Abstract: The properties of particleboard used as substrate for overlaying with a single sheet resin impregnated decorative paper should have some differences from those specified in GB4986-4905-85 for general uses. Most grades of the domestic commercial particleboards have atained or even exceeded the specification class 1 of GB4986-4905-85. However, if any particleboard manufacturer attemts to use their own products for the above mentioned type of substrate, it is necessary to regulate some of their properties. The most important point is to decrease the thickness tolerance of the unsanded particleboard. Particles for surface layer must be fine enough because micro-particle fraction is much necessary on the board surface. The appropriate density of this type substrate should be around 0.68g/cm³, within the range of 0.65g/cm³—0.73g/cm³. There would be no considerable difficulties to produce this type of substrate by the present domestic particleboard plants, especially in those having the scale of 30,000 to 50,000m³/year.

Key words: Domestic particleboard, Overlaying, Impregnated paper, Thickness tolerance, Roughness, Peeling strength, Density