3M DI-NOC Architectural Films

WHAT IS PLASTIC LAMINATE

Plastic laminate, also known as HPL, is a material made to be used in high traffic commercial areas like schools, medical offices, and more. It is a design material to add to cabinets and other fixtures to add color and personality to the room. If you have ever been to the doctor’s office and seen bright and colorful plastic cabinets that are clearly from the 90s, then you have likely seen HPL in action.

THE PROBLEM WITH PLASTIC LAMINATE

Those cabinets might look colorful and have a lot of personality, they may be in need of a makeover. Pink and teal finishes of the 90s are definitely due for an updated and modern look. But how exactly do you go about doing that? Unfortunately, plastic laminate comes with a set of problems that make renovation a difficult process.

You can’t just paint over the plastic laminate. It takes time, preparation, primer, and in the end it isn’t even a long-lasting finish.
The surface it’s covering is usually composed of a fragile blend of compressed wood and glue that disintegrates over time. Especially when the surface finish is removed or changed.

In the end, it’s easier to do a full replacement of the cabinet or furnishing instead of attempting to refurbish it. Unfortunately due to the glue and chemicals that are toxic, laminate covered cabinets are rarely recyclable and end up in the landfill. This makes this option not only expensive, but also unsustainable.

Thankfully, a solution to this problem enables designers, property managers, and building owners to stay within budget and be sustainable: 3M DI-NOC Architectural Finishes. Unlike plastic laminate, 3M DI-NOC films are easily removed and refinished without risking damaging the surface you cover.

REFRESH INSTEAD OF REPLACE: THE OVER-LAMINATE SOLUTION

Using 3M DI-NOC finishes, you can refinish the plastic laminated cabinets by applying it directly over the old HPL. DI-NOC has numerous benefits, including:

Easy removal and replacement when the style you chose eventually goes out of style.
A non-porous surface making it impossible for pathogens to penetrate the surface.
Resistance to harsh cleaning chemicals like antibacterials or bleach, making it easy to clean thoroughly.

SAVE TIME, RESOURCES, AND MONEY WITH 3M™ DI-NOC™

Using DI-NOC architectural films as a laminate can save you time, resources, and money. With DI-Noc’s ability to be quickly, quietly, and cleanly applied it’s no wonder it has become the most recommended way to update furnishings for a design reset.