BECAUSE FLAWLESS SURFACE FINISHING DEFINES ENDURING QUALITY, PRECISION IN INSTALLATION FORMS THE FOUNDATION OF TRULY SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
PHOTO COURTESY OF FORMICA
(For Thai, press here)
A beautifully finished surface is shaped by more than the choice of design or color. Equally critical, yet often overlooked, is the quality of installation. This is particularly true of bespoke furniture, made-to-order pieces, or projects that are occasionally carried out as do-it-yourself work. In many cases, mistakes arise from inexperience or a lack of technical understanding, issues that can ultimately compromise both performance and longevity.
As a global leader in surfacing materials, Formica recognizes these recurring challenges. Installation processes may take longer than anticipated, delaying the usability of a space and resulting in inconsistencies across different areas, even in details that appear insignificant at first glance. These subtle imperfections extend beyond aesthetics. Over time, they can have a measurable effect on the durability and lifespan of furniture.
Imprecise edge finishing, insufficient sealing, or incorrect installation methods can allow moisture to penetrate between surfaces, eventually leading to swelling or delamination. In practice, such issues are rarely attributable to the material alone. They often arise from a combination of factors, including improper adhesive selection, the use of glues that fail to deliver optimal bonding strength, or panel cutting performed without specialized equipment, all of which can lead to uneven or inaccurate outcomes. This level of precision becomes especially crucial when working with advanced materials such as FENIX, HOMAPAL®, or CORA by Formica®, where exacting standards of surface preparation and installation are essential to realizing their full performance potential.
In response to these recurring challenges, and with the aim of simplifying installation while addressing persistent issues in surface finishing, the brand developed Formica® Solutions, consolidating every critical step into a single, controlled manufacturing process. The solution spans a wide range of applications, including tabletop and kitchen countertop collections, cabinet fronts, door panels, and custom-cut compact-grade laminates produced to precise dimensions. The result is a system designed for ease of use without compromising on quality. At the core of this process is the use of water-based PVAc adhesive, which bonds the laminate surface to the substrate. Free from heavy metals such as mercury and lead, which may pose risks to respiratory health or be transferred through physical contact, this adhesive prioritizes user safety. The bonding is followed by a standardized high-pressure pressing technique, ensuring a tight, seamless fit and a consistently smooth finish. By minimizing on-site installation errors, the system significantly shortens installation time while delivering reliable performance, long-term durability, and a safer environment for both installers and end users. Each step is engineered to address the most common challenges with precision and clarity.
Backed by more than 115 years of international experience and continuous product development, Formica® has long established itself as a global leader in surfacing materials, consistently pioneering solutions that support and elevate the design industry.
Beyond this integrated system, Formica also offers an extensive range of materials tailored to diverse design challenges. These include FENIX, an innovative material defined by its refined matte surface and heat-repairable properties, ideal for projects seeking understated elegance. HOMAPAL®, a metal-surface laminate that introduces distinctive visual character and expressive design possibilities. CORA™, meanwhile, is a surfacing material distinguished by its color-matched core, closely aligned with the surface layer to create seamless joints and a unified appearance. Trusted across a wide range of projects, these materials are equally adaptable for residential interiors, every corner of the home, as well as commercial buildings and offices, where both performance and distinctive aesthetics are essential.
Discover new perspectives, explore inspiration, and experience the latest innovations from Formica® at the Formica Thailand Showroom, A Square, Sukhumvit 26 (Phrom Phong).
Because great design begins with materials conceived with every detail in mind.