Laminate
Plastic laminate has been part of our surroundings for decades, yet most people don’t know much about the product that is found virtually everywhere – in homes, restaurants, hospitals and even bowling alleys! The name itself – “plastic laminate” – can lead to misunderstandings.
High pressure decorative laminate (HPDL) is made by saturating sheets of decorative and core paper with resins, then pressing them under high heat, fusing the layers into a single sheet. Surprisingly, a sheet of laminate is only 30% plastic resin; the rest is paper!
Laminate sheets are bonded, using special adhesives, to “substrates” made of plywood, fiberboard or particleboard, which give the final product its strength and substance. The laminate surface provides resistance from wear and impact.
Stain Resistance –Quality laminate countertops are quite stain-resistant. The problem is that stained laminate surfaces are more difficult to repair than nearly every other surface. There is little choice but to replace or resurface a stained, scratched or burned laminate countertop.
Heat Resistance– These tops are moderately heat resistant, but it is advisable to use a protective devise underneath hot pots or pans as the high hear will cause considerable damage to the surface.
Scratches- Laminate is relatively resistant to minor scratches but is prone to chipping on its edges without proper care. Always use a cutting board and try to avoid using sharp objects directly on the surface.
Maintenance– The versatility of laminate is apparent in its maintenance. With the proper care and due diligence, laminate countertops can last for decades.
Laminate:
Brands: Wilson Art, Pionite, Formica, Arborite, Nevemar
- Wilson Art
- Pionite
- Formica
- Arborite
- Nevemar
