Lamin-Art

Frequently Asked Questions

HPL Basics

How is high-pressure decorative laminate manufactured?

Lamin-Art brand high-pressure decorative laminate is manufactured by laminating phenolic resin-impregnated kraft sheets with melamine resin-impregnated decorative and overlay sheets. The lamination is performed under a minimum pressure of 1,000 psi (2,068 kPa) and at a temperature of approximately 300°F (149°C). The pressed laminate is trimmed to various sizes, and the back is sanded to provide uniform thickness, and to facilitate adhesive bonding.

How do I order samples of Lamin-Art products?

To request samples, either call our Customer Service Department direct at 800-323-7624, fax your request to 847-860-0246. You can also place your request online.

Where can I purchase Lamin-Art products?

Lamin-Art high-pressure decorative laminate is sold directly through our corporate headquarters near Chicago, Illinois. Our customer service representatives are available to take your order Monday through Friday 7am to 6pm Central Time at 800-323-7624. In addition, Lamin-Art products are sold through distributors in select locations. Click here to determine if there is a Lamin-Art distributor in your area.

Can I order sheet sizes other than 4’ X 8’ and 4’ X 10’?

We can produce 5’ X 12’ sheets on select items, however longer lead times will apply for these special order items.  Contact our Customer Service Department for more information on special sizes.

What is the minimum number of sheets required for special order items?

Lamin-Art has removed minimum order requirements for all made-to-order items in our line.  This includes special order post-forming grade or fire-rated material and any non-stock finishes including our exclusive Oyster Shield High-Wear Protection for Pearlescence products.  There is no extra charge for ordering only one sheet.  In addition, our lab can provide samples of special order items for your approval prior to placing an order.  Please contact Customer Service for more information.

What is Pearlescence®?

Lamin-Art was the first high-pressure decorative laminate manufacturer to introduce the use of decorative papers featuring pearlescent inks and particles.  Inspired by the use of pearlized pigments in the cosmetic industry, Lamin-Art has developed a line of Pearlescence solid colors and printed patterns that offer dramatic visual impact.  We manufacture these items with a reduced amount of melamine overlay.  This allows light to both reflect and refract from the decorative surface, enhancing the pearlescent effect.  However, by reducing the amount of melamine used in the manufacture of Pearlescence products, we also reduce the durability and wear resistance of these items.  Therefore, we recommend that Pearlescence products be specified for interior vertical or non-working, low-wear horizontal surfaces. 
The resistance of some Pearlescence products may be enhanced with the addition of Oyster Shield High-Wear Protection.

How do I identify which items are Pearlescence items?

Pearlescence items can be found in our Pearlescence Solid Colors, Premium Wood Prints, and Abstracts collections.  All Pearlescence items are identified with a P in our Stock List, on our library binder swatch cards, and on our website.

What is Oyster Shield High-Wear Protection?

Oyster Shield High-Wear Protection is the result of a manufacturing process exclusive to Lamin-Art that enhances the durability and versatility of our Pearlescence laminates.  With the addition of Oyster Shield High-Wear Protection, Pearlescence items may be safely specified for any interior horizontal or vertical application regardless of the amount of wear the end product will face.  The option of Oyster Shield High-Wear Protection is only available for items ordered in Textured or Velva-Tex finish.  Items identified with an O in our Stock List, library binder swatch cards and website are available for specification with Oyster Shield High-Wear Protection.  There may be a minimum order requirement and extended lead time associated with items ordered with Oyster Shield High-Wear Protection.  Please contact our Customer Service Department for more information.

How are Chrysalis and Catalyst different from metal laminates?

Unlike metal laminates, Chrysalis and Catalyst are both made without using real metal or metal foils.  A special manufacturing process and the use of decorative papers with unique reflective properties give Chrysalis and Catalyst a metallic look and feel.  Unlike metal laminates or real metal, Chrysalis and Catalyst will not smudge or dent, will not wear out tools and does not require any special equipment for fabrication.  Additionally, both products are a cost-effective alternative to pricier metal or metal laminates.  Please contact Customer Service for pricing and availability.

Do Chrysalis or Catalyst require Oyster Shield High-Wear Protection for specification on high-wear horizontal surfaces?

We highly recommend that Chrysalis be specified for vertical or low-wear horizontal surfaces only.  Unlike many of our Pearlescence Solid Color decorative laminates, we do not offer the option to specify Chrysalis with Oyster Shield High-Wear Protection for use on high-wear horizontal surfaces. 

Catalyst, however, meets NEMA standards for abrasion/scratch resistance, therefore providing a maintenance-free surface suitable for both horizontal and vertical interior applications requiring enhanced durability. 

Is it possible to obtain sheets of a design that has been discontinued?

There may be limited availability of sheets for an item that has been discontinued.  If you are considering a recently discontinued item for a project or have a pending specification for an item that has been discontinued, please contact your local Architectural Representative or our Customer Service Department for availability.  Click here to see a list of recently discontinued items.

Can Lamin-Art design a custom laminate?

Many of our products can be manufactured in different thicknesses, sizes and surface finishes. For larger projects, we can also design made-to-order laminates to meet your special requirements.  In both cases, our lab would be able to provide samples for your approval prior to placing an order.  Please contact us for more information.

Are Lamin-Art products suitable for food service applications?

Yes, NSF International has certified Lamin-Art high-pressure decorative laminate as a safe surfacing material for food preperation areas in commercial applications.  The NSF #35 "Laminated Plastic for Surfacing for Food Service Equipment" certificate is available upon request.

Are Lamin-Art products suitable for maritime vehicles such as ships or yachts?

Yes, Lamin-Art high-pressure decorative laminates pass IMO Res. A 653 (16) for maritime usage.  Maritime certificates are available upon request.

Does Lamin-Art offer matching edge banding?

At this time, Lamin-Art does not offer matching edge banding.  However, we recommend contacting the following company (ies) for assistance with matching our product lines:

Edgebanding Services, Inc.

Doellken-Woodtape

Rehau

What is the typical lead time for Lamin-Art products?

Lamin-Art operates on a first-ordered, first-shipped basis with over 85% of orders shipped from our warehouse outside Chicago, IL within 48 hours from the time the order is taken.  Non-stock or out-of-stock items typically ship in less than 10 days. 

HPL Technical Information

What is the difference between Standard and Vertical Grade?

The term “grade” actually refers to the thickness of the laminate.  Standard Grade (GP48) laminate is .048” (1.2mm) thick and is the most commonly used grade of laminate.  It is recommended for any horizontal or vertical applications where maximum impact-resistance and durability are required.  Vertical Grade (GP28) laminate is much thinner at .028” (0.7mm) thick.  It is suitable for applications that require a more pliable sheet and where impact resistance isn’t as critical.  As the name implies, vertical grade is commonly used for vertical applications.

How far can I bend laminate?

There are two ways in which laminate can be bent; either cold or with the addition of heat.  Standard Grade (GP48) laminates can be cold bent to a maximum radius of 12" (304.8 mm).  Vertical Grade (GP28) laminates can be cold bent to a maximum radius of 7” (177.8 mm).  By applying heat to the area of the sheet that you want to bend (about 325°F or 162°C), you can perform an outside bend on Standard Grade (GP48) laminate down to 4” (101.6 mm).  With heat applied, Vertical Grade (GP28) laminate can bend to 5/8” (15.88 mm).  Due to the lower blistering point of the pearlescent pigments in our Pearlescence-branded items, we do not recommend applying heat to Pearlescence products; they should always be cold bent.

What is NEMA and how does it apply to high-pressure laminate?

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) is a standards association that in conjunction with the manufacturers of high pressure decorative laminate, has established performance standards for our industry such as abrasion, impact and burn resistance.  Unless otherwise noted, Lamin-Art products meet or exceed applicable NEMA LD3-2005 standards for high pressure decorative laminates.

HPL Installation and Maintenance

What types of material can high-pressure laminate be applied to?

Laminate should be applied to suitable substrates such as 45 lb. density particleboard, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or high-density fiberboard (HDF).  We do not recommend using plywood, plaster, gypsum board and concrete.

What type of adhesive does Lamin-Art recommend?

Laminate should be bonded to the substrate using contact, PVAc, urea, or resorcinol adhesives following the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions.  The substrate surface must be smooth and free of grease, dust and other impurities that may obstruct adhesion.

Should I use a backing sheet when applying laminate to a substrate?

A backing sheet is not necessary, but should be used when it is necessary to balance the assembly and prevent warping.

Is there a way to eliminate the “brown line” I see along the edge of the laminate and its substrate?

The easiest way to eliminate this “brown line” is to purchase and apply a matching edgebanding material along the edge of the substrate.  However, you can achieve an even neater, more seamless appearance by employing the miter fold technique.  Simply undercut the materials using a routed bit  to bevel the edge of the laminate to a sharp  45  degrees.  Click here for more tips on how to create unique self-edges.

Does laminate need to be pre-conditioned before application?

Laminate and substrate should be allowed to acclimate for at least 72 hours in the same ambient conditions.  All surfaces to be laminated should be inspected prior to lamination to ensure that they are clean and free of surface defects.

Does the color of laminate fade?

The color of your laminate will fade over time if exposed to direct ultra-violet light.

What is the best way to maintain and clean high-pressure laminate surfaces?

Decorative laminate can be cleaned using warm water and a mild soap, or other common household cleaners.

Environmental

Are Lamin-Art products "GREENGUARD certified"?

Yes, our high-pressure decorative laminates have been GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified® and  GREENGUARD Children & Schools® certified by the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI).  At this time, our Veneer-Art line of high-performance pre-finished wood veneers have not achieved GREENGUARD certification.

Are Lamin-Art products "LEED certified"?

No product or building material can accurately be classified as "LEED certified."  The LEED Green Building Rating system was designed by the U.S. Green Building Council to classify entire building projects, not individual products.  Lamin-Art is a proud member of the USGBC.

  View our Environmental Statement

  View our LEED Requirements Information Sheet


How can Lamin-Art products help earn LEED credits for my project?

As a high-performance surfacing material, Lamin-Art brand high-pressure decorative laminate should be considered for its "green" characteristics in cooperation with all materials used in a given building project.  HPL alone cannot earn points under the LEED Green Building Rating System.  Lamin-Art brand premium high-pressure decorative laminate may contribute to the following credits under LEED for New Construction (Version 2.2) and LEED for Commercial Interiors (Version 2.0):

  • Materials & Resources Credits 4.1 and 4.2: Recycled Content
  • Materials & Resources Credits 5.1: Local/Regional Materials
  • Indoor Environmental Quality Credit 4.1: Low Emitting Materials-Adhesives & Sealants
  • Indoor Environmental Quality Credit 4.2: Low Emitting Materials-Composite Wood & Laminate Adhesives
  • Indoor Environmental Quality Credit 4.5: Low Emitting Materials-Systems Furniture and Seating

  View our Environmental Statement

  View our LEED Requirements Information Sheet

What are the raw material components of HPL?

High-pressure decorative laminate is composed chiefly of paper and resin.  The actual composition of HPL is 87% paper and 13% resin.

Are any recycled materials used in the manufacture of HPL?

Our paper suppliers use significant percentages of post-industrial recycled pulp in their paper products.  We source papers from a variety of vendors, but on average, there is approximately 40% recovered paper by weight in our supplied paper products.  In addition, our Abacá collection is made with recycled banana fibers which make up approximately 1% of the total weight of the sheet (approximately 0.13 lbs. per sheet).

What other actions is Lamin-Art taking to reduce its impact and that of its products on the environment?

Lamin-Art is concerned about our environmental impact and that of the production of our high-pressure decorative laminates. As a committed and responsible member of the global community, we continuously strive to conserve energy and resources, reduce pollution and source raw materials that are environmentally friendly.

At the corporate level, Lamin-Art is a proud member of the USGBC and we have recently completed a conversion of our entire fleet of company vehicles to Toyota Prius, which offers greater fuel efficiency and low emissions.  We utilize the minimal amount of material required to pack and ship our products. We do not use plastic wrap, rather our products typically ship either in cardboard boxes (containing approximately 15-20% recycled content) or on shipping pallets. Both materials are either re-useable (i.e. the pallets) or recyclable (i.e. the boxes).  Our sample department actively recycles product binders as well as sample chips for re-use in the marketplace, and discontinued products are often donated to design schools rather than discarded as waste.

On the manufacturing side, we go to great lengths to ensure that our paper suppliers use only renewable forest products and are actively planting more trees than they harvest to create the paper pulp. No rain forest timber or tropical hardwoods are used in our products.  In addition, our products do not contain, nor are the manufactured with ozone depleting substances.

For more information on Lamin-Art's environmental philosophy, view our Environmental Statement.

Where are your products manufactured?

The manufacture of our laminate products is done through our factory in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.  Our product ships to customers in Ontario, Quebec, and the Atlantic provinces directly from our factory, while PJ White Hardwoods is our exclusive authorized distributor in western Canada with branches in Victoria, Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary.