Decorative foils are an intermediate-range paper-based overlay and are also called impregnated papers. They are generally pre-impregnated with a blend of melamine, acrylic and urea resins during the paper-manufacturing process or post-impregnated after the paper is fully cured. Decorative foils weigh between 40 and 200 grams/ m2 untreated. During the impregnation process, the cellulose papers typically gain between 20 and 50 percent of their base weight. Those between 100 and 200 grams are dubbed specialty papers and are more likely than lighter-weight varieties to be used for exposed decorative surfaces.

Pre-impregnated foil base papers are suitable for furniture, doors, separation walls, ceilings and wall paneling. They feature good printability, a high internal bond level, consistent quality and a wide range of colors.