Laminating paper is used to create inexpensive laminate building materials, such as flooring and countertops, by printing stone or wood-like designs on it. The paper is made from low kappa degree hardwoods and comes in rolls or sheets of different grades. After printing, it is covered with a resinous coating and glued to a substrate using heat and pressure.
Laminating paper is a special paper used to create laminate building materials. These laminate materials, which include items like flooring and countertops, are an inexpensive alternative to traditional building materials like hardwood or granite. Using lamination paper, manufacturers can print stone or wood-like designs that recreate the look of these more expensive materials. The laminating paper is then glued to a wood or composite substrate and covered with a protective wear coating.
The paper used to make laminated products differs from traditional paper in a number of special characteristics. Laminating paper is made from hardwoods with a low kappa degree, which means the wood pulp has a low lignin number and is very bleachable. When pressed and dried to form laminating paper, this type of wood creates a very smooth and uniform finish. It is also very dense which allows for a better finish and better print quality.
Laminating paper comes in a variety of forms, including rolls and sheets. Manufacturers rely on rolls of this paper when producing laminate sheets or laminate flooring. Individual sheets can be used for floor tiles or planks, or even to make smaller sections of laminate for countertop cladding.
This paper often has a bright white finish, although black or brown shades are also available for darker prints. It comes in different grades, which represent the weight and quality of the paper. Heavy laminating paper can measure from 60 to 80 grams, while light versions can measure 30 grams. The higher the grade, the duller the paper tends to be. The highly opaque paper helps hide surface defects in the composite substrate and also results in cleaner, more precise image quality.
After the paper has been printed to the desired finish, it needs to be covered with a coating material for protection. This coating is usually made from a resinous material, or polyurethane, which gives the paper a hard, durable finish. Many laminate products also rely on melamine liners for their increased hardness and strength.
Once the laminating paper has been printed and given a protective finish, it can be glued to the backing. This substrate can include plywood, composite lumber, or even layers of resin-soaked kraft paper. Paper is often applied using a laminating machine, which uses heat and pressure to join materials together. Special adhesives can also be added to ensure a secure bond.
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