BLOOM POSTMEL POSTFORMING LAMINATES

Product Identification

POSTMEL Postforming laminates are designed for manufacturing countertops and for pasting over other contoured horizontal surfaces through heating the laminate and rolling it over the substrate edge.

Product Composition

Postforming high-pressure laminates are manufactured by combining decorative paper saturated in melamine resin with phenolic- impregnated kraft layers at pressures exceeding 1000 psi (6895 kPa) and temperatures approaching 300. F (150. C). The panels are trimmed to size and the backs are sanded to facilitate bonding. The laminating process combines the durability of melamine resins with the aesthetics of decorative papers.

Production Description

Finish Options

Note : Gloss units measured with a 60 degree gloss meter

Typical Use

Typical postforming laminate is used in applications where a rolled edge is desirable. The rolled edge eliminates seams and produces a smooth, attractive appearance to the finished assembly. Countertops, cabinet doors, drawer fronts and desktops can be made using post forming laminates.

Postforming Tips

When working with POSTMEL, the following care will ensure good results.

1. Proper conditioning of the laminate, substrate, and backing sheet minimizes possible warping, shrinking, or expansion of assembled panels. Ideally, all components should be conditioned at 70. F to 75. F (21. C to 25. C) and 45 to 50 percent relative humidity for 48 hours prior to assembly.

2. The substrate edge with a radius should be smooth, rounded, and free of irregularities and loose particles.

3. Lead-in cracks may be minimized ensuring a smooth cut on the edge of the laminate.

4. Always bond laminate to a suitable substrate such as medium to high-density fiber-board, particleboard, or metals. It should not be glued directly to plaster walls, gypsum wallboard, or concrete.

5. Recommended adhesives include postformable solvent or water-based contact cement, white glue (PVA), and epoxy. Consult your adhesive supplier for specific requirements.

6. The use of a backing sheet is recommended to minimize warpage. The thickness of the backing sheet should be relatively equal to the thickness of the decorative laminate on the face of the assembly.

7. The decorative surface to be formed should be heated to a temperature of 325. F (165 deg. C).

8. The desired heat-up rate to 325. F (165 deg C) should be one second for every 0.001” of thickness (i.e. 28 seconds for P 800, 39 seconds for P1000)

9. Forming should be accomplished within 5 seconds of achieving proper surface temperature.

10. Heat-up rate of laminate is affected by thickness, color and finish. Temperature should be verified with a temperature-indicating wax.

Fabrication Tips

1. All saw blades and router bits used for cutting should be carbide tipped. Feed rate should be slow and tool speed should be high. To minimize the development of surface scratches caused by router bits, lubricating the laminate edge with a wax stick is recommended prior to tooling.

2. Inside corners of cutouts for electrical outlets, sinks, etc. should have a minimum radius of 1/8” (3mm) and filed smooth. This reduces the likelihood of stress cracks.

3. All edges of laminate should be filed smooth with file direction towards substrate to help prevent stress cracks and to minimize chipping.

4. When nails or screws are used, it is advisable to first drill an oversized hole through the laminate. This reduces the likelihood of stress cracks.

5. All laminates are intended for interior use only, and should not be exposed to extreme humidity, continuous sunlight, or temperatures above 275 deg F (135 deg C) for extended periods of time.

Care & Maintenance

POSTMEL provides a durable surface that is easy to maintain.

To maintain the laminate’s lasting beauty, cleaning with a solution of warm water and liquid dishwashing detergent should suffice.

Stains may be removed with the use of non-abrasive household cleaning liquids. Light scrubbing with a soft brush may be necessary to remove stains.

If the stain persists, use a paste of baking soda and water and apply with a soft brush. Light scrubbing for 10-20 strokes should remove most stains. Although baking soda is a low abrasive, excessive scrubbing or exerting too much force may damage the decorative surface, especially, if it has a gloss finish.

Stubbom stains that resist any of the above cleaning methods may require the use of undiluted household bleach. Apply the bleach to the stain and let it stand no longer than 1 minute. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and wipe dry. This step may be repeated if the stain appears to be going away and the color of the laminate has not been affected.

Fire Test Data

High pressure decorative laminate is frequently used in installations governed by local fire codes. Burning characteristics of laminates are greatly influenced by the adhesive and substrate. Typical flame and spread index and smoke developed values for “POSTMEL” postforming laminates are available on request from the company.

WARNING :

Prolonged exposure of the laminate surface to bleach will cause discoloration. Many commercially available products contain substances that may damage or discolor a laminate surface. ABRASIVE CLEARNES SHOULD NOT BE USED. Particular care should be taken with products labeled CAUTION or WARNING. queries may be directed to the head office. Do not allow harsh materials to
remain in contact with the laminate surface.
Examples of these are as follows :

• Toilet bowl cleaners
• Chlorine bleach
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Coffee Pot cleaners
• Oven cleaners
• Hard water stain removers
• Drain cleaners
• Fruit and berry juice
• Metal cleaners and polish
• Tube and tile cleaners

Limited Warranty

Subject to the laminates set forth below, Bloom Dekor Limited expressly warrants that our products are reasonably free of defects in material and when properly handled and fabricated, will conform within accepted tolerances to applicable manufacturing specifications that are setforth in our information brochure. This warranty shall extend to the original buyer for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of shipment of this product by Bloom Dekor Limited and shall not be assignable by the original buyer. This warranty does not cover damage resulting from accident, misuse, alternation, abuse or lack of reasonable care.

Due to the variety of uses and applications to which this product may be put and since the manufacturer has no control over the end products fabricated, the warranty set forth above is exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties, express or usage in the trade including, without limitations, the implied warranties of fitness for a particular purpose and merchantability and Bloom Dekor Limited shall have no obligations or liability to any person or entity in connection with or arising from furnishing sale, Installation or repair, use or subsequent sale of product supplied.

The buyer’s sole and exclusive remedy for any noncompliance with the express warranty set forth above shall be limited to repair or replacement of the defective product or, in the event that repair or replacement is not feasible, return of the product or refund of the purchase price.

Under no circumstances shall the manufacturer be liable to pay compensation in excess of the purchase price of this product, for any loss, damage or injury in connection with or arising out of the purchase, use or inability to use this product, or for any special, indirect, collateral, incidental, consequential or exemplary damages such as but limited to, loss of anticipated profits or order economic loss. Because some states do not allow the expulsion or limitation of consequential damages, this limitation may not apply to you.