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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 5pm 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 special sizes on select items in our high-pressure decorative laminate line. We have recently introduced special door sizes (3’ X 7’ and 3’ X 8’ sheets) for several of our Premium Wood Prints (some exclusions apply). There is a minimum order of 100 sheets of an identical pattern, 2 week lead time, and a no return policy associated with these custom size orders.
In addition, we can also produce 5’ X 12’ sheets on select items. Longer lead times will also apply for 5’ X 12’ sheets. Contact your local Architectural Representative or 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 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. Items marked with a star on our Stock List are available as part of our Guaranteed Shipment Program and are guaranteed to ship within 7 business days or Lamin-Art will overnight the material free of charge when it becomes available.
What is Pearlescence®?
For years, cosmetic companies have incorporated eye-catching, subtle sparkles in their products to capture attention. Taking cues from the cosmetics industry, Lamin-Art® first employed pearlized inks to create decorative laminates in 1984. Unlike standard solid color or patterned decorative laminates, Pearlescence® products are fluid, full of movement and pulsing with rhythmic vitality. Pearlized products refract light, making surfaces appear more expressive while adding visual depth. With their eye-catching luster, Pearlescence products are perfect for a broad range of commercial applications including retail, exhibit displays, hotels, casinos, restaurants and institutional designs such as schools and libraries.
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.
Can Oyster Shield High-Wear Protection be specified for other finishes besides Textured or Velva-Tex?
Although not a part of our standard product offering, Lamin-Art can manufacture many of products in special or custom finish options. Please contact us for more information.
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
How is Pearlescence manufactured?
Pearlescence® is achieved in two steps: First, special inks that incorporate pearlized particles are used on the printed decorative paper. Second, a reduced amount of melamine is used in the manufacturing process to allow the inks to reflect and refract light for maximum visual impact. However, since it is the melamine resin that gives high-pressure laminate its wear resistance, Pearlescence products will not meet NEMA standards for abrasion/scratch resistance (the NEMA standard is 400 revolutions on a Taber Abrader; Pearlescence products achieve 100-300 cycles). Therefore, we DO NOT recommend specifying Pearlescence laminates for high-wear horizontal applications. If you would like to specify a Pearlescence product for a horizontal application, we suggest specifying it in Textured or Velva-Tex finish with the addition of the Oyster Shield High-Wear Protection™ option.
Does Lamin-Art offer metallic laminates?
Lamin-Art does not currently offer laminates manufactured with either real metal or metal foil instead of decorative paper. However, we do offer several metallic colors and finish options in our Pearlescence solid colors collection. Chrysalis finish offers a gentle lengthwise etching similar to the look and texture of brushed metal. Catalyst also features a brushed metal appearance, but is spiral-etched. Catalyst offers the added benefit of meeting NEMA standards for scratch and abrasion, thereby making it suitable for horizontal surfaces.
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.
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), high-density fiberboard (HDF), or any substrate that meets the ANSI 208.1 or 208.2 standards. 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, PVA, urea, resorcinol or hot-melt 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. Visit our Technical Information section 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.
Veneer-Art Basics
How is Veneer-Art manufactured?
Veneer-Art is manufactured with natural, not reconstituted wood veneers that are impregnated with a protective melamine resin and fused with phenolic resin-impregnated kraft sheets. The result is a pre-finished, ready-to-fabricate veneer that features a maintenance-free, scratch-resistant surface.
Is Veneer-Art made with real or reconstituted wood veneers?
Veneer-Art is made with natural wood veneers not reconstituted or engineered wood veneers. While reconstituted wood veneers can offer advantages in terms of cost and consistency, natural wood veneers provide a richness of grain, variety and a uniqueness that is hard to replicate in a reconstituted product.
How do I order samples of Veneer-Art?
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.
Is Veneer-Art available in any size other than 4' x 10'?
Veneer-Art is regularly stocked in 4’ X 10’ sheets, however, 4’ X 8’ sheets are also available on a made-to-order basis. Also, Veneer-Art is available in a variety of door-sizes including 3’ X 7’, 3’ X 8’, 3’ X 10’, and 4’ X 7’. A longer lead time may apply on non-stock items.
Where can I purchase Veneer-Art?
Veneer-Art high-performance wood veneer is sold directly through our corporate headquarters near Chicago, Illinois. Our customer service representatives are available to take your order Monday through Friday 7:30am to 5pm Central Time at 800-323-7624.
Where has Veneer-Art been installed?
Veneer-Art has been successfully installed in many public and commercial environments over the past 25 years. It is perfectly suited for architectural applications in high-traffic environments, as well as on commercial furniture, fixtures, and casework, such as: architectural doors, wall paneling, elevator cabs, reception areas, transaction counters, table tops, cabinets, hospitality furniture, and restroom vanities and partitions. To view some high-profile Veneer-Art projects, visit our Portfolio.
Veneer-Art Technical Information
Is Veneer-Art a structural material?
No, Veneer-Art must be bonded to a suitable substrate. It is not recommended for exterior use.
Will Veneer-Art scratch?
Veneer-Art is manufactured to have the same wear resistance properties as a high-pressure decorative laminate. Since Veneer-Art is imported from Europe, it has been tested according to European performance standards (EN 438-2) for high-pressure decorative laminate. It has been shown to achieve 350 cycles or more on a Taber Abrader (minimum NEMA standards in the U.S. are 400 cycles).
Is grain and color uniform from sheet to sheet?
Due to the inherent properties of wood and differing numbers of sheets cut from any given log, variations in color and grain will appear from one sheet to another. This is not a defect, rather a natural occurrence that adds to the character and warmth provided by a real wood veneer. A natural maturing and mellowing of color may also occur with age.
Can I bend Veneer-Art?
Due to the variations in grain structure of the real wood veneers, the bending characteristics are slightly different than high-pressure decorative laminates. Typically, we advise that Veneer-Art should only be cold bent to a radius no smaller than 8”. We do not recommend post-forming Veneer-Art.
What is the fire rating for Veneer-Art?
Veneer-Art is classified Class II (ASTM E84-89A). Class I Fire-Retardant grade is available upon request. An upcharge and extended leadtime may apply.
Will the color of Veneer-Art fade?
A natural maturing and mellowing of color may occur with age. This is consistent with the behavior of real wood.
Veneer-Art Installation and Maintenance
Can Veneer-Art be stained or finished?
No, Veneer-Art is already pre-finished so it cannot be stained. Veneer-Art items are offered in a Tru-Grain™ finish which is a dimensional surface that follows the wood grain and cellular characteristics of any wood species.
Does Veneer-Art require any pre-conditioning?
Like all wood-based products, Veneer-Art will react to ambient conditions. Veneer-Art and the substrate to which it is applied may absorb moisture and expand in high relative humidity or lose moisture and shrink in low relative humidity. Veneer-Art and the substrate to which it will be applied must acclimate to the same ambient conditions for 8-10 days prior to fabrication. Optimum conditions are approximately 64°F to 72°F (18°C to 22°C) with a relative humidity of 50% to 60%. Provisions should be made for the circulation of air around the components.
Do I need any special tools or processes to apply Veneer-Art?
No, Veneer-Art can be fabricated using the same tools, materials, and adhesives normally used to fabricate high-pressure decorative laminate. We do, however, strongly recommend that special care be taken to seal the porous edges of the veneer with a diluted polyurethane varnish. This will minimize absorption of moisture which can adversely impact the real wood veneer.
Does Veneer-Art require a special adhesive?
While Veneer-Art does not specifically require a special type of adhesive, the strength of the bond between Veneer-Art and its substrate determines the amount of stress that may be transmitted to the substrate by the product. Gluing Veneer-Art with the use of a hot or cold press is the safest and preferred method of application. Conventional adhesives normally applied to high-pressure laminate are recommended. When gluing with a hot press, do not exceed 140°F (60°C). Above that temperature, there is a risk of harmful tension that could affect adhesion. When no laminating press is available, standard contact adhesives may be used. It is crucial to ensure excellent coverage of both surfaces to be bonded, and to apply a pressure of 50 to 75 pounds per square inch to the assembly. In either case, always consult and closely follow your adhesive manufacturer’s directions.
Can I order edgebanding for Veneer-Art?
Yes, edgebanding manufactured with the same constituent veneer and Tru-Grain™ finish as the Veneer-Art sheet is available for all items in the line. Edgebanding strips come 0.98” X 120” long and .027” thick. We also recommend taking advantage of the real wood appearance of Veneer-Art by employing creative woodworking techniques to reduce the appearance of edge lines. Using a miter fold, solid edge or self-edge it is possible to create the appearance of solid wood. For more tips on edging Veneer-Art, click here.
What is the best way to clean and maintain Veneer-Art?
Veneer-Art should be cleaned with a damp cloth and ordinary soap or household cleaner. Stubborn stains may require organic solvents such as alcohol, acetone, lacquer thinner or paint solvents. NOTE: These solvents will not harm the Veneer-Art surface, but are flammable, and will attack contact adhesives at the glue line edges.
Do you recommend a particular substrate on which to apply Veneer-Art?
Veneer-Art can be applied to many types of base material as long as the surface is perfectly flat and clean. Among the recommended substrates: 45lb. density particleboard, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), high-density fiberboard (HDF), or any substrate that meets ANSI 208.1 and 208.2 standards. Gluing to a metal surface requires careful preparation of the surface with particular attention paid to thorough degreasing with a strong solvent.
HPL Environmental Information
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 v3:
- Materials & Resources Credit 4: Recycled Content
- Materials & Resources Credit 5: Local/Regional Materials
- Materials & Resources Credit 6: Rapidly Renewable Materials
In addition, to promote green design strategies, Lamin-Art brand high-pressure laminates are suitable to use with materials and adhesives that meet the criteria for the following LEED credits. Lamin-Art high-pressure laminate itself cannot directly contribute to earning points for these credits.
- Indoor Environmental Quality Credit 4.1: Low Emitting Materials-Adhesives & Sealants
- Indoor Environmental Quality Credit 4.4: Low Emitting Materials-Composite Wood & Agri-fiber Products
- 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 75% paper and 25% resin.
Are any recycled materials used in the manufacture of HPL?
Our high-pressure decorative laminate contains between 11% and 18% post-consumer recycled content, depending on the grade. GP48 (Standard Grade) products contain 11% recycled content while GP28 (Vertical Grade) products contain 18% recycled content.
In addition, our Abacá collection is made with recycled banana fibers which make up approximately 1% of the total weight of the sheet (approximately 0.13lbs. per sheet).
Where are your products manufactured?
The manufacture of our laminate products is done at our factory in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and is distributed to most of the U.S. through our corporate headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. In addition, Quality Design Products in Las Vegas, NV distributes Lamin-Art brand HPL exclusively in the state of Nevada, and PJ White Hardwoods is our exclusive distributor in western Canada with branches in Victoria, Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary.
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 and distribution 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. Lamin-Art employees have instituted a corporate Green Team designated to discuss, implement, and champion additional ways to improve our operating efficiencies and promote sustainability as a company.
Lamin-Art is a proud member of the USGBC, and, back in 2006, we have 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. Our products typically ship either in cardboard boxes that are manufactured with approximately 75% post-consumer recycled paper 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.
The kraft papers used to manufacture our high-pressure decorative laminates are sourced from responsibly managed forests that are third-party certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). In order to achieve this certification, forest products used in the production of paper pulp are harvested and replaced within a ten-year cycle or less. No rain forest timber or tropical hardwoods are used in our products. In addition, our products do not contain, nor are they manufactured with ozone-depleting substances.
For more information on Lamin-Art's environmental philosophy, view our Environmental Statement.
Are Lamin-Art products considered rapidly renewable materials?
Yes, rapidly renewable resources are materials that are made from plants typically harvested within a ten-year cycle or shorter. The kraft paper that is used to manufacture Lamin-Art high-pressure decorative laminate is sourced from responsibly managed forests that have been third-party certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). In order to meet the stringent requirements of this certification, forest products used in the production of paper pulp must be harvested and replaced within a ten-year cycle or less. Kraft paper makes up approximately 75-80% of the paper composition of high-pressure decorative laminate depending upon the grade of material specified.
Do your products contain added urea-formaldehyde?
Lamin-Art brand high-pressure decorative laminate contains no added urea-formaldehyde. Contact our Customer Service department or your local Architectural Representative for more information or documentation.
Veneer-Art Environmental Information
Is Veneer-Art FSC certified?
At this time, Veneer-Art is not an FSC certified product.
Is Veneer-Art a low-emitting product?
Veneer-Art is a chemically inert product releasing virtually no gas. Due to its low permeability, it also acts as a barrier against possible formaldehyde emissions from the substrate. Its own formaldehyde emission levels are no more than 0.013 PPM when bonded to particleboard. However, at this time, these test results have not been independently verified by a third-party certification program such as GREENGUARD.