High Pressure Laminate
This information reflects our best understanding of product composition in 2016.
High pressure laminates (HPL) are made by pressing layers of resin-impregnated paper together under high pressure and heat. The top layer (overlay) is a paper very similar to what is used in coffee filters, impregnated with a melamine resin. The...
High pressure laminates (HPL) are made by pressing layers of resin-impregnated paper together under high pressure and heat. The top layer (overlay) is a paper very similar to what is used in coffee filters, impregnated with a melamine resin. The decorative layer is a paper printed with the desired design (wood grain, stone tile, etc), impregnated with urea formaldehyde resin. The bottom three layers are made from kraft paper, impregnated with phenol formaldehyde resin. Once pressed, the overlay layer provides a clear protective layer over the decorative print, and the laminate is a thin, rigid sheet. Because it lacks any reinforcement, HPL must be adhered to a substrate before it can be used. Countertop, flooring, and furniture are common applications.