In most cases for film-faced plywood or plastic-coated shuttering panels, the anti-slip pattern is embossed directly into the resin-impregnated film during hot pressing, rather than applied as a separate grit overlay.
Here's the difference and its impact:
1. Embossed into the resin film (common in high-quality panels)
Process: The press plate has a textured pattern (e.g., hexagon, wire mesh). Under heat and pressure, this pattern is pressed into the cured resin film surface.
Cleanability: Easier to clean because there's no loose grit to trap dirt; the resin surface remains non-porous and smooth between raised areas.
Wear resistance: Excellent - the resin film itself is hard and abrasion-resistant; the pattern won't peel off since it's part of the surface layer.
2. Grit overlay (used in some low-cost or specialized boards)
Process: A layer of abrasive particles (quartz, corundum, etc.) is sprinkled onto wet resin and cured.
Cleanability: Harder to clean - the rough grit traps dirt, cement paste, and mud more easily.
Wear resistance: Very high against abrasion, but grit can gradually detach under repeated impact or pressure, especially at edges.
In summary:
Embossed resin film → better for applications where frequent cleaning is needed (e.g., concrete formwork reuse, truck floors).
Grit overlay → better for extremely high wear conditions (e.g., outdoor ramps, high-traffic walkways) where traction is the priority over easy cleaning.
