To anyone using black melamine

[botez]

Can someone tell me the best way to mark lines on black melamine?  I haven't decided if I should score it with a blade, use masking tape, or if there is some type of marker I can use?  Any suggestions?

Troy Olson

[_Iz-]

A pencil normally works, just be careful because it can be slightly difficult to see (depends on lighting and angle) and wipes off easy...

[drabbit]

Yep, that's what i also use, a regular HB pencil. Works great and can be seen if you have good lighting. It's also easy to wash with windex.

I have used colored pencils in the past for other colored melamine sheets. Never tried it with a white pencil on black but it should work and be easier to see.

[Dave_K.]

Where do you find black melamine?  I've only been able to get white at Home Depot.

[Rahzel]

Where do you find black melamine?  I've only been able to get white at Home Depot.

Same here, I was told by the guy in the paint department at Wal-Mart that melemine only comes in light / pastel colors.

[Brax]

They often have a board mounted on one of the endcaps near the melamine. It will have samples of all the different types you can order. I rarely see it in stock at Home Depot but you can often order it. It's not cheap though, around here it's 40 bucks for a 4x8 sheet. (of course its 50 for one sheet of black formica so I guess its not that bad)

[ErikRuud]

When cutting melamine board, it is usually a good Idea to put down masking tape along the line to be cut.  This helps prevent scratches, and may reduce chipping of the melamine.

It is also a good idea to have the good side (the side people will see) facing down when you cut.  Most chipping will occur on the side that the teeth on the saw are cutting towards.  

[_Iz-]

It is also a good idea to have the good side (the side people will see) facing down when you cut.  Most chipping will occur on the side that the teeth on the saw are cutting towards.  

Taping the cut is great advice however the other suggestion is somewhat inaccurate. If cutting on a tablesaw, cut with the good side up. If you're using a skilsaw by hand then the good side should face down.

[ErikRuud]

Yes that is true. That is why I pointed out that the chipping occurs on the side that the teeth are cutting towards.

Most people on this board are cutting with circular saws or jigsaws.

[rampy]

for marking maybe you could use a grease pencil?

just a thought... I think that's what the "pros" use...

*shrug*

rampy

[AlanS17]

At good hardware stores you can actually buy blades specifically for cutting these types of materials to reduce chipping. And I think the teeth even point in the opposite direction that they normally do.

[electricd]

I just finished my cabinet and used laminate for covering the particle board.  What exactly is melamine and what is the advantage to using it over laminate (which I must say is a breeze to cut/shape using a router)?  Thanks!

ED7

[rampy]

I just finished my cabinet and used laminate for covering the particle board.  What exactly is melamine and what is the advantage to using it over laminate (which I must say is a breeze to cut/shape using a router)?  Thanks!

ED7

unless i'm horribly off the mark... melamine is pre-laminated particle board.... kinda =P

rampy

[electricd]

Ahh ok than that makes sense.  I did it the hard way, but I was very happy with the results and flexibility it allowed me.

ED7

[1UP]

Don't worry, you went the right way.  Laminate is thicker and more resistant to scratches and chipping than prelaminate (melamine).  I used melamine and ended up laminating it anyway to hide all the damage done during construction (it aint easy building a cab by yourself out on an apartment balcony!  

BTW, use a white grease pencil for marking.  Word yo.

And try getting black melamine at a lumberyard.  That's where Home Depot gets it, and you can avoid their markup by buying direct.  Just call on the phone and ask HD if they STOCK black melamine.  If they say no, ask if they know who does.  A lot of times, they'll cough up the answer if you say you need it today (meaning they wouldn't be able to sell it to you in time anyway.)  Or just call around to different lumberyards until you find it.

Also, NOTHING, in my experience will keep a circular saw from chipping melamine!  I tried every blade I could find, including expensive 160-tooth finishing blades, 150-tooth carbide blades, masking tape, etc.  The only thing that gave a clean edge was using a router to finish the edges after I ripped the boards with the circular.  Also, be careful sanding the edges, make sure you only sand along the edges, not across them!  Cross-sanding will chip as bad as anything.

Good luck!

[ddebuss]

I use a roto-zip type tool when cutting melamine.  It cuts differently so I've never seen it chip like other tools do.

I use the roto-zip for a good deal of my cutting these days...

[eightbit]

I've got a blade in my table saw that cuts even melamine without chipping. The blade cost me $120 though. It cuts beautifully. I did shelves in  walk in closet this weekend with no problems with chipping. Cut, apply edge banding and mount.

I agree laminate is MUCH better but not easier and significantly more costly.