Home / News / Furniture Laminate: Everything You Need To Know

Furniture Laminate: Everything You Need To Know

17 November, 2023

Laminate for Furniture: Everything You Need to Know

Laminate is a versatile and economical material used in a wide variety of applications. One of the most common uses of laminate is in the manufacture of furniture. Laminate furniture has a durable, stain and scratch resistant finish, making it ideal for homes with children and pets. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about furniture laminate, from how it’s made to how it’s cleaned and maintained.

What is Furniture Laminate?

Furniture laminate is a material composed of several layers of decorative paper impregnated with melamine resins, pressed at high temperature and pressure onto a core of MDF, chipboard or plywood. The decorative paper can mimic any surface, from wood and stone to metal and leather, and the melamine resin gives the laminate a wear-resistant and easy-to-clean surface.

Advantages of Furniture Laminate

Furniture laminate offers many advantages over other materials. Here are some of the most important ones:

1. Durability

Laminate is highly resistant to stains and scratches, making it ideal for homes with children and pets. It is also water resistant, making it suitable for wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.

2. Variety of designs

Laminate comes in a wide variety of designs and colours, which means it can mimic any surface you want, from wood and stone to metal and leather. You can also find laminate with customised patterns and designs.

3. Easy to clean and maintain

Laminate is very easy to clean and maintain. You only need to wipe the surface with a damp cloth to remove dirt and dust. Moreover, it does not need to be waxed or polished.

4. Economical

Laminate is cheaper than other materials such as solid wood and glass. This means you can get the look you want at an affordable price.

How Furniture Laminate Is Manufactured

The process of manufacturing furniture laminate is quite simple. Here are the main steps:

1. Surface preparation. The surface of the MDF, chipboard or plywood is cleaned and sanded to ensure optimum adhesion.

2. Preparation of the decorative paper. The decorative paper is cut into strips the width of the sheet and impregnated with melamine resins.

3. Pressing of the laminate. A layer of impregnated decorative paper is placed on the MDF, chipboard or plywood core and pressed at high temperature and pressure to melt the resin layers and create a uniform and resistant surface.

4. Edge finishing. To give a uniform and aesthetically pleasing finish, the edge of the laminate is taped or profiled with a specialised machine.

5. Quality inspection. A quality inspection is carried out to ensure that the laminate meets standards for strength, durability and finish.

How Furniture Laminate is Cleaned and Maintained

Laminate furniture is very easy to clean and maintain. Here are some tips for keeping laminate in good condition:

1. Clean regularly

Wipe laminate regularly with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and dirt.

2. Do not use abrasive products

Do not use abrasive products such as steel wool or acidic cleaners as they can damage the surface of the laminate.

3. Use surface protectors

Use surface protectors such as coasters and tablecloths to avoid stains and scratches on the laminate surface.

4. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight

Avoid exposure to direct sunlight as it can discolour and damage the laminate surface.

How Furniture Laminate is Applied

Furniture laminate is applied to an MDF, chipboard or plywood surface. Here are the main steps for applying laminate:

1. Surface preparation

The surface of the MDF, chipboard or plywood is cleaned and sanded to ensure optimum adhesion.

2. Cutting the laminate

The laminate is cut to size to fit the surface of the furniture.

3. Adhesion of the laminate

The laminate is bonded to the surface of the furniture using a layer of specialised adhesive.

4. Edge finishing

The edge of the laminate is covered with an adhesive tape or profiled with a specialised machine.

Conclusion

Furniture laminate is a versatile, economical and easy to maintain material that offers a wide variety of designs and finishes. It is stain, scratch and water resistant, making it ideal for homes with children and pets. Plus, the manufacturing process is simple and application is quick and easy. If you are looking for an affordable and durable option for your furniture, laminate may be the perfect choice for you.

FAQs about Laminate for Furniture

1. Is the laminate water resistant?

Yes, the laminate is water resistant and can be used in wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.

2. Can I clean the laminate with chemicals?

It is not recommended to use harsh chemicals on the laminate surface. Use a soft, damp cloth to clean regularly.

3. Can I cut the laminate myself?

It is recommended that the laminate be cut by a professional to avoid damaging the material and to obtain a precise finish.

4. How can I repair the laminate if it is damaged?

If the laminate is damaged, it can be repaired using a laminate repair kit which includes adhesive and an application tool.

5. How long does laminate last on furniture?

Laminate has a durability of between 10 and 20 years depending on the care and level of use it is subjected to.

6. Can I paint laminate?

Yes, it is possible to paint laminate using a special laminate paint. It is important to sand and clean the surface thoroughly before applying the paint.

7. Is the laminate toxic?

No, laminate is non-toxic and meets safety standards for use in homes and public spaces.

8. Can I use laminate on outdoor furniture?

Laminate is not recommended for use on outdoor furniture as it is not resistant to prolonged exposure to sun and moisture.

9. What designs are available in furniture laminate?

There is a wide variety of designs available in furniture laminate, from plain, monochromatic designs to patterns and textures that mimic wood, marble and other natural materials.