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The most popular finishing layer for MDF, plywood, particleboard, wooden furniture, wall panels, and flooring options is laminate. There are several uses for laminates in both the home and commercial sectors. Decorative sheets, particularly those used for furniture or indoor items, enhance the appearance of furniture while protecting it from damage. In this blog, Gharpedia will decode the basics of laminates you must know.
What is Laminate?
A laminate is a composite man-made material made by layering thin sheets of different materials like wood veneers, plastics, and paper, with glue under heat and pressure.
Generally, it has a decorative pattern or colour printed on the top layer. It is used for flooring, countertops, furniture, and wall panels.
In India, laminate is commonly known as Sunmica. Sunmica is an old company in India that makes laminate. This brand became so popular that people started knowing the product by its name.
Feature blog box: Manufacturing Process of Decorative Laminates
What Sizes are Laminate Materials Available in?
Laminates are available in different sizes, shapes, colours, textures, and patterns.
Commonly available sizes of laminates are 2438mm×1219mm (8’×4’), 914mm×2134mm (3’×7’), 3048mm×1219mm (10’×4’) etc. Generally, the thickness of the laminate sheets is between 0.6 mm to 1.5 mm.
Thickness of the Laminates
The thickness of laminate sheets typically ranges from 0.6mm to 1.5mm, and for special cases thicker options are also available.
01. 0.6mm to 0.8mm thick
These sheets are used for surfaces where flexibility is needed, such as curved furniture edges or smaller areas. They are preferred for vertical applications like wall panels or cabinet doors.
02. 1mm to 1.2mm thick
These sheets provide a good balance between durability and flexibility. They are best used for kitchen countertops, furniture, and larger flat surfaces.
03. 1.3mm to 1.5mm thick
Thicker laminate sheets are used where high durability is essential, like countertops, workspaces, or heavy-traffic areas. These sheets have good resistance to wear and tear, impact, and moisture.
04. 2mm or more
In special cases where extreme durability and toughness are required thicker laminates are preferred.
Laminate Colours, Patterns, and Finishes
Colours:
From neutral to bold laminates come in all colours. Laminate sheets come in neutral tones (whites, creams, beiges, and greys), wood tones (brown, earthy hues), bold colours (bright red, blues, greens, yellows), and metallics (silver, gold, steel).
Patterns:
Laminate sheets come in variety of patterns like woodgrain, stone, marble, leather textured, etc.
Finishes:
A wide range of laminate finishes are available in market which gives laminate a unique feel, look and appearance. Some of the popular laminate finishes are listed below:
- Glossy finish: Shiny and reflective.
- Matte finish: Soft, subtle and non-reflective.
- Satin finish: Smooth surface with low sheen. A finish between glossy and matte.
- Textured finish: Imitates texture and feel of natural materials like wood, stone, or fabric.
- Suede finish (SF): Soft, matte-like, suede fabric finish.
- PU (Polyurethane) Finish: High-gloss, mirror-like shine, and sleek.
- Leather and Fabric Finish: Imitates texture of leather or fabric.
- Scratch Resistant Finish: Tough and hard special coating is applied making it scratch resistant.
- No Mark Laminates: Prevents fingerprints marks and smudges.
- Super Matte Finish: Ultra smooth with no shine or gloss.
What are the Applications of Laminates?
Laminates have varied applications in both the home and commercial sectors. The laminate is most commonly used as an overlay on wooden furniture. Standard laminate is used on cabinetry, table tops, etc. Decorative laminates can be used as walling and flooring. Fire-resistant laminates are used in kitchens and cinema halls.
Decorative sheets, particularly those used for furniture or indoor items enhance the appearance of furniture while protecting it from damage. Decorative laminates come in different colours, textures, and patterns, allowing owners and designers to express their creative vision. Laminates are utilised for functional purposes in commercial or industrial environments. Such laminates are thicker, stronger, and more durable. Additionally, many laminates used in the business have antibacterial qualities and fire resistance.
Laminate Installation
Laminate flooring can cover an existing floor as it is easy to install and does not require grout, mortar, or adhesives like vitrified tile and marble flooring. For easy installation, the subfloor surface must be flat, smooth, and clean. Use high-grade adhesives to lay the sheets over the furniture surface. Before placing the sheets, it is necessary to scrub the whole surface.
Laminate Maintenance
With regular maintenance, you can keep the laminate design looking good for years. Unlike actual wood, the material is very easy to clean. It is important to keep in mind that long exposure to water might cause the surface to warp. Also, because the material is brittle, it is sensitive to chipping. Even when deep cleaning is necessary, dry mopping is advisable for the material. If water or any other liquid falls on the surface, wipe it down quickly with a moist cloth to avoid damage.
What Are the Benefits of Laminates
Aesthetic Appeal: Laminates are available in wide range of colours, patterns, and textures. They also mimic the look of natural materials, improving the aesthetic appeal.
High durability: Laminates are quite durable. They are significantly more resistant to moisture or wear and tear than other types of surfacing.
Low maintenance: Laminates require little maintenance. You do not need to worry about scratches, stains, or maintaining goods with a strict maintenance routine. You only need to clean the surface occasionally.
Easy to Clean: As this material is strong, people can easily wash with water and a mild cleanser. There is no need for any special cleaning methods.
Economical: Because they are simple to install, you will save time and money on labour.
Disadvantages of Laminates
Damage: Despite their strength, laminates are susceptible to damage. The laminate may start lifting because it is glued to the surface.
Repair: Laminates are difficult to fix after damage. The best strategy if your cabinet door gets a deep cut or crack is to replace it because repairs are not possible.
Resale value: Due to the low cost and easy access to laminates, it does not add to your home’s resale value.
In a nutshell, laminate is a composite material that is durable and has a variety of applications. Laminates come in different decorative finishes and are easy to maintain. It has the perfect balance of beauty and strength, and it complements both simple and unique interior designs. So, whether you are remodeling your master bedroom or your children’s rooms, laminates are really the way to go.
Also read,
Buying Laminates? Know Advantages and Disadvantages Before Bringing Them Home