When it comes to decorating cabinets, walls, ceilings, and even furniture, the laminate finish has emerged as the most popular choice in recent years. Used as the top layer for plywood, MDF, particleboard, wall panels, wooden furniture, and even flooring options, the laminate finish is well-known for its versatility and appeal. A laminate finish can go a long way in adding a smooth and modern look to the interiors of any space at a highly cost- effective price. People can choose from a wide variety of laminate finishes to match their décor needs and their budget. However, before learning about the most popular laminate finishes, it is important to learn some basic facts about the finish itself.
The laminate finish is a decorative coating obtained by pressing thin sheets of kraft paper together and resins under high temperature and pressure. The resulting sheets are used as the top layer on different types of surfaces to enhance their beauty and appeal. The thickness of laminate sheets ranges between 0.6 and 1.5 mm, and they are suitable for use on both interior surfaces and exterior areas. The cost of different types of laminate sheets depends on their quality, pattern, smoothness of finish, and branding.
Users are often spoilt for choice in terms of selecting a laminate finish, given the wide variety of options available in the market. Below are the brief details of the most popular laminate finishes that can help you choose the right one.
As the name indicates, this laminate adds a matte finish to the surface and is mostly preferred for use on kitchen cabinets. They are known for their moderately reflective surface and better resistance to dust and scratches. Most importantly, cleaning this laminate finish is extremely easy, and its muted appearance helps to conceal any marks and stains quite effectively.
The textured finish is extremely popular among people seeking a natural look and appeal to any surface. The finish helps to add an element of depth to the surface and gives it an evergreen look with its solid colors and patterns. However, this laminate finish tends to accumulate a considerable amount of dirt and grime, which makes it unsuitable for use in areas like the kitchen.
The metallic laminate finish adds a modern touch and appeals to your interiors. Hence it is suitable for both modern and contemporary homes. This finish adds a sense of richness and sophistication to the interiors of a space. Even though this laminate finish is quite expensive, it lasts longer and offers high resistance to scuff and scratch marks.
This laminate finish is known for making a surface highly reflective and smooth to create bright and shiny interiors. In addition, the glossy finish helps to create the illusion of space, making it a perfect choice for decorating the interiors of small spaces. However, this laminate finish is prone to scratching and staining and needs to be cleaned regularly to maintain its stylish look.
One of the biggest advantages of PVC laminate finish is that it is moisture-proof and hence is suitable for use in bathrooms and other areas prone to moisture. In addition, this laminate gives a plastic-like look to the surfaces and is extremely easy to clean and maintain. The high flexibility of the laminate also makes it suitable for complex designs with peaks.
An acrylic laminate finish is a great way to give the interiors a high-end, modern, and sophisticated look. The laminate finish makes the surfaces quite reflective, which makes the interiors instantly bright and radiant. In addition, the laminates are known for offering high moisture resistance and damage caused by UV rays. It is also easy to clean and maintain, making it a perfect choice for all types of homes.
As the name indicates, this laminate finish is designed for covering the external surfaces of a house or property. This laminate finish is known for its high durability and resistance to damage from weather elements. It is also known to be fireproof and scratchproof, keeping the exteriors looking elegant and beautiful for several years.
High-pressure laminates are known to be the most durable of all laminate finishes and hence are suitable for use on high-pressure surfaces. They are extremely tough and offer exceptional resistance to stains, scratching, and damage by heat and temperature variations. They offer a stylish and innovative look to the interiors but are not suitable for use in external environments. They also offer low resistance to chemicals, bacteria, and corrosion.
The versatility offered by the laminate finish in terms of design options, durability, and style, makes it great for use in diverse applications both for the interiors and exterior of a property.
