cleaning black laminate

[Breaker]

Hello all,

A fairly mundane question about cleaning balck laminate.

I recent purchased a few sheets of WilsonArt Black laminate (#60) for my CAB and when I took the pieces home they had some dust and finger prints on them - no big deal. I tried wiping one sheet with a damp rag but that left streaks on the laminate; I then tried Windex on a small patch and it was a bit better but still left some streaking. At that point I decided to consult the BYOAC community on this one. Does anybody have a good way to get black laminate clean without leaving visible streaks?

Thanks,
Breaker.

[GoPodular.com]

I'd have to see it in person, but some laminates are just like that.  Kind of like the stainless steel appliances.  Some show smudge marks, some don't.  You can use thinner to make sure it's not some gunk.  Just do it outside or in a well-ventilated area without smoking, etc.

(It will eat laminate glue too, so don't pour it on)

[Brax]

I have black laminate on my cab and yes, I find it a bit smudgy. I found water and a soft cloth to work best to remove smudge marks as long as the surface is relatively clean to start with.

I actually replaced the black laminate on my control panel. Not solely because of the smudging (I reworked the control placement) but I did choose an arcade overlay instead of laminate so I wouldn't have to worry about it anymore.

[Dustin Mustangs]

We wipe all of our finished laminate/melamine cabinets down inside and out with mineral spirits before they leave the shop.  Like GoPodular.com  stated this can remove pretty much anything including most glues, but that might not be a bad thing depending on where the glue ended up (ie. a finished surface where you don't want it).  Also be careful with the rag once your done.  Unfold it outside for a while so the stuff has a chance to evaporate.

 

[arzoo]

I was considering using a black laminate on my control panel. I purchased a 4x8 sheet and applied a small piece to my test panel. It was then I noticed how badly it shows fingerprints. So I

[GoPodular.com]

There are black laminates that don't show smudge marks (ours doesn't).  Go to a lumberyard that sells it and ask to check out their stock.  You can also go to a cabinet shop and check out their chips they have.

If you were just doing a panel, the cabinet shop thing is a great way to go.  They usually have "drop" pieces they'd give you cheap (or free).  It just depends on if they have the color you want.

The "watch the rag" comment is soooo valid.  When I did countertops, a guy wiped down a counter while smoking and it lit up the rag.  It was a remodel job and he ran it outside... dropping flaming pieces of rag all over the carpet in two rooms.   

[arzoo]

There are black laminates that don't show smudge marks (ours doesn't).  Go to a lumberyard that sells it and ask to check out their stock.  You can also go to a cabinet shop and check out their chips they have.

If you were just doing a panel, the cabinet shop thing is a great way to go.  They usually have "drop" pieces they'd give you cheap (or free).  It just depends on if they have the color you want.

In my case, the black laminate I selected had a very cool dimpled texture and I had no choice but to buy a full sheet from a cabinet shop. From the sample chip, it didn

[Xam]

The problem with a smooth surface is it tends to show everything. It is the reason your vinyl floors are all dimply. Black or white do tend to show more of what is there...but even the other colors do it...just does not show as bad. A laminate with a marble or granite appearance will hide it even better.

As far as cleaning...ummm...just don't touch it...LOL!
No really...I don't know. On my car I use a product called Acrysol. It cleans grease, adhesives, etc and is safe for most plastics and some paints (not latex). It may help if the spots you have are due to some kinda residue. As with any new cleaner...test a small area in a non-conspicuous place before going gung-ho with it.

Xam

[nyconx]

error

[Capthowdy]

Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar!

That stuff will clean your windows, your laminate, your coffee pots, your colon, and you could throw a couple of teaspoons in your pets bowl of water to promote healthy digestion.

It also leaves NO streaks. 

  Braggs!

[Breaker]

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions!

I asked at the store I purchased the laminate and they suggested water and vinegar, which worked okay, but still left streaks (damn). I tried ArmorAll and it actually looks pretty good!

It begs the question, what brand of black laminate are people using? As I mentioned, I'm using WilsonArt's 1595-60; this is their matte finish which has a bit of a sheen, perhaps I should have chosen the diamond finish?

It seems that a number of builders here at BYOAC have used WilsonArt black laminate - I'd be interested to know what finish they used? Anyone care to chime in...

Thanks all,
Breaker.

[squirrellydw]

I used crystal laminate and mineral spirits to clean it

[BamBam]

I use Pledge or Endust on my black laminate cabinet.  It is meant for wood, but I have no streaks and it helps keep it dust free.  My laminate is more like a counter top material similar to formica or arborite.

John