Laminate, Formica Compact, Colorcore 2
USE AND CARE GUIDELINES
Formica® Laminate, Compact and ColorCore®2 Surfacing are designed for beauty and durability. Like any surfacing materials they can be damaged by abuse and carelessness. When used as recommended with proper use and care, the end result is years of satisfaction.
PROTECTING THE SURFACEBefore selecting the surface material, consider the type of use it will receive, as well as its texture, color, and reflective values. A rough-textured surface has different advantages, depending upon use, than a smooth-textured surface. Dark colors tend to enhance scratches, marring and fingerprints.
SCRATCH AND IMPACT PROTECTIONFormica® Laminate, Compact and ColorCore®2 surfacing material are resistant to scratches and impacts under normal use conditions.
USE CUTTING BOARDS, CHOPPING BLOCKS, OR OTHER PROTECTIVE SURFACES.
- Do not chop, slice, pound, or hammer on any laminate surface.
- Knives or other sharp utensils may slice or scratch the surface.
- Heavy blows from a hammer or meat tenderizer may crack or gouge the surface.
USE PLACE MATS, DOILIES, AND TRIVETS ON LAMINATE SURFACES WHEN NECESSARY.
- Ceramics and abrasive objects can cause scratching and premature wear – do not slide these items across surface.
FOLLOW RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CLEANING – DO NOT USE ABRASIVE CLEANERS, STEEL WOOL, SANDPAPER, OR SCOTCH-BRITE® SCOURING PADS.
HOT OBJECTS
Cookware still hot from the stove, oven or microwave, as well as electric skillets, waffle irons, curling irons and hot rollers, should not be placed directly on laminate surfaces. Prolonged exposure to temperatures of 140°F (60°C) or higher may cause the laminate to separate from the core material. Use a trivet, insulated hot pad or other protective device beneath all hot cookware, heat generating appliances, or other heated objects.
Formica® Laminate, Compact and ColorCore®2 surfacing material can withstand heat up to 275°F (135°C) for short periods of time.
AVOID IRONING OR PLACING A HOT IRON ON LAMINATE SURFACES. DO NOT PLACE LIGHTED CIGARETTES DIRECTLY ON LAMINATE SURFACES.
ORDINARY CLEANING
Formica® Laminate, Compact and ColorCore®2 surfacing material are very easy to clean.
- I n most cases, you only need to use a clean, damp, non- abrasive cotton cloth and a mild liquid detergent or household cleaner.
- Rinse with clean water, using a clean, non-abrasive cotton cloth.
- Do not flood the laminate, especially near seams, since water can penetrate and cause the substrate to swell.
- Dry the surface with a soft, clean, non-abrasive cotton cloth.
- For specific types of surfaces, use the following care guidelines.
DIMENSIONAL TEXTURED LAMINATESThese surfaces may require special attention to clean the depressed areas. Use a nylon-bristled hand or vegetable brush, along with a mild liquid detergent-and-water solution or household cleaner. Clean the soiled area, using a rotating motion.Rinse and dry the surface as indicated above.
HIGH GLOSS FINISH LAMINATESIf residual streaks and smears remain after normal cleaning,use a mild glass cleaner and then dry with a clean, non-abrasive cotton cloth. Avoid exterior glass cleaner.
ABRASIVESAbrasive pads, scouring powders or cleaners may permanently dull and scratch the laminate surface making it susceptible to staining.Ceramics, including unglazed materials and other abrasive objects, can cause scratching and premature wear – do not slide these items across surface.
CHEMICAL DAMAGENever use cleaners containing acid, or alkali. These cleaners will mar, etch, corrode, and permanently discolor the laminate surface. Also, make sure that bottles, rags, and other materials contaminated with these cleaners never contact the laminate surface. Accidental spills or splatters from these compounds should be wiped off immediately, and the area rinsed thoroughly with water.
EXAMPLES OF CLEANERS CONTAINING ACID, OR ALKALI INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
- ceramic cooktop cleaners
- rust removers
- drain cleaners
- toilet bowl cleaners
- tub and tile cleaners
- oven cleaners
- coffeepot cleaners
- lime scale removers
- metal cleaners
SPECIAL CLEANING RECOMMENDATIONS
RESIDUAL GLUE
Sometimes new decorative laminate has a streaky appearance caused by contact adhesive used during fabrication. Clean witha non-abrasive cotton cloth and an adhesive solvent such as Formica® Brand Non-flammable Contact Adhesive Solvent. Use solvent sparingly, as excessive amounts may delaminate edges. Read and follow all warnings and instructions on the labels of all solvent products.
PAINT AND VARNISH
Remove most oil-base paints, varnishes and lacquers from decorative laminate surfaces with a suitable solvent. Read and follow all warnings and instructions on the labels of all solvent products, and remember that most solvents are extremely flammable. Use solvent sparingly, as excessive amounts may delaminate edges. Remove most water-based paints with an ammoniated household cleaner. For stubborn paint spots, gently use a plastic, non-metallic, non-abrasive pad. Never use steel wool or other abrasive scouring pads.
STAINS
To remove or minimize stains, use full strength Fantastik® All Purpose Cleaner, Formula 409®, Pine-Sol® (original formulation) or other mild household cleaner on the affected area, and allow it to draw out the stain. Blot with a clean, damp, non-abrasive cotton cloth, and then rinse with clean water. When a recommended cleaner changes its formulation, the change may be harmful to the laminate surface. Formica Corporation cannot be held responsible for these changes. Solvents such as denatured alcohol can also be used. Follow all directions and warnings on the solvent label because many are extremely flammable.
STUBBORN OR “FUGITIVE” STAINS THAT MAY DISAPPEAR ON THEIR OWN, AFTER A SHORT TIME OR AFTER REPEATED CLEANINGS, INCLUDE:
- coffee and tea stains
- fingerprints
- food dyes
- food stains
- glass rings
- water marks
STAINS WHICH ARE STUBBORN OR EVEN PERMANENT, AND MAY NOT DISAPPEAR, INCLUDE:
- cash register inks
- food pricing ink
- indelible inks
- label inks
- lemon juice
- marking pen inks
- newsprint
- wood stains
SOME MATERIALS AND LIQUIDS, SUCH AS DYES AND PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS, WILL PERMANENTLY STAIN LAMINATE. EXAMPLES INCLUDE:
- dermatological
- hair dyes and rinses
- laundry bluing
- Mercurochrome®
- tar compounds
- povidone-iodine
- Red-2B dye
- silver nitrate
- tannic acid
These stains may be reduced by applying a paste of baking soda and water on the area to pull out the stain. Periodic application of a self-cleaning wax can help minimize future staining.
DISINFECTING RECOMMENDATIONS
The following branded cleaners and disinfectants are approved for Formica® Laminate, Formica® Compact, and ColorCore®2 when used according to recommended guidelines. The products are grouped by active ingredient type. All products on these lists meet the EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. To avoid surface damage or discoloration, wipe the surface clean to avoid leaving disinfecting liquid open on the surface. It is also recommended to follow disinfecting with a warm water wash using a soft cloth and then dry the surface. Always follow the manufacturers’ guidelines and safety precautions for these products.
For EPA updates on the current List N and Frequently Asked Questions about disinfectants related to coronavirus visit:https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2
QUATERNARY AMMONIUM
- Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes
- Clorox Healthcare® VersaSure® Wipes
- Lysol® Brand All Purpose Cleaner
- Lysol® Kitchen Pro Antibacterial Cleaner
- Virex™ II
- Fantastik® Multi-Surface Disinfectant Degreaser
- Maquats®
QUATERNARY AMMONIUM: ISOPROPANOL
- Super Sani-Cloth® Germicidal Disposable Wipe
- Cavicide™ Wipes
- Sani-Prime® Germicidal Spray
- Opti-Cide® and Wipes
ISOPROPANOL, IPA, RUBBING ALCOHOL
SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE (BLEACH)
- Clorox Healthcare® Bleach Germicidal Wipes
- Clorox® Brand Regular Bleach
- Sani-Cloth® Bleach Germicidal Wipe
- Caviwipes™ Bleach
- Dispatch®
- Lysol® Brand Bleach Mold/Mildew Remover
- All related brands containing bleach
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
- Clorox® Hydrogen Peroxide Disinfectant and Wipes
- Oxivir™ Tb and Wipes
- Accel® TB and Wipes
- Peroxide Multi Surface Cleaner and Disinfectant
- Suretouch®
- Oxy-Team™ Disinfectant Cleaner
LIMITED WARRANTY
Formica Corporation expressly warrants that, for a period of (1) one year from the date of first sale, these products will be reasonably free of defects in materials and workmanship, and that when properly handled and fabricated, will conform, within accepted tolerance, to applicable manufacturing specifications. Colors subject to dye lot variations. This limited warranty only applies to Formica® Brand Laminate which is stored, handled, fabricated and installed in the manner recommended by Formica Corporation. Due to the variety of uses and applications to which Formica® Brand Laminate may be put, Formica Corporation can make no warranty that this product is suitable for any particular purpose and can make no other warranties, expressed or implied, other than those set forth above.
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES
THE WARRANTIES SET FORTH HEREIN OR IN FORMICA CORPORATION’S WARRANTY DOCUMENTS WITH RESPECT TO A PRODUCT ARE THE ONLY WARRANTIES MADE BY FORMICA CORPORATION IN CONNECTION WITH THESE PRODUCTS, AND ARE EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FORA PARTICULAR PURPOSE. PRODUCTS SOLD BY FORMICA CORPORATION ARE SOLD ONLY TO THE SPECIFICATION SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH BY FORMICA CORPORATION IN WRITING. FORMICA CORPORATION’S SOLE OBLIGATION FOR A REMEDY TO BUYER SHALL BE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT TO NON-CONFORMING PRODUCTS, OR AT THE OPTION OF FORMICA CORPORATION , RETURN OF THE PRODUCT AND REFUND OF THE PURCHASE PRICE. BUYER ASSUMES ALL RISK WHATSOEVER AS TO THE RESULT OF THE USE OF THE PRODUCTS PURCHASED, WHETHER USED SINGLY OR IN COMBINATION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
No claim by buyer of any kind, including claims for indemnification, whether as to quality or amount of products delivered or for non-delivery of products, shall be greater in amount than the purchase price of the products in respect of which damages are claimed. IN NO EVENT SHALL FORMICA CORPORATION BE LIABLE TO BUYER FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, RELIANCE, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR COVER, OR LOSS OF PROFIT,REVENUE OR USE , IN CONNECTION WITH, ARISING OUT OF, OR AS A RESULT OF, THE SALE, DELIVERY, SERVICING, USE OR LOSS OF USE OF THE PRODUCTS SOLD HEREUNDER, OR FOR ANY LIABILITY OF BUYER TO ANY THIRD PARTY WITH RESPECT THERETO. BUYER SHALL INSPECT FOR NONCONFORMITY PROMPTLY UPON RECEIPT. Failure by buyer to give Formica Corporation written notice of claim within 30 days from date of delivery or, in the case of non-delivery from the date fixed for delivery, shall constitute a waiver by buyer of all claims in respect of such products.
MANUFACTURER
Formica® Brand Laminate sheets are manufactured by Formica Corporation.
TECHNICAL SERVICES
Technical assistance may be obtained through your local Formica® Brand Products Distributor or from Formica Corporation trained representatives in sales offices throughout the country. To assist these representatives, Formica Corporation maintains a sales and technical services staff in Cincinnati, Ohio. For technical assistance, contact your distributor or sales representative; write the company directly at Formica Corporation Technical Services Department, 10155 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH, 45241; call (513) 786-3578 or 1-800-FORMICA™; or fax (513) 786-3195. In Canada, call1-800-363-1405. In Mexico, call (525) 530-3135.
Formica® is a sublicensed trademark to Formica Corporation. Formica®, ColorCore®2 and the Formica® Anvil logo are registered trademarks of The Diller Corporation.1-800 -FORMICA™ is a trademark of The Diller Corporation. The products and manufacturing processes of Formica Corporation are protected under U.S. and foreign patents.All ® brands are registered trademarks of the respective owners. All ™ brands are trademarks of the respective owners.For warranty information, please visit www.formica.com or call 1-800 -FORMICA™.©2020 Formica CorporationCincinnati, Ohio 45241
References
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