Thin Grade Laminate - General Purpose / Postforming grade

Q.What does “Fire Retardant” mean?

R.“Fire Retardant” is a term used for a product that has been manufactured with enhanced fire and smoke resistance properties. These types of products, such as Arborite 30PL & GPPL, are intended for use in areas where building codes require additional fire and smoke protection. Typical use areas include elevator cabs, jet bridges, airport, schools, etc. Locally enforced building codes should be consulted to determine the level of fire resistance necessary for a particular application.

Q.What is the flame spread for Arborite® standard decorative high pressure laminate?

R.The flame spread index for building products is determined by their performance in the Steiner Tunnel Test (UL 723, CAN S102, ASTM E 84). Arborite standard decorative high pressure laminates (A3, A4, A5) have flame spread indices of 26-75 and the smoke developed indices below 450. The product are categorized as Class B or Class II according to the most widely accepted building codes. Locally enforced building codes should be consulted to determine classification and the level of fire resistance necessary for a particular application.

Q.What is the difference between S401 Black Laboratory Grade (acid resistant) thin grade laminate and other standard colours?

R.Arborite® S401 Laboratory Grade laminate is engineered to resist a variety of acids, solvents, general reagents and cleaning agents. See list of chemical reagents. The other standard Arborite® colours are recommended for applications where less harmful acids and other chemical products are used.

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Solid Phenolic Core Panels

Q.What type of tools do we use to cut solid grade (thick) laminate?

R.Generally, the principles applicable to the installation of decorative laminate work will also apply to the installation of Arborite® Solid Grade laminate. Solid Grade Arborite® decorative laminate can be cut, drilled and machined by standard wood-working equipment fitted with carbide cutting edges.

Q.What core colours are available for Arborite® solid phenolic panels?

R.Black and brown are the only core colours available. The core colour can not be changed.

Q.Are Arborite®’s solid phenolic panels water resistant or water proof?

R.Our solid phenolic panels are water resistant but not water proof.

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General / Fabrication / Installation

Q.What does NEMA have to do with high pressure laminates?

R.N.E.M.A. (National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association) is a standards association, that in conjunction with the manufacturers of high pressure decorative laminates, has established product standards for our industry. Arborite® meets and exceeds applicable NEMA LD 3 standards for high pressure decorative laminates.

Q.Why does Arborite® recommend seeing a larger sample of some patterns?

R.Some designs, such as abstract patterns and woodgrains vary in colour/design from what is shown on a 2” x 3” sample chip. In viewing a larger sample, you will see the colour/design that will be more representative of a full size sheet.

Q.How does the thickness of a laminate affect the wear characteristics?

R.Thickness has no affect on wear. The various Arborite® grades have the same wear characteristics, however, impact resistance and sound dissipation increase with thickness.

Q.Why do surface scratches show on some colours more than others?

R.Surface scratches are more easily perceptible on darker patterns and/or less textured surfaces. For the darker patterns, this is driven by the contrast between the color of the scratch and the color of the pattern. When scratched, melamine tends to have a light-colored apprearance. Highly textured surfaces have more planes of light reflection and, therby, minimize the appearance of the scratch to the eye.

Q.Can a new sheet of Arborite® high pressure laminate be glued onto an existing laminate/countertop?

R.Yes, but special instructions need to be considered prior to installation. Arborite® does not recommend this practice.

Q.Can Arborite® laminates be painted?

R.Special paints are available to paint a melamine decorative surface. However, we do not recommend this practice as the laminate will lose its physical properties.

Q.How can a damaged Arborite® laminate or countertop be repaired?

R.A filler can be used to hide or repair small dents and scratches. One of the fillers that currently exists in the market is “Seamfil” by Kampel Enterprises. However, dependant on the extent of the damage, you may be required to replace the countertop or laminate.

Q.How can you clean your Arborite® laminate or counter top?

R.To clean a laminate surface, simply wipe with a soft damp cloth and mild detergent; then rinse thoroughly with warm water and wipe dry. For stubborn stains, use an all-purpose cleaner, with a damp cloth; then rinse thoroughly with warm water and wipe dry.

For really tough stains, create a paste composed of baking soda and water. Using a soft brush, scrub gently in a circular motion – 10 to 20 strokes should remove most stains; then rinse thoroughly with warm water and wipe dry. Keep in mind that excessive scrubbing can dull or damage the finish.

Q.Is there a warranty on Arborite® laminates?

R.Yes, there is a 12 month warranty. See warranty.

Q.Can a cook top be installed on a laminate countertop?

R.Yes it can.

Q.Can Arborite be used in Hospital operating rooms and computer rooms?

R.Yes it can.

Q.What is the best substrate to bond laminate to?

R.Good quality particleboard and medium or high density fiberboards are satisfactory for use as substrates since they supply the degree of rigidity needed to support the laminate and offer a suitable face for bonding. For additional information regarding substrates, see SUBSTRATES.

Q.What is dimensional movement?

R.Like wood, a high pressure laminate has a grain direction, and its dimensional behaviour is similar to that of wood. When humidity changes, the width of the laminate undergoes greater dimensional change than the length by a ratio of approximately two to one. Dimensional change is a characteristic found in varying degrees in all cellulose type materials. As humidity decreases, the laminate sheet contracts, and when the humidity increases the laminate sheet expands. Please follow instructions in our Fabrication guide to help you properly install Arborite high pressure laminates.

Q.Do laminates fade?

R.Laminates will fade when exposed to direct ultraviolet light, such as from an open window. All colours are tested to ensure that they will maintain normal coloration in indoor use within acceptable limits.

Q.Can laminates be used outdoors?

R.No, they can not be used outdoors.

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Certifications

Q.Does Arborite® have a Transport Canada, Board of Steamship Inspection certificate?

R.Yes, Arborite® Fire Rated Fire Rated Laminates are certified for the Transport Canada Board of Steamship Inspection. Please click on the following link for the certification codes.

Q.Does Arborite® have a US Department of Transportation, United States Coast Guard certificate?

R.Yes, Arborite® Fire Rated Fire Rated Laminates are certified for the US Department of Transportation, United States Coast Guard. Please click on the following link for the certification codes.

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Surface Textures

Q.Why are different finishes available?

R.Finishes can actually enhance the design itself. They can either subdue or strengthen the colour value of the design.

Q.What are Arborite®’s standard available finishes, and do they meet NEMA standards?

R.Arborite® high pressure laminates are available in 5 standard surface textures and yes, they meet NEMA standards:

CashmereFine, matte texture with a slight sheen

DiamondA fine beaded texture which minimizes smudges, finger marks and offers optimum scratch resistance.

GlossA flat texture with a high sheen

LaqwoodA slightly embossed woodgrain texture

VelvatexA smooth furniture finish texture

Q.Does Arborite®’s new Breccia finish meet NEMA wear standards?

R.Yes, the new Breccia finish that is available in 13 of Arborite’s stone inspired patterns does meet NEMA wear tests.

Q.What is the recommended finish for a countertop?

R.All of Arborite®’s 5 standard finishes and the new Breccia finish are applicable for countertops. However, we would highly recommend the use of our Cashmere, Diamond or Breccia* finish.

* Breccia is only available on 13 of our standard colours. The colour codes are: P277, P278, P279, P280, P281, P282, P283, P284, P285, P286, P287, P288, P289.

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Standard Sheet Sizes

Q.What are Arborite®’s standard sheet sizes for thin grade laminate?

R.The standard sizes are:

• 4' x 8' / 1220 mm x 2440 mm
• 4' x 10' / 1220 mm x 3050 mm
• 5' x 8' / 1525 mm x 2440 mm
• 5' x 10' / 1525 mm x 3050 mm
• 5' x 12' / 1525 mm x 3660 mm
• 30" x 8' / 762 mm x 2440 mm
• 30" x 10' / 762 mm x 3050 mm
• 30" x 12' / 762 mm x 3660 mm

Gloss Surface Texture is only available in 4’ x 8’, 4’ x 10’, 5’ x 12’

Q.What are Arborite®’s standard sheet sizes for solid phenolic laminate?

R.The standard sizes are:

• 4' x 8' / 1220 mm x 2440 mm
• 4' x 10' / 1220 mm x 3050 mm
• 5' x 8' / 1525 mm x 2440 mm
• 5' x 10' / 1525 mm x 3050 mm
• 5' x 12' / 1525 mm x 3660 mm

Gloss Surface Texture is only available in 4’ x 8’, 4’ x 10’, 5’ x 12’ (guaranteed good one side only).

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Manufacturing Lead Times

Q.What are Arborite®’s standard manufacturing lead times?

R.Our normal lead times for thin grade laminate range from 4-5 business days from receipt and acceptance of order.

Q.Do standard lead times apply for Arborite®’s S-401 Laboratory thin grade (acid resistant) laminates?

R.Yes, our standard lead times apply.

Q.Do standard lead times apply for Arborite®’s fire retardant laminates?

R.No, the lead time for fire retardant laminates is 10 business days.

Q.Do standard lead times apply for Arborite®’s solid phenolic core panels?

R.No, the lead time for solid phenolic core panels is 10 business days.

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