Reformed medium density fiber board products, such as door skins, and a process for reforming medium density fiber board

Abstract

To produce a reformed medium density fiber (MDF) product, a reforming process is performed on a pre-finished MDF board having at least one pre-finished surface which, in turn, carries at least one coating. The process comprises the steps of: placing the pre-finished medium density fiber board in a heated press mold; closing the heated press mold while the pre-finished medium density fiber board is located therein; applying pressure and heat to the pre-finished medium density fiber board using the heated press mold so that the pre-finished surface(s) is (are) reformed without cracking, bubbling, or removal of the coating(s); opening the heated press mold; and removing the pre-finished medium density fiber board from the heated press mold. The application of pressure and heat preferably is such that the board becomes reformed, preferably no greater than 0.045 inch into the board. The press mold preferably is heated to a temperature sufficient to soften resin in the coating(s) and/or board, so that fibers in the resin tend to flow rather than break during reforming of the pre-finished surface, and is sufficiently low to prevent discoloration of the coating(s) and sticking of the coating(s) to the heated press mold. The process is particularly well-suited for use in making reformed door skins inexpensively from flat, pre-finished MDF boards. In this regard, the reforming preferably provides simulated door panels and simulated wood grain texture. A pre-finishing process and product produced thereby also are provided.