Are you choosing a countertop or kitchen set? You don’t know what to choose from a large number of products. We suggest paying attention to postforming countertops. What is it, how it works, how to choose and care for it correctly. Today you will get answers to these questions.
Postforming is a fairly broad concept. It includes a number of products manufactured using a specific technology. It also denotes the manufacturing technology itself.
This technology involves laminating a tabletop or other chipboard or MDF surface with a thin layer of plastic by heating it to 220 degrees. During the manufacturing process, three layers of materials are applied to the base.
- Kraft paper. It is used for strong adhesion of other layers to the base, increases the service life of the tabletop.
Kraft paper for layer bonding - Decorative plastic. It has a colored base, contains a picture or pattern. This allows you to create an interesting design. Often, a pattern is applied to the plastic, which changes slightly during heating, which ensures the unique decor of each product.
Decorative plastics for a beautiful exterior - The last layer is a protective layer. It consists of acrylic and melamine resins. Due to this, the product is moisture-resistant, resistant to high temperatures and highly durable.
This technique is quite common today. It was first used in 1976 in Germany. Since it met expectations and proved its functionality and usefulness, it quickly spread among companies in other countries.
Content
Types
Types of postforming countertops can be divided by two criteria. Depending on the base used, countertops are distinguished from:
- chipboard;
- MDF.
These are wood-chip materials. They are quite soft, easy to process, and do not deteriorate during lamination. Materials such as wood, natural stone, granite or marble do not require this type of processing.
You can also divide the products depending on their appearance. You can order a postforming tabletop.
| View | Features of production |
| Under the tree | The effect is achieved thanks to transparent plastic. In this case, the pattern of the chipboard remains, which is very similar in structure to natural wood. |
| Under the stone | The appearance of natural stone is achieved by a corresponding pattern of a plastic layer, which is applied to kraft paper. |
| Under granite or marble | Countertops processed using the postforming technique often resemble those made of natural marble, thanks to the chaotic pattern on the surface. |
This type of processing has gained popularity, has an excellent appearance and many other positive aspects.
Advantages and disadvantages
This type of countertop has many advantages, and it is not for nothing that it is so popular:
- Price. Compared to other types, this one has a significantly lower price, while their qualities are very close.
The use of inexpensive materials in production allows us to form a very affordable price for the product - Appearance. Bright and shiny gloss will make any kitchen festive and attractive, and the smooth surface will make cooking pleasant.
Manufacturers offer countertops made from various materials and in different colors. - Design variations. Wood, plastic, marble or granite – all in one bottle. With this technology, you can choose a kitchen set for any style without changing the material and without overpaying,
A variety of plastic-coated tabletop options 
Colour range of tabletops made of chipboard covered with thermoplastic - Durability. Thanks to several layers and a protective coating, such a table has high durability indicators and will last a long time.
Speaking of disadvantages, pay attention to the components. The base is chipboard or MDF. These are not natural bases, formaldehyde resins are used in their production, which can cause a corresponding reaction in allergy sufferers. The coating also consists of artificial materials and contains acrylic or melamine resins. But, please note that no obvious allergic reaction was detected in users. And considering that we are mostly surrounded by synthetic materials, this option is quite acceptable.
Selection rules
It doesn't matter whether you order this product individually or buy it in a store, you should pay attention to some selection criteria.
- Quality. Look closely at the product: the thickness of the tabletop should correspond to the declared one, all other parameters too. Ask the seller for a quality certificate, and look at those characteristics that you cannot see with the naked eye.
Black laminated table top in the interior - No defects. Sometimes during transportation, small chips or cracks may form on the surface. Therefore, carefully inspect the goods after delivery and when choosing.
If the surface is damaged, it is almost impossible to restore it. - Appearance. In addition to being in perfect condition, it needs to match the overall style of the room.
Here are the main criteria that cannot be ignored when purchasing a product. Now you can safely go choose a postforming countertop.
Care instructions
In order for the product to serve for a long time, it needs proper care. In this case, it is quite simple:
- After cooking, wipe the table dry;
- polish the surface periodically.
And in general, handle the furniture carefully to avoid unnecessary dirt and scratches, which will greatly simplify your work during cleaning.
correctly DSP, chipboard - wood-laminated plastic)))
Chipboard, particle board, laminated chipboard and laminated slab are all particle boards. The word “plastic” is not here.