Postforming countertop: types, advantages and disadvantages

You choose the countertop or kitchen? You do not know what to give preference among a large number of goods. We offer to pay attention to postforming countertops. That is, as arranged, how to choose and care. Today, you will get answers to these questions.

Postforming - a sufficiently broad concept. It includes a number of products made by a specific technology. It also represents a direct manufacturing technology.

This technique consists in laminating countertop or other surface of chipboard or MDF thin layer of plastic by heating it to a temperature of 220 degrees. In the manufacturing process of parts on the basis of three layers of materials deposited.

1. Kraft paper. It is used for durable adhesion of the other layers to the substrate, increasing the life of the countertop.
   

   Kraft paper for adhesion layers

2. Decorative plastic. It has a color basis, contains a picture or pattern. This allows you to create an interesting design. Often applied to the plastic pattern which during heating is slightly different, which provides a unique decor of each product.
   

   Decorative plastic to the outside of the beautiful

3. Last - a protective layer. It consists of acrylic and melamine resins. With this product has moisture resistance, resistance to high temperature and high strength.

This technique is quite common today. It was first used in 1976 in Germany. So how to meet the expectations and proven functionality and usefulness spread quickly among the companies of other countries.

Kinds

Types postforming worktops can be divided according to two criteria. Depending on the used bases emit worktops:

• particleboard;
• MDF.

This wood-base materials. They are soft, well to the treatment, do not deteriorate during lamination. Materials such as wood, natural stone, granite or marble does not require this type of treatment.

You can also divide the products according to the appearance. You can order postforming countertop.

View	production Features
Under the tree	The effect is achieved through clear plastic. In this case, the pattern is chipboard, which is very similar in structure to natural wood.
under stone	natural stone look is achieved by appropriate pattern plastic layer which is applied to kraft paper.
Under the granite or marble	Countertops treated in the art often postforming like made of natural marble, thanks chaotic pattern on the surface.

This treatment gained popularity, has a beautiful appearance and has many positive sides.

Advantages and disadvantages

This type of table tops has many advantages, it is no wonder it's so popular:

• Price. Compared with other types of this has a significantly lower price, while they are very similar qualities.
  

  The use in the manufacture of inexpensive materials allows you to create very democratic price of the product

• Appearance. Bright and shiny gloss will make any kitchen a festive and attractive, and the smoothness of the surface - pleasant cooking.
  

  Manufacturers offer a countertop made of different materials and in different colors

• Design variations. Wood, plastic, marble or granite - all in one bottle. Since you can pick up the kitchen at any style using this technology, without changing the material and not overpaying,
  

  Variety of options for countertops, plastic-coated

  

  The color scheme of chipboard worktop thermoplastic coated

• Strength. Due to multiple layers and protective coatings such table has a high resistance performance, and will last a long time.

Speaking of shortcomings, pay attention to the components. Basis - chipboard or MDF. It is not natural bases are used in their manufacture formaldehyde resin, which may cause an appropriate response in allergic subjects. The coating also consists of synthetic material and contains or acrylic melamine resin. However, note that the apparent allergic reactions have been identified users. And given that we are surrounded by most synthetic materials, such an option is acceptable.

selection rules

No matter you are ordering the product individually or buy at the store, you should pay attention to some of the selection criteria.

• Quality. Look carefully at the product: the thickness of the countertop must comply with the stated, all other parameters too. Require the seller a certificate of quality, and look at those characteristics that you will not see with the naked eye.
  

  Black laminated worktops in the interior

• Absence of defects. Sometimes during transportation may be formed on the surface of small chips or cracks. Therefore, carefully inspect the goods upon delivery and the choice.
  

  If the surface is damaged, then restore it is almost impossible

• Appearance. Besides the fact that it must be in perfect condition, it is necessary to match the overall style of the room.

Here are the main criteria that can not be overlooked when buying a product. Now you can safely choose to go postforming countertop.

care Regulations

That the product will last for many a century, it is necessary for the proper care. In this case, it is quite simple:

• after cooking table wipe dry;
• periodically polish the surface.

And in general, contact with furniture carefully to avoid unnecessary dirt and scratches, which will greatly simplify your work during the harvest.

Video: Making of chipboard worktops (HPL plastic) with postforming