Question about Formica

[Gage]

As some of you know. I received my 4x8 sheet of Formica counter top matl. a couple of days ago. My question is: How long can I keep it rolled up in the 15"x15" box that it came in before it doesn't want to lay flat when I remove it from the box? I don't need it right now because the F&S is getting some new alum skin on it and I won't get it back for a few weeks from now. Then I'll need it.

Yes, even I have questions once in awhile. Just goes to show ya, I don't know everything.

[len19070]

Gage

I'd get it flat as soon as I can.

I used to use a lot of it in the shop when we were making store fixtures.

We would pick the stuff up rolled and even after a day it wanted to curl up.

Never had a problem with it going back down, but I didn't want to find out either.

Happy Trails

Len

[Lou Park]

What you may want to do is, just a few days before your ready, un-roll it and roll it in the opposite direction but a little tighter. Just remember, Formica can scratch Formica, so be careful with the corners.
Lou

[doug hodder]

Thanks for the reminder Gage....I had mine coiled in a box for the last 6 weeks. I opened it this morning, pulled it out and it has some slight curve to it on the ends, but I'll bet it will flatten down by the end of the day. The real problem is the Marmoleum. It is pretty thick stuff and I just don't have the room to unroll the whole thing at one time to relax it. Doug

[Gage]

Thanks Len, you would know. And with the cold weather (only 70 today) it make sense that I should pull it out and lay it flat for a while. Then I'll clamp it to a sht of ply for safe keeping until I need it.

And Doug, no problem. Always glad to help.

[nevadatear]

My dad used a lot of formica making roulette wheels (he was the only US manufacturer for many years). He always stored it flat, either supported on edge or flat. Some of his formica is in my tear for the galley counter. Been around for 30 years and still looks great.

[dwgriff1]

The Formica (it is a brand name after all) we get now is extremely thin. Even what is called "standard" grade is half as thick as it was 50 years ago.

Some of the old non-Formica brand stuff would curl up and nothing would hold it down. Should not be a problem now but I'd lay flat as soon as possible.

dave

[Gage]

The Formica (it is a brand name after all) we get now is extremely thin. Even what is called "standard" grade is half as thick as it was 50 years ago.
dave

We don't really want to go there but if it is only a brand name. What do you call it today (not 50 years ago) when you go into Lowe's and ask where it's at?

[Ageless]

I ask for melamine resin laminate' . . . . .I like watch their eyes glaze over

[S. Heisley]

Ageless wrote:

I ask for melamine resin laminate' . . . . .I like watch their eyes glaze over

HaHaHa! Thanks, Ageless. Maybe they deserve that! A couple weeks ago, I spent 2 hours looking in more than 5 places that 4 different Lowest Big Box sales people sent me to. I ended up finding what I needed on my own, not where any of them told me!

However, when I asked for Formica, they sent me to the correct location for all types of counter top materials.

[Gage]

However, when I asked for Formica, they sent me to the correct location for all types of counter top materials.

But I have found that when asking. Be sure to ask for Formica sheet other wise they will send you to the 'made up' counter tops. I've found that the 'kids' today could care less about knowing their job. They just want their paychecks for coming in and spending time on the job. And yes I know that there are exceptions.

[S. Heisley]

Good points, Gage. You're right on both.

[satch]

I once ask for a pack of saw-zall blades, and the kid brought me back a box of Fix-All, go figure

[len19070]

It sounds a little discriminatory but when ever I go into any business and need some information first.

I always look for "The Old Guy"

A good example, I wanted to get some chrome wheels for one of my trailers.

Went to a local Auto Chain Store.

I told the young man that I wanted 15" wheels for a 4.5 X 5 lug hub.

He asked me "What kind of car is it for"

I replied "Its not for a car, its for a trailer".

He replied "We don't sell trailer wheels"

I went, in the same store and found "An Old Guy" and I bought the wheels from him...because he knew what I was talking about.

Happy Trails

Len

[halfdome, Danny]

Gage, in the cabinet trade it's refereed to as plam or plastic laminate no matter what the brand is.
I prefer Wilsonart as Formica chips easier and I like their selection best.
It comes in post forming and standard grade.
Either grade has the same thickness of decorative melamine on the surface and will hold up just fine on the proper substrate.
The post forming is for heated cove edges and radius work but I've used it with flat work with great success. Danny