Use and Care Guide
Formica
®
Laminate by Formica Group 1
USE AND CARE GUIDELINES
Formica
®
Laminate and ColorCore2
TM
by Formica Group are
designed for beauty and durability. Like any surfacing materials
they can be damaged by abuse and carelessness. When used as
recommended with proper use and care, the end result is years
of satisfaction.
PROTECTING THE SURFACE
Before selecting the surface material, consider the type of use
it will receive, as well as its texture, color, and reflective values.
A rough-textured surface has different advantages, depending
upon use, than a smooth-textured surface. For example, high-
gloss finish laminates are not recommended for use in heavy-duty
applications such as countertops. Dark colors tend to enhance
scratches, marring and fingerprints.
SCRATCH AND IMPACT PROTECTION
Formica Brand Laminate and ColorCore2 surfacing material are
resistant to scratches and impacts under normal use conditions.
Use cutting boards, chopping blocks, or other
protective surfaces.
gouge the surface.
Use place mats, doilies, and trivets on laminate surfaces
when necessary.
premature wear – do not slide these items across surface.
Follow recommendations for cleaning – do not use abrasive
cleaners, steel wool, sandpaper, or Scotch-Brite
®
scouring
pads (see Cleaning section inside).
HOT OBJECTS
Cookware still hot from the stove, oven or microwave, as well as
electric skillets, waffle irons, curling irons and hot rollers, should
not be placed directly on laminate surfaces. Prolonged exposure
to temperatures of 140°F (60°C) or higher may cause the laminate
to separate from the core material. Use a trivet, insulated hot pad
or other protective device beneath all hot cookware, heat
material can withstand heat up to 275°F (135°C) for short
periods of time.
Avoid ironing or placing a hot iron on laminate surfaces.
Do not place lighted cigarettes directly on laminate surfaces.
ORDINARY CLEANING
Formica Brand Laminate and ColorCore2 surfacing material are
very easy to clean.
abrasive cotton cloth and a mild liquid detergent or
household cleaner.
can penetrate and cause the substrate to swell.
For specific types of surfaces, use the following care guidelines.
MATTE AND SPARKLE FINISH LAMINATES
Especially hard-to-clean areas may require special attention.
Use a nylon bristled hand or vegetable brush, along with a mild
liquid detergent-and-water solution or household cleaner. Clean
as indicated above.
SCULPTURE AND DIMENSIONAL FINISH LAMINATES
These surfaces may require special attention to clean the
depressed areas. Use a nylon-bristled hand or vegetable brush,
along with a mild liquid detergent-and-water solution or house-
hold cleaner. Clean the soiled area, using a rotating motion.
HIGH GLOSS FINISH LAMINATES
use a mild glass cleaner and then dry with a clean, non-abrasive
cotton cloth. Avoid exterior glass cleaner.
ABRASIVES
Abrasive pads, scouring powders or cleaners may permanently
dull and scratch the laminate surface making it susceptible
to staining.
these items across surface.
CHEMICAL DAMAGE
Never use cleaners containing acid, alkali, or sodium hypochlorite.
These cleaners will mar, etch, corrode, and permanently discolor
the laminate surface. Also, make sure that bottles, rags, and
other materials contaminated with these cleaners never contact
the laminate surface. Accidental spills or splatters from these
compounds should be wiped off immediately, and the area rinsed
thoroughly with water.
FORMICA
®
LAMINATE AND COLORCORE2
TM
BY FORMICA GROUP
USE AND CARE GUIDE / WARRANTY