How to Specify

Contractor shall supply and install high pressure laminate as shown on drawings and specified herein.

High pressure laminate to be stored with top face-down and a caul board on top to protect material from damage and from warping. Laminate to be protected from moisture and from contact with floors or outside walls.

1.2 Preconditioning

Laminate and substrate to acclimate for at least 48 hours at same ambient condition. Optimum conditions being approximately 75°F (24°C) and relative humidity of 45 to 55%. Air circulation to be provided around product.

2.1 High Pressure Laminate

High pressure laminate should be Formica® brand laminate produced by Formica Corporation, Cincinnati, Ohio.

PL-1 Color Number
Color Name
Grade (Name/Number)
Finish (Name/Number)

PL-2 Color Number
Color Name
Grade (Name/Number)
Finish (Name/Number)

2.2 Adhesives

for standard and postforming grade laminate) Contact, semi-rigid (PVAc) or rigid (Urea Resorcinol) adhesives are recommended. Fabricator to follow adhesive manufacturer's recommendations.

(ColorCore surfacing material) Semi-rigid (PVAc) or non-pigmented contact adhesives are recommended. Fabricator to follow adhesive manufacturer's recommendations.

2.3 Substrates

Laminate to be bonded to a suitable substrate such as medium-density fiber board (MDF) or a 45# density particle board (CS 236-66; Type 1, Grade B, Class 2). The following materials are not recommended for use: plywood, plaster, gypsum board, concrete. Maximum panel widths to be 24" (609.6mm) for Grade 20.

2.4 Backing Sheets

Backing sheets to be provided as necessary to balance assembly and prevent warping.

PL-1 Color Number
Color Name
Grade (Name/Number)

3.1 Inspection

All surfaces to be laminated are to be inspected to determine if they are sound, clean and free of surface defects. All defects found are to be corrected.

3.2 Preparation

Surfaces to be sanded and prepared as required to provide a surface that is smooth, clean, free of oil or grease and uniform in thickness.

3.3 Installation

A. Material equipment and workmanship should conform to industry-standard practices, conditions, procedures and recommendations as specified by ANSI/NEMA LD3-1995 Section 4, Architectural Woodwork Quality Standards, DLPA(Decorative Laminated Products Association) and ANSI 161.2-1979 standards.

B. Panel assemblies should be laminated with suitable backer sheets to minimize warping.

C. Maximum panel widths to be 24" (609.6mm) for Grade 20.

D. All inside corners of cutouts to be radiused as large as possible (1/8" minimum). All edges and corners to be filed smooth, free of chips and nicks. Surface shall be Formica® brand laminate, manufactured by Formica Corporation.

PL-1 Color Number
Color Name
Grade (Name/Number)
Finish (Name/Number)

Short Form
Surface material shall meet or exceed National Electrical Manufacturers Association Performance Standards (NEMA LD3-1995) for high pressure decorative laminate. Fabrication to comply with Architectural Woodwork Quality Standards, Guide Specifications and Quality Certification Program guidelines from the American Woodworkers Institute.

General Information Detailed product information is available in the Formica Corporation Specification Manual available from Formica Corporation regional offices or your local Formica® brand products distributor.

Additional Information Technical Services: For product application and technical assistance, or for information about national and local codes and industry or commercial standards, call (513) 786-3048. In Canada, call 1-800-363-1405. In Mexico, call (525) 530-3135.