How to Choose the Right Decorative Laminates to Style your Home

These days there are a variety of materials available in the market to anyone who is planning to redesign his home. Laminates is one of the best options available to style your home.

Laminates are made artificially from paper and plastic resins. They have emerged as a popular alternative to hardwood. They provide the look and feel of wood without the disadvantages of real wood. Laminates are known for their unique features and properties and can be used for doors, furniture, kitchen countertops etc.

How Laminates are different from Veneer?

Both are laminates and veneers overlay materials used for decorative purposes. However, veneers are natural and laminates are artificially made. Veneer is a thin layer of wood peeled from logs obtained from trees. On the other hand, laminate is made of synthetic materials. Many laminates give the look of a wood. Laminates are available in a wider range and the cost is usually lesser than veneers.

Choosing the Right Laminates:

When it comes to selecting laminates for your home, you will find many options. Decorative laminates are available is variety of patterns and textures. Choosing the right decorative laminates depends on where you are planning to install it. For the kitchen countertop, you should look for laminates that are scratch resistant. Anti-bacterial laminates are ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. The overall decor of your home must be kept in mind while selecting the right decorative laminates.

It's important to use a reliable laminate manufacturer that has good quality product. Formica is one of the leading laminate manufacturers in India. You can visit : http://formica-india.com/ 

How To Repair a Chipped Laminate Counter

Laminates serve as economical and low-maintenance alternatives to granite or solid-surface countertop finishes. Plastic laminates are one of the best options for daily kitchen demands as they are vulnerable to chips from dropped objects or sharp impacts. Now let us look at some simple patch and repair methods to restore the look of the laminates.

Repair Chipped Surfaces:

1.      Clean the chip and the surrounding area with acetone applied with a sponge or a rag.

2.      Squeeze a small amount of laminate paste or filler that matches that your laminate counter onto the edge of a stainless steel putty knife.

3.      Apply the filler to the chipped area using your putty knife. Allow the filler to dry for 15-20 minutes and then scrap away excess filler from the surface. You may need to reapply the filler. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

4.      Wipe the patched section with a rag dipped in acetone to help blend in the patch.

Fix Chipped Edges:

1.      Cut the section of damaged edge using a sharp utility knife. Remove the damaged section with a sharp wood chisel.

2.      Purchase a replacement piece of laminate in the same finish as the one you removed. You can take your damaged sample to a laminate dealer for assistance.

3.      Apply contact cement to the substrate along the edge of your counter and also o the back of your replacement section of the laminate. Allow the cement to dry for 15-20 minutes, then carefully line the replacement piece up and press it into place.

4.      Filled the edges of the patched area.

5.      In order to complete the repair, fill the perimeter of the patched area with a seam filler that is available for laminates.

There are a number of options available if you choose laminates to design kitchen cabinetry. Now, laminates for kitchen cabinets come in a variety colours, textures and finishes. They are easier to clean than wood. Laminates offer durability over time and end to get fewer scratches than cabinet doors or solid wood cabinets.