Decorative laminates are popular materials used to surface walls, floors, furniture, and other decorative elements in homes and commercial establishments. They are a low-cost and low-maintenance alternative to natural wood, stones, marble, vitrified tiles, ceramics, and other surfacing materials that cost an arm and a leg. Matchless aesthetics and exponential durability make laminates an increasingly popular choice among modern homeowners and creative designers. They are a way to turn plain surfaces into visual masterpieces. Here is all you need to know about laminate sheets, including their types and finishes.
What are laminate sheets?
Laminates are synthetic finishing materials made by pressing thin layers of paper and melamine resin under high or low pressure. Usually glued to substrate surfaces to add durability and elegance to the interior design, they are thin decorative sheets with the top layer having different prints, textures, and finishes. Over the years, the demand for decorative laminate sheets has increased by leaps and t to the features that come with them. They are not only affordable but also enduring and stylish. Wbounds, credihen talking about their recognized features, they include high dimensional stability, abrasion resistance, long-lasting shine, and easy maintenance, to list a few.
Applications
Laminates are a versatile solution that finds extensive applications in residential and commercial settings. With them in place, you can transform the look and feel of your walls, furniture, wardrobes, floors, doors, worktops, tables, etc. You may use them to design homes, hospitals, gyms, educational institutions, offices, reception areas, hotels, libraries, etc. Further in the blog, we will learn about their types and finishes – what we are here to know.
Types of laminates based on surface finish
Laminate sheets come in various finishes, each with a different feel and appearance. They are as follows:
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Matte-finish laminates
These laminates have non-shiny finishes that give you a “matt” effect on the surface. These lustreless sheets are ideal for creating muted and subtle appearances. The big plus is that marks and scratches are less visible on the surface. You may choose them for floors, kitchen cabinets, worktops, wardrobes, and corporate areas.
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High-gloss laminates
Contrary to matte-finish, high-gloss laminates offer a shiny appearance on the surface and are perfect for spaces requiring extravagance and glamor. Since they are easy to clean and can create an inviting appeal, you may use them in restaurants, spas & saloons, hotels, kitchen units, furniture, and homes.
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Textured laminates
Textured laminates feature realistic textures of natural surfaces, such as wood, stones, metal, leather, fabrics, etc. They are a kind of decorative laminates that uplift the interior décor by creating exquisite laminate designs. Wall cladding, flooring, corporate offices, and commercial spaces are where these laminates find applications.
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Solid colour laminates
These are non-printed and non-textured laminate sheets with one solid colour all over. They are a great addition to countertops.
Types of laminates based on usage
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Decorative laminates
Available in a range of colours, designs, patterns, textures, and finishes, these laminates serve a decorative purpose. Their addition to the furniture, cabinets, wardrobes, office cubicles, worktops, wall panels, and floors brings exclusivity to the space and takes the interior décor to the next level.
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Industrial laminates
Industrial laminates can withstand high temperatures. They provide excellent resistance to scratches and wear and tear. They are also evidently more durable and ideal for industrial and commercial settings. These features make industrial laminates a popular choice for spaces requiring added durability.
Types of laminates based on the manufacturing process
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High-pressure laminates
High-pressure laminates (HPLs) are manufactured by bonding the layer of laminate with the substrate under high pressure and temperature. HPL sheets are more durable than low-pressure laminates with heat, moisture, and scratch-resistant properties. They have a longer life and are suitable for horizontal surfaces, including flooring, countertops, etc. Plywood and MDF are the most preferred substrates for these laminate sheets.
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Low-pressure laminates
The layer of low-pressure laminates adheres to the substrate under low pressure. These decorative laminates are less expensive than HPL laminates. You may use them as a finishing layer for particle board or fibreboard (MDF and HDF).
Where to find top-quality laminates?
There are a host of laminate manufacturers in India helping you create the coveted laminate design. Finding a trusted one of the lot could be a bit challenging for not all promise the same quality of products and services. Not to worry, Royale Touche, a leading laminate manufacturer in India with 40+ years of excellence and a strong foothold in the world of interior design, deposits its sincere efforts into offering what you may need for the desired luxury in your home or any other property. Royale Touche laminates feature unmatched aesthetics that infuse emotions into your interior laminate design, whereas strength is another plus you might appreciate. So, do not look beyond Royale Touche laminates if you are a luxury seeker that does not also compromise quality.
