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Melamine
_Iz-:
You can also get hybrid board with 3 layer OSB core laid out in alternating directions (like plywood) with a particleboard layer on top and bottom for a smoother finish...
Dave_K.:
Ok, someone explain to my why you would want to laminate over the top of MDF? Especially if you can find black melamine?
rampy:
--- Quote from: Dave_K. on March 24, 2003, 01:54:34 pm ---Ok, someone explain to my why you would want to laminate over the top of MDF? Especially if you can find black melamine?
--- End quote ---
you ahve a good point (why waste the smooth surface of MDF---> should use plywood to laminate over probably)...
I can see wanting to use laminate over melamine as melamine is softer/easier to scratch...
*shrug*
rampy
_Iz-:
Plywood will sometimes telegraph when you laminate over it. (Telegraph means make any lumps and bumps in the plywood show up on the face of the laminate). Severity depends on the color of laminate and the type/thickness. Most commonly used types of laminate are GP (general purpose) and PF (postforming). GP is thicker and will telegraph less, PF is thinner, usually used for bending but will readily show any surface imperfections of the substrate. I'm not sure what grade the local yards stock, could be either/or depending where you buy.
I would assume that the original poster is using laminate over black melamine because:
A. He had a hard enough time finding 2 sided black melamine never mind trying to locate 1 sided.
B. It's easier to assemble as you can screw everything together right through the sides, fill the holes and laminate over top.
PCC:
As per: http://www.formica.com/howtospecify.jsp?chip_id=34
Laminate should be bonded to a suitable substrate such as medium-density fiber board (MDF) or a 45# density particle board. Plywood is not recommended for use. Use backing sheets as necessary to balance assembly and prevent warping.
I believe that they recommend MDF because it contracts and expands most like laminate.