Plastic Laminate Countertops
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High-pressure decorative laminates are traditionally used for work (horizontal) surfaces. High-pressure laminates are manufactured by saturating a decorative paper with resin (usually melamine or polyester). Heavy brown craft papers are saturated with phenolic resin and stacked with the saturated decorative paper on top. Under elevated temperature and pressure the stack is pressed to form a “”plastic”" laminate. The thickness of the laminate is dependent on the thickness/number of craft paper backers. The decorative surface does not vary with laminate thickness. The back side of the laminate sheet is sanded to provide a rough surface to facilitate gluing to a substrate of plywood or particle board. Additional formulations of resins may be introduced to the surface of the material to enhance specific surface characteristics such as chemical or abrasion resistant characteristics. Other specialized variations of the basic material are available such as a plastic laminate with a conductive layer under the surface for electrostatic dissipative applications.
Plastic laminate thickness (for horizontal surfaces) is generally 0.028″” to 0.050″”. The substrate material may be ¾”" to 1 ½”" thick and may have built-up thickness at the edges. Balancing of the substrate material (lamination of the opposite face with a material of similar characteristics) and proper edging of work surfaces are imperative for use in laboratory applications. Edging may be high pressure laminate, PVC tape (of thickness ranging from ½ mm to 3 mm) or wood strips. High pressure plastic laminate counter tops are available in hundreds of patterns and colors. Surface appearance can vary from textured to extremely high gloss and is a function of the surface of the press plates.
