Identify Before Selecting Film

Two tables that look identical may be made from different materials. A marble-look surface may actually be natural stone, porcelain, printed glass or laminated MDF. Photographs support preliminary review but cannot determine suitability by themselves.

Five common substrates

Substrate	Inspect	Main risk
Marble/natural stone	Pores, filler, cracks, polish	Moisture, staining, filler release
Lacquered MDF	Paint and primer integrity, repairs	Weak coating lifting during removal
Natural wood	Varnish, grain, open edges	Moisture uptake and weak varnish
Glass	Coatings, scratches, silicone edges	Visible contamination and cutting risk
Metal	Paint, oxidation, brushing direction	Paint lift and surface marks

Questions to ask

When was the item made? Has polish, silicone, oil or a care product been used? Was it repaired? Is exposure to heat, water or chemicals frequent? Record the answers.

Red flags

Blistered paint, unstable varnish, moisture, open cracks, fresh repairs, silicone residue, unidentified oily chemicals and powdering stone all require stopping. Cleaning does not solve structural defects.

Correct decision sequence

Identify the material → inspect the finish → understand use conditions → perform a hidden-area sample → record approval or rejection.

Official and manufacturer sources