samples of high pressure laminate

Use this HPL installation guide for your next interior project!

Veterans in construction and interior design would know that no maintenance can make up for a bad installation job. The process of installing high pressure laminates is not exempted. With both solid color and wood grain laminate offering a premium finish that levels up the aesthetics of any space, it is important to hire a provider that knows how to install HPL properly. Whether you are a crafty homemaker looking to DIY the interior design of your residence or you are a business owner looking to hire a high-pressure laminate supplier for your project, we put together this handy HPL installation guide so you can learn some vital do’s and don’ts of HPL installation!

But first, what is HPL?

HPL, or high pressure laminate, is a material used as a surfacing solution in both commercial and residential developments. It is a popular pick among construction and interior professionals alike because of its versatility and aesthetic design. Several sheets of craft paper are reinforced with resin and mesh to form durable high pressure laminate sheets that are coated with a special solution to protect it from substance infiltration and improve its shock resistance.

Though it is a durable material choice that both home DIY enthusiasts and professionals can attempt to work with, installing HPL properly is essential to getting the most durability and longevity out of your high-pressure laminate application. Read on for our top six tips on HPL installation so you can enjoy your space improvement for many years to come.

1. Measure out the area of your HPL installation

Like most interior and construction projects, getting the exact measurements is essential to installing HPL properly. Though high-pressure laminates are a forgiving material to work with, getting a clean and crisp application during your HPL installation becomes a LOT easier when working with precise panels. This HPL installation tip is great for minimizing any creases and wasted material.

2. Survey the site of your project

Despite its infiltration and shock resistance, not all areas are great for the longevity of your HPL. Survey the area where you planned your high-pressure laminate installation and check for the presence of the following: moisture, humidity, dust, and scratch risks. These areas may put your HPL at risk. For example, if the area is high-traffic and prone to scratch risks like sharp objects or scratches from pets, cuts into the HPL may expose its inner layers—including its adhesive. If left exposed, dust may cling and turn your elegant piece into an unsightly disaster. Special attention to the humidity and moisture levels of the area should also be taken, as they are one of the major don’ts for HPL installation because they risk early degradation and molds.

3. Prep and prime the area

Regardless of where you put your HPL, prepping the surface properly is a major prep step for installing your high pressure laminate panel. If the surface used to have other installations or has leftover adhesives, which may compromise your HPL’s look and integrity in the long run, it’s better to peel everything off and smoothen it using sand paper. Once the surface is smooth and clear, use a gentle solution comprised of warm water and soap to clear the wall or surface of any remaining dust and debris before applying a waterproof primer to give your HPL panels something strong to hold on to during installation.

4. You need nothing short of perfection

Easily one of the most important tips on this HPL installation guide is getting the placement of your first few HPL panels right since it is crucial for a crisp layout. It is advised to practice restraint and precision on your first laminate installation. Once HPL has been given time to cure and bond, it can become very costly to have a complete do-over of a room or area. Pay special attention to how you apply your high-pressure laminates, especially on walls and floors since any crookedness can easily throw off your entire project. It is better to be thorough early on than to waste your time and money having to correct all your hard work.

5. Waterproof the space

If eliminating the presence of the four elements above is not possible, then at least take a precaution by investing in a high-quality water-proofing treatment. This is one of our best tips for high pressure laminate installation and may turn out to be a lifesaver in case of any major splashes or brief exposure to extreme weather conditions. Moisture damage is one of the worst things that can happen to HPL sheets despite its water-resistant properties. This is because moisture can get trapped within the material and cause gradual damage that makes your laminate more prone to molds and bubbles. Waterproofing treatment is a MUST in high-moisture areas like kitchen and bathroom applications.

6. Don’t rush the process

If you are applying the laminate to a shared space like your home or office, advise your family or colleagues to stay away from the site of your HPL installation while its under construction. High-pressure laminates will need some time to cure and acclimate. This is because several external factors like temperature, moisture, and even the quality of your primer, can affect how well and how fast the HPL sheets adhere to surfaces. Temperature considerations also need to be accounted for since materials expand when subjected to an increase in temperature. A curing period of about 48 hours is ideal, so be sure to give advance notice!

We hope that this guide to HPL installation will help you with your project! These six tips for HPL installation are a must for maximizing your laminate interiors. Invest and protect your HPL applications with these do’s and don’ts so you can enjoy them for many years to come!

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