What Is Formica Laminate?

Formica Laminate is a practice in which the lamination of melamine-formaldehyde, phenolic and thermosetting resins is done. This is done with the use of linen, paper, canvas, etc. This trade is done by the application of high-pressure.

Formica laminate worktops or counter tops have been preferred and used by people for many years. They offer multiple choices to the users. They are available in different colors, textures and designs. Formica laminate are more tough and wearproof than most wooden laminates. Formica laminates can be used for worktops, tabletops and other surface areas. The Formica sheets are available in gloss and dull finish.

Steps to install Formica counter tops:

* Prepare the surface for lamination: Make sure the area to be laminated is dry and clean. Try to remove paint or varnish from the area where the laminating is to take place.

* Cut the Formica laminate sheet: You should cut the laminated Formica sheet oversize. This helps you to trim it easily. Special blades are available to cut these sheets. These can be used with standard utility knives. Apart from those, fine-tooth handsaw bladesares also available to cut laminated sheet. The cutting tool you need depends upon how big the job is.

* Apply the Formica sheet: Both epoxy adhesives and contact cement are used to lay down the Formica sheets. But contact cements are preferred over epoxy adhesives. Before the application of the contact cements, you should apply a coarse sandpaper to make the surface rough. Don't forget to clean the surface after sanding with the help of a brush. Before the glued areas touch each other, see to it that all the pieces are correctly positioned. To apply contact cement, you can make the use of regular paintbrush on both the back of the laminated sheet and the base surface.

*To give a professional final touch, you should use a roller to allow the contact sheet to settle down properly. See to it that there are no air pockets and that the plastic sheet is properly laid down. A wooden block and a mallet will help you to provide a good adhesion on all the points. If there is any extra contact cement, remove it with a special solvent. Nail polish remover is a handy solvent to remove it.

Formica laminates are very tough and are easy to install. The features of Formica laminate are similar to those of wood flooring but tougher and due to this reason, they are high in demand. Formica laminate gives you a more durable flooring. It is not only scratch resistant but also moisture and dents resistant. It can also give a more attractive and appealing look.

One of the disadvantages of Formica laminate is that the floor needs to be replaced once it starts showing signs of wear and tear. It cant be replaced. So, before you opt for a plastic laminate flooring, you should consider its pros and cons.