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Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: JamesRIves on October 07, 2017, 01:58:10 pm

Title: Formica alternative?
Post by: JamesRIves 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
Title: Re: Formica alternative?
Post by: yotsuya on October 07, 2017, 02:32:27 pm
I've heard good things about this matte black vinyl...

https://www.thisoldgame.com/vinyl
Title: Re: Formica alternative?
Post by: JamesRIves 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
Title: Re: Formica alternative?
Post by: ivwshane on October 07, 2017, 03:01:30 pm
Quote from: yotsuya on October 07, 2017, 02:32:27 pm
I've heard good things about this matte black vinyl...

https://www.thisoldgame.com/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?
Title: Re: Formica alternative?
Post by: yotsuya on October 07, 2017, 03:01:49 pm
Quote from: JamesRIves 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

Other collectors have sworn by it.

Try looking up ABS sheets
Title: Re: Formica alternative?
Post by: ivwshane on October 08, 2017, 05:37:40 am
Quote from: yotsuya on October 07, 2017, 03:01:49 pm
Quote from: JamesRIves 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

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.