PEARLESCENCE® HIGH PRESSURE DECORATIVE LAMINATE
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PRODUCT DATA SHEET PEARLESCENCE® HIGH PRESSURE DECORATIVE LAMINATE PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Pearlescence® high-pressure decorative laminates are a series of solid color, prints, which feature inks with pearlescent particles to create a dramatic visual effect when exposed to light. To achieve their unique visual impact, Pearlescence laminates are manufactured with a reduced amount of melamine resin. This allows for the maximum amount of ambient light to reflect and refract from the surface, enhancing its unique luster and visual appeal. The amount of melamine resin gives laminates their wear, abrasion and scratch resistance. As a result of reduced melamine resin content, Pearlescence laminates (with the exception of those specified in Catalyst® finish) do not achieve NEMA standards for abrasion resistance.The NEMA standard is 400 revolutions on a Taber Abrader; Pearlescence laminates achieve 100-300 cycles. Therefore, Pearlescence laminates are not recommended for high-wear horizontal applications in all finishes. RECOMMENDED APPLICATIONS Pearlescence® laminate panels in the Textured, Chrysalis, Crisscross, Gloss, Catalyst and Corrugated finishes should only be specified for vertical and/or nonworking horizontal surfaces exposed to minimal wear. Typical vertical applications can include wall paneling, interior doors, elevator cab interiors, cabinetry, casino slot bases, and bar fronts. Lamin-Art® Pearlescence products may also be specified with Oyster Shield High-Wear Protection™ in the Textured, Catalyst, or Gloss finish. Typical horizontal applications include contract furniture and casework, as well as store fixtures. This exclusive surface enhancement provides these products with the same abrasion resistance properties as Lamin-Art general purpose high-pressure decorative laminates for specification on horizontal applications and high-wear surfaces. Lamin-Art brand high-pressure decorative laminate is for interior use only and is not recommended for direct application to plywood, steel, aluminum, fiber reinforced plastic, plaster, gypsum board or concrete. Do not use in areas exposed to temperatures in excess of 275°F (135°C) or high humidity. PRODUCT COMPOSITION Pearlescence® high-pressure decorative laminates are manufactured by laminating phenolic resin-impregnated kraft sheets with melamine resin-impregnated decorative sheets. In order to maximize the interaction of light with the embedded pearlescent inks in the decorative sheet, Pearlescence laminates are treated with less melamine resin than Lamin-Art® general purpose high-pressure decorative laminates. The lamination is performed under a minimum pressure of 1,000 psi (2,068 kPa) at a temperature of approximately 300°F (149°C). CONDITIONING Pearlescence® high-pressure decorative laminate may be sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity conditions. If adhered with excess moisture present, there is a risk of cracking and open seams due to shrinkage, particularly in winter conditions or when relative humidity is low. Prior to adhesive application to a suitable substrate, Pearlescence panels should be carefully conditioned. (The recommended method of conditioning is to store panels and substrates together in the same room for a period of at least 72 hours with adequate air movement, under stable temperature and humidity conditions as close as posssible to actual conditions at the installation site.) Recommended conditioning for all panels is at approximately 75° F (24° C), with 45-55% relative humidity. STORAGE AND HANDLING Pearlescence® high-pressure decorative laminate sheets should be stored horizontally, back-to-back and face-to-face, with the top sheet turned face down and a caul board placed on top to preserve the material. Storing the panels in an atmospherically stabilized room is recommended to avoid extreme fluctuations of moisture. Lamin-Art® recommends that full-sized sheets be carried by two people with the decorative facing upward whenever possible. INSTALLATION All surfaces to be laminated should be inspected prior to installation to ensure that they are clean and free of surface defects. If applicable the protective coating (peel coat) should be removed prior to inspection. All defects should be corrected before application. Material, equipment, and workmanship should conform to industry-standard practices, conditions, procedures, and recommendations specified by National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) LD 3-2005 Annex A, Architectural Woodworking Institute (AWI) Quality Standards, and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 161.2-

Laminate should be adhesively bonded to a substrate at the application site, or to a sheet substrate forming a new composite component which will be used in other assemblies. Suitable substrates may include but are not limited to particleboard (minimum density 45 pounds/cubic foot), medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or high density fiberboard (HDF). Materials with insufficient dimensional stability or internal bond strength such as plywood, steel, aluminum, fiber reinforced plastic, plaster, gypsum board, and similar materials are not recommended for use as substrates. Concrete is not a...

WHAT IS OYSTER SHIELD HIGH-WEAR PROTECTION? Using an exclusive manufacturing process, our Oyster Shield High-Wear Protection™ increases the surface abrasion resistance without sacrificing their beauty. It’s available on select Pearlescence® laminates. The result: Pearlescence laminates with Oyster Shield High-Wear Protection are suitable for both horizontal and vertical surfaces. Please note that, according to the NEMA manual: “The scratch resistance of HPDL is influenced by lightness and gloss. Lighter colors and textured surfaces are perceived to be more scratch resistant than...