Wood pallet finishing completes the entire production process and transforms raw wood into a professional, export-ready product. Every layer, coat, and surface treatment matters because finishing protects the pallet during storage, shipping, and reuse. Keep reading below to learn how PT Bumi Mandiri Resources perfects its finishing process to achieve stronger, safer, and longer-lasting pallets.
A report from the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA, 2024) shows that 72% of pallet damage happens because of surface roughness and moisture exposure. Proper finishing reduces that risk by up to 60%. That is why BMR places finishing as a crucial stage before every shipment leaves the factory.
Preparing the Surface for Finishing
The finishing process starts with careful surface preparation. Workers remove dust, wood chips, and resin that may remain after assembly. Smooth surfaces prevent splinters and ensure coatings stick perfectly.
BMR uses an industrial sanding machine that operates at 1,200 revolutions per minute (RPM). It smooths both top and bottom deck boards while keeping thickness tolerance within ±0.5 mm. This precision helps forklifts slide easily between pallet openings, improving loading efficiency by 10%.
Also, every board undergoes moisture measurement using digital sensors. The ideal moisture range stays between 15% and 20%, because surfaces outside that range reduce coating adhesion. Only when the wood reaches this balance can the finishing layer perform optimally against weather and temperature changes.
Heat Treatment and Fumigation Process
Before applying coatings, the pallet goes through heat treatment to meet ISPM-15 international standards. This treatment removes any insects or larvae inside the wood and stabilizes internal moisture.
At PT Bumi Mandiri Resources, heat-treatment chambers operate at 56 °C for 30 minutes, monitored digitally. Each batch includes up to 5,000 pallets. The system records temperature and duration automatically for export documentation.
After heat treatment, fumigation may be applied when clients request it, especially for shipments heading to Australia or the Middle East. BMR uses methyl bromide and phosphine only under certified supervision, ensuring both safety and compliance.
This dual process—heat and fumigation—guarantees pest-free pallets that satisfy more than 170 importing countries.
Coating and Protective Treatment
Once the wood cools, technicians move to coating and sealing. The main goal is to build resistance against water, UV light, and fungal growth.
1. Primer Sealing
The first layer seals wood pores to reduce moisture absorption. BMR applies a water-based primer with low volatile organic compounds (VOC) to maintain eco-friendly production. Each pallet absorbs around 0.15 liters of primer, creating a thin yet strong base film.
2. Protective Coating
Next, a transparent polyurethane coating forms a glossy finish that resists scratches and abrasion. Compared to untreated surfaces, polyurethane reduces surface wear by 35% after repeated forklift contact.
The coating also improves appearance. Customers recognize BMR pallets by their clean surface and uniform texture, which helps brand credibility when exporting to high-standard markets like Japan or Germany.
3. Optional Fire Retardant and Anti-Slip Layers
For special applications such as chemical plants or cold storage, BMR adds fire-retardant compounds and anti-slip textures. These layers increase safety during handling, particularly on metal ramps or wet floors.
Branding and Marking Stage
Finishing also means identity. Every BMR pallet receives permanent markings showing its heat-treatment code (ISPM-15 HT), manufacturing date, and QR traceability label.
Laser-engraved marks guarantee readability even after years of use. The QR system connects directly to the BMR database, allowing clients to trace batch origin, wood species, and treatment records in seconds.
Moreover, when required, clients can request custom logos or color codes. For example, export clients in Japan often ask for blue top coatings to separate reusable pallets from single-trip units. This customization not only supports logistics organization but also enhances brand visibility across ports and warehouses.
Drying and Curing Process
After coating and marking, each pallet enters the curing line. Controlled drying ensures that the finish bonds firmly to the wood surface.
BMR’s tunnel-type drying system maintains 40–45 °C airflow for 3–4 hours. This stage removes solvent residue and strengthens coating adhesion. When curing ends, pallets show surface hardness above 3H on the pencil-test scale—meaning high resistance to scratches or compression.
Curing also stabilizes color. Even after six months of outdoor exposure, gloss retention remains above 90%, based on internal quality-control tests.
Quality Control and Final Inspection
Once finishing ends, inspectors evaluate every pallet through visual and mechanical checks. They test for smoothness, adhesion, and nail exposure. Any rough or uneven surface can damage packaged goods, so each board gets a tactile inspection.
Then, load tests apply 2 tons of static pressure for one minute. If no cracks or coating peel occur, the pallet passes final approval.
All results go into BMR’s digital quality-assurance system. Because of this process, rejection rates stay below 1.5%, which is among the lowest in the industry.
Why Finishing Defines Durability and Cost Efficiency
A strong finish increases lifespan and reduces repair costs. According to a 2024 study by the European Pallet Association (EPAL), a well-finished pallet can handle 30% more rotations before replacement compared with unfinished wood.
Longer lifespan means fewer new pallets needed—saving both material and energy. BMR’s clients report that their maintenance costs drop by about 25% per year after switching to BMR’s finished pallets.
In addition, smoother surfaces reduce packaging tears and product damage, especially for export-grade shipments. That small detail saves companies thousands of dollars annually in claim costs.
Sustainability in the Finishing Process
Sustainability stays central in every BMR operation. The finishing section uses water-based coatings with VOC content under 50 g/L, following EU environmental standards. Exhaust air passes through carbon filters before release, minimizing emissions.
Furthermore, leftover coating materials get recycled. Waste sawdust from sanding becomes biomass fuel for heat-treatment boilers, saving roughly 300 tons of CO₂e per year. These initiatives support BMR’s vision of green manufacturing and circular economy principles.
Conclusion: Finishing Touch That Builds Trust
In modern logistics, first impressions matter. A clean, well-finished wood pallet not only performs better but also reflects the professionalism behind every shipment.
Through surface preparation, coating, marking, and curing, wood pallet finishing at PT Bumi Mandiri Resources delivers consistent quality that meets global standards. Each pallet stands ready to face humidity, heavy loads, and long voyages without compromise.
If you want to learn more about how BMR combines durability, innovation, and sustainability, check the next article below about wood pallet quality control and export packaging standards. Every shipment deserves a flawless foundation—start yours with a perfectly finished pallet.
E-mail: info@bmr-pallets.com
WA: +62 8119-787-911
