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Author Topic: Formica alternative?  (Read 5331 times)

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JamesRIves

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Formica alternative?
« on: October 07, 2017, 01:58:10 pm »
Hi everyone,

I just finished up the woodwork on an old cabinet, and now I'm exploring surfacing alternatives.  I don't want to use paint.  Formica is an option, but I'm really attempting to find something just a bit thinner that can be put down in a single piece trimmed to fit with an Xacto versus a router.  The idea surface would be a bit thicker than standard vinyl, but not as thick as standard formica or other typical laminates. 

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Jim

yotsuya

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Re: Formica alternative?
« Reply #1 on: October 07, 2017, 02:32:27 pm »
I've heard good things about this matte black vinyl...

https://www.thisoldgame.com/vinyl
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JamesRIves

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Re: Formica alternative?
« Reply #2 on: October 07, 2017, 02:43:47 pm »
Looks like an option -- but is that particular vinyl thicker than traditional vinyls?  The webpage says it's 3.5 millimeters in thickness, but I have to be honest (showing my ignorance here) -- I'm not certain how thick this would be in comparison to "typical" vinyl, car wrap, contact paper, etc.? 

Ideally, I'm looking for something with just a bit of rigidity to it -- but not nearly as rigid as formica. 

Jim

ivwshane

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Re: Formica alternative?
« Reply #3 on: October 07, 2017, 03:01:30 pm »
I've heard good things about this matte black vinyl...

https://www.thisoldgame.com/vinyl


Hmm... That looks interesting but the pictures on the website don't really show much. Has anyone used this and what is your feedback on it? Any pics?

yotsuya

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Re: Formica alternative?
« Reply #4 on: October 07, 2017, 03:01:49 pm »
Looks like an option -- but is that particular vinyl thicker than traditional vinyls?  The webpage says it's 3.5 millimeters in thickness, but I have to be honest (showing my ignorance here) -- I'm not certain how thick this would be in comparison to "typical" vinyl, car wrap, contact paper, etc.? 

Ideally, I'm looking for something with just a bit of rigidity to it -- but not nearly as rigid as formica. 

Jim

Other collectors have sworn by it.

Try looking up ABS sheets
***Build what you dig, bro. Build what you dig.***

ivwshane

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Re: Formica alternative?
« Reply #5 on: October 08, 2017, 05:37:40 am »
Looks like an option -- but is that particular vinyl thicker than traditional vinyls?  The webpage says it's 3.5 millimeters in thickness, but I have to be honest (showing my ignorance here) -- I'm not certain how thick this would be in comparison to "typical" vinyl, car wrap, contact paper, etc.? 

Ideally, I'm looking for something with just a bit of rigidity to it -- but not nearly as rigid as formica. 

Jim

Other collectors have sworn by it.

Try looking up ABS sheets

ABS is easy to work with and could be cut with a knife but it's just as thick as laminate.