What is a Laminate Finish? Steel grey laminate kitchen cabinets. Laminates are a composite artificial material commonly used in modular kitchen cabinets. Basically, this material is made by pressing together thin layers of flat paper and plastic resins, the upper layer is printed with a decorative pattern or colour.
Acrylic Finish Laminate
Give a high-end modern look to your kitchen with acrylic finish laminates. These are highly durable and posess a reflective high gloss finish which is available in various colour options. Acrylic finish laminates are moisture resistant and are highly resistant to fading caused due to UV rays.
The main difference is that veneers comprise thin layers of wood that are pressed on a plywood base while laminates are manufactured by pressing together layers of flat paper and plastic resins under high pressure.
If your goal is to create a sleek, contemporary and efficient kitchen design, you may want to consider laminate kitchen cabinets. Laminate and wood are the two most popular materials used for kitchen cabinets, and they both offer a range of advantages and disadvantages related to price, durability and appearance.
Acrylic finishes retain their colour and brightness for ages and are available in plenty of vibrant colours. While, laminates are available in numerous textures like wood, a variety of colours, and materials including matte, glossy and ultra-high gloss.
Since most lighting tends to highlight the upper cabinets, use acrylic finishes on them for a glossy, attractive look. Laminate is a good choice for lower cabinets since they are likely to see more wear and tear. You can choose textures and colours that complement each other for a coordinated look.
Acrylic Finish Laminates
Acrylic sheets are available in a wide range of colours and are pasted on the MDF board and sealed with a protective layer to give a seamless finish. The end result is a highly reflective surface with a mirror-like sheen that retains its colour and brightness over the years.
Comparing Wood and Laminate
When properly cared for, laminate cabinets have longevity, but wooden cabinets typically last longer. Laminate itself is very tough. It's hard to dent or scratch. Problems occur when edges or corners of laminate lift slightly.
Laminate Cabinets
This process leaves a completely smooth surface that does not show any seams. The lack of seams around the door's joints can be a clear indication that your cabinet doors are a laminate material.
Laminate cabinets are easier to clean than wood, they offer more durability over time and tend to conceal fewer scratches than solid wood cabinets and cabinet doors. There once was a time when there weren't many options when it came to designing kitchen cabinetry.
Laminate, on the other hand, is made out of recycled hardwood, so it is not waterproof. Due to its melamine wear layer, it has a tough finish which resists against scratches and may have minor protection against minor water (quick spills).
Compared to solid wood options, laminate furniture is much more stain and scratch-resistant. The manufacturing process creates an incredibly durable product that can withstand a demanding work environment. When it comes to affordability, laminate furniture offers great value.
Laminate furniture is very durable and protects against chips and scratches. Laminate desks, long tables and other pieces are ideal when sharp tools are frequently used. Maintenance tips for laminate: Use cleaners specially made to maintain the appearance of laminate.
If your kitchen encounters frequent food spills and the pitter-patter of kids or pets, this durable surface may be the solution. Laminate mimics the look of hardwood or tile and comes with a lower price tag. The surface resists stains and scratches, and cleanup is a snap.
Laminates (commonly known as Sun Mica in India) are the most commonly used finish in any modular kitchen and offers a great deal of durability for the price. It is usually made of plastic and an excellent substitute for natural wood and comes in a wide variety of patterns, colours and designs.
A sure way to recognize wood laminate is when the grain does NOT follow through your piece. Wood Veneer is a sheet or thin layer of 'quality-natural-hardwood' that is adhered to a lesser quality wood surface.
The least expensive option is painting laminate cabinets. Laminate is not an ideal surface to paint, but it can be done.
Of the three materials, Plywood is the best option for cheap kitchen cabinets. While you can still get nice MDF or particleboard cabinets, we would say to look for plywood. Our least expensive cabinets are plywood boxes with solid wood doors. They are quality construction for a cheap price.
You can sand, prime and paint laminate as if it were a solid wood piece of furniture! It's easy to skip the sanding step, because sanding is a drag… but it's especially important with laminate. Because it's often somewhat glossy-looking, and important to sand it down until the finish is very dull before priming.
MDF forms a solid core underneath the laminate, and it's a better substrate for painting than particleboard, which is a loose conglomeration of wood chips that are likely to separate and crumble when you pull off the laminate.
Laminate cabinets are cheap wooden cabinets that are covered with a plastic-like layer called laminate. Laminate cabinets usually have a glossy shine to them that makes the cabinet feel at home in a modern or transitional-style kitchen.
While there are many types of paint to choose from, the best paint for kitchen cabinets is typically semi-gloss, gloss or satin. Matte is not practical in kitchens and baths where you will need durable paint you can easily clean.
Compared to acrylic, PVC has a wider range of colors. Acrylic finishes are scratch-resistant and do not decay over the years, but PVC laminating maintains a seamless and glossy appearance. Acrylic surfaces can be scratched with very sharp objects.
Compared to Paint, Laminate is the costlier option. However, they are also more durable and long-lasting than paint. This will even out the costs over time. Merino Laminates is a global leader in the laminates industry, and one of the largest manufacturers of laminates and panels in the world.