Laminate is a sheet that is hard and brittle, possessing thickness of around 1mm. It is used to cover wooden furniture to make it look more attractive and to reduce damage to it. Laminates are usually water resistant, abrasion resistant and scratch resistant as well, and add a glow to the furniture.
The general size of the laminate sheets available in the market, whether it is a kitchen laminate or for furniture is 8 feet x 4 feet and the thickness ranges from 0.6 mm to 1.5 mm.
The basis on which laminates can be classified into different types are:
- According to usage
- According to manufacturing process
- According to surface finish
- According to properties
- According to structure
1. Types of laminates according to usage
- Decorative Laminate: These are used for decorating and protecting furniture. They are mainly responsible for a good finish, touch and feel, and are used for conference rooms, home interiors, walls, etc., so that the spaces look attractive.
- Industrial Laminate: More durable, they are used for industrial spaces, the likes of office cabinetries, office furniture, etc. Even the circuit boards are made of industrial laminate. These laminates are more durable because they have higher resistance to scratch and wear and tear.
2. Types of laminates according to manufacturing process
- Low Pressure Laminate: Low pressure laminates are made by soaking decorative paper into melamine resins. It is then dried naturally and bonded over MDF, HDF or particle board with heat activated glue and laminator.
- High pressure Laminate: These are hard decorative sheets which are fixed on plywood and MDF by using adhesive. It is pressed using a cold process.
3. Types of laminates according to surface finish
- Matt Finished Laminate: Creating a matt-like finish on laminate surface, this type is mostly used in corporate and business houses to give a subtle yet stylish impact.
- Glossy Finished Laminate: This laminate creates a glossy effect and is more eye-catching and attractive. It is widely used in the hotel industry and clubs.
- Metallic Finished Laminate: With a metallic look, this laminate is more durable and is mainly used in showrooms.
- Texture Finished Laminate: This gives the effect of texture on touching and is mainly used in corporate office etc., where a classy look is desired.
- Solid Coloured Laminate: With single solid colours without any prints or textures, these laminates are usually used for kitchen counter tops and bathroom areas.
- Digital Laminates: Customized printed laminates are what digital laminates stand for. This is usually a form of artistic expression and is used to personalize.
4. Types of laminates according to properties
- Fire Retardant Laminate: Resistant to fire, these laminates are used in areas which are prone to fire, like kitchens, industrial spaces, etc.
- Anti-bacterial Laminate: Bacterial resistant, these laminates are used in hospitals where hygiene plays a key role.
- Magnetic Laminate: This is an innovative high-pressure decorative laminate which has a unique magnetic property. These laminates are used in offices for notice boards, etc.
- Electrostatic Dissipative Laminate: Used in electronic assembly for making circuit boards, these laminates play a huge role.
- Chalk Board Laminate: As these laminates have non-porous glossy white surface, it is perfect for writing with marker pens, wiping and rewriting.
5. Types of laminates according to structure
- Unicore Laminate: These laminates have edge linings, which gives a neat and even look to the surface.
- Noncore Laminate: This type of laminate is generally black in colour when it comes to its edges. They are also more economical than Unicore laminate.
To buy any of these laminate sheets, it is best that you trust the experts only. Reputed laminate and plywood manufacturers, the likes of Archidply, offer the best quality and a wide range of laminates to suit all your interior design needs.
