly capable of carrying that weight and ensuring the drinks make it to their destination.

4. Cake And Pizza Circles

To prevent cakes from going through the floor of the boxes they are packaged in, bakeries use chipboard to create the rounds holding up the cakes and freezer pizza which don’t absorb moisture or oil at the same rate as regular box paper. 

The uses go on and extend into industrial uses such as furniture making, doors, decorative panels, shelving units, cabinetry, flooring and underlay, and more.

FAQs

1. What kind of wood is a chipboard?

Chipboard is an aggregate of recycled wood pulp. The process for making it similar to making paper, but much thicker, like a hardcover. It should also not be thought of as a cardboard, as it lacks the hollow internal structure and is more resilient to bending.  

2. Does IKEA use chipboard a lot?

Yes, the Swedish giant is a giant fan of chipboard, given it is a product made from wood waste, reducing the need for cutting down new trees, and minimizing the environmental impact. 

3. How can i tell the difference between medium-density fiberboard and chipboards?

MDF is typically thicker than chipboard, has higher density and strength, a smoother surface, a more consistent finish, and can be leveraged for furniture projects. Chipboard is flimsier compared to MDF and is usually cheaper.