Self-reinforced plastics have a unique decorative woven finish straight from the mould, or can be effectively post-finished using a variety of techniques, including painting, fabrics and foils.

Painting

An automotive class A high-quality painted finish can been achieved using low-bake paint systems. Bond-enhancing treatment prior to painting may sometimes be appropriate. In-mould paint films can be a good alternative to the low bake paint systems especially for higher volume parts.

Painted self-reinforced polypropylene components have been subjected to the full range of surface quality and environmental tests, and passed the required durability tests for gloss (humid), adhesion (dry and humid), chip resistance (ambient and cold), blistering, dieback and fibres.

Fabrics and Foils

Many automotive interior parts are required to have a decorative soft-touch, fabric or textured finish. This can be achieved by applying fabrics or textured foils (with a foam backing if a soft feel is required) to the component surface, most commonly in a 1-shot moulding process to reduce cost.

Self-reinforced polypropylene parts have been produced with a variety of fabric and foil finishes, if necessary using a layer of hot-melt film between the self-reinforced polypropylene substrate and the decorative foil to obtain a high-quality bond.