Materials Liverpool Toluca, Mexico
Phenolic resin makes a non-porous
make a difference. You may need a product
What styles are available?
that has a more durable architectural finish
HPL panels can be used in various
• Humid environment rainscreen
for building balconies, outdoor furniture
applications, from soffits and exterior/interior
and exterior cladding, but could get away
wall cladding to toilet partitions, shelving and
• Moist rich interior settings such as
with melamine for a less expensive interior
lab furniture. Both HPL (phenolic) and LPL
washrooms
application such as casework, toilet
panels can be used to make materials of the
• Lab spaces using solvents or chemicals
partitions or wall cladding.
same thickness, but the range of colors and
material well suited for applications such as: facades or wall cladding
• Food and pharmaceutical settings
needing anti-microbial properties
patterns available could be a contributing What durability needs are there?
factor in your decision. HPL (phenolic
• Graffiti-resistant balconies, rainscreen
The contractor will want to weigh factors
panels) are very versatile, whether for public
such as:
buildings or private commercial facilities.
cladding or outdoor furniture
• Amount of traffic HPL panels are also easy to fabricate and
LPL (low pressure laminates) is often
• Aesthetic requirements
a more affordable option, but when high
install, while offering abrasion, scratch, and
• Air moisture maybe change to relative
quality and durability is needed, the price
impact resistance. Some manufactures offer
humidity
for phenolic HPL makes sense. HPL provides
Class A fire-rated panels as well.
• Cleaning frequency, stringency
greater protection against the damage of
• Risk of graffiti, impact, scratches
daily use, which can bring long-term cost
• UV color-fastness
savings too.
Things to consider when choosing between HPL and LPL Panels Phenolic and melamine materials each have their particular niches. The contractor will want to consider several key factors to make the best decision for the given project. Beyond price, these include: Where will the material live? Drilling down into where exactly the panel will be in the interior or exterior space can
Chad Bryant is the Managing Director at FunderMax North America, Inc. Since 1890, FunderMax has been a leading provider of sustainable HPL phenolic panels for exterior, interior, and laboratory surfaces that are customizable, durable, and easy to install. You can view many applications of phenolic HPL panels from FunderMax in its project gallery. www.fundermax.us www.fundermax.us/project-gallery
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