Questions frequently asked about specifying Formica® products
Question
What are the key factors in determining a specification for Formica products?
Answer
The following criteria are essential:
• Product type
• Colour / Pattern / Reference Code
• Surface finish / texture
• Grade
• Sheet size
• Fire Performance
• Wet or dry area application
• Substrate and balancer
• Joint and edge treatment
• Fixing method
Question
Are there any relevant standard specification clauses?
Answer
Yes. The following NBS clauses are relevant when specifying Formica products.
K13 Rigid Sheet Fine Linings / Panelling
Clauses: 130, 140
K32 Framed Panel Cubicle Partitions
Clauses: 10, 120
L20 Doors / Shutters / Hatches
Clauses: 20, 230
N10 General Fixtures / Furnishings / Equipment
Clauses: 350, 40
N13 Sanitary Appliances / Fittings
The NBS web site (www.nbsplus.co.uk) contains pro-formas for each of those clauses, ready to complete with your details. For an example of a completed clause see 'Specification Clauses' under 'Specifying’ in the ‘Technical’ section.)
Question
How can I obtain samples of Formica products?
Answer
Product literature and material samples are available direct from our Fast Samples Service via the Request Samples tool in the Site Tools or by contacting the service on the following numbers:
Tel: 0191 259 3512
Fax: 0191 257 9878
Email: samples@formica.co.uk
Question
Can I use my own design?
Answer
Yes. The production processes of the Formica Digital Service allow individual custom designs to be encapsulated in Formica HPL. Laminates created through the Digital Service can be used in a variety of applications, both horizontal and vertical.
Question
Do you match RAL?
Answer
Our plain colours are cross-referenced to the NCS colour standard and, where relevant, to the RAL Design and RAL Classic systems. The Colour Matching tool in the Site Tools contains a facility by which you can enter any Formica Plain Colours reference and call up the matching references or, conversely, enter an NCS, RAL Design or RAL Classic number to call up the matching Formica Plain Colour item reference code(s).
Question
How should I decide panel sizes?
Answer
By considering the various sheet sizes at the design stage. Sheet size depends on the product specified. Additionally, a variety of patterns and plain colours is available in large sheet size (3660mm x 1830mm x 12mm or 3660mm x 1525mm) ideal for washroom cubicles, and in 2150mm x 950mm suitable for most interior door applications. You can use the Advanced Search tool in the Site Tools to identify Formica items available in particular sheet sizes, among many other possible search criteria.
Question
Can corporate identities be created in Formica laminate?
Answer
Yes. Our Digital Service provides the opportunity to incorporate logos and graphic images within Formica high pressure laminate through specialised printing and laminating processes. Additionally, corporate identities can be engraved or routered into the surfaces of Formica ColorCore® laminate, Compact Grade laminate or Formica Solid Surfacing Material.
Question
I have a laminate sample that appears slightly different from the way it looks in the brochure / the web site. Why is this?
Answer
The sample is what you rely on when you commit yourself to specifying.
The designs shown in our brochures are matched as closely as the printing process will allow, but printing can never exactly reproduce actual laminate.
Similarly, the images on this web site have been matched as closely as the technology allows, but their representation is subject to the ability of individual users’ computer video systems (graphics card and monitor settings) to reproduce accurately the true colours and patterns of each design.
Brochures and web images are very helpful for your initial research, but Formica Limited always recommends that you examine actual laminate samples before specifying, fabricating or installing.
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