Penetration and adhesion of finishes for fungal materials through solubilization, emulsion, or dispersion in water-soluble materials and the use of surfactants

A method for creating an abrasion resistant finish for a fungal material, comprising the steps of:

• a. providing a quantity of a polymer;
• b. dispersing the quantity of the polymer into water to produce a mixture;
• c. applying the mixture onto the fungal material surface such that the water carries the polymer deeply into the fungal matrix;
• d. adding at least one surfactant to the polymer coated fungal material to improve an effectiveness of the abrasion resistant finish;
• e. allowing the fungal material to dry such that the water evaporates thereby creating a polymer coating on the fungal material with improved abrasion resistance and water resistance;
• and
• f. pressing the polymer coated fungal material at an elevated temperature to promote cross-linking that results in greater water-resistance and lower susceptibility to break-down in the presence of moisture.