Surface Finishes

Formica® decorative laminates come in a variety of different surface finishes. Some are available over a number of ranges; others are integral to particular designs and patterns.

The choice of surface finish is important functionally as well as aesthetically. For example, textured surfaces and light colours normally have better scuff and scratch resistance than do plane surfaces and dark colours. Glossy laminates and dark plain colours are therefore not recommended for heavy duty working surfaces. Plane and lightly textured surfaces are more easily cleaned than deeply textured finishes.

The following table contains a brief description of each surface finish. Click its thumbnail image to see a larger visual representation.

The standard availability of surface finishes for each design is shown on each particular item page in the web site, and is summarised under 'Product Availability'.


 Code: 00 (VEL)
Name: Velour
Velour is a non-directional, shallow surface finish that is relatively smooth to the touch. Velour generally provides a low level of light reflection and is suitable for most applications.
Code: MC (MIC)
Name: Microdot
MicroDot is a geometric surface finish featuring a low sheen, satin texture with subtle concave circles arranged in a tight grid. MicroDot is suitable for vertical and horizontal applications.
Code: 90 (GLS)
Name: Gloss
Gloss finish has no apparent texture and generally provides a high level of light reflection. It is most suitable for applications where the laminate will not be in contact with objects that may scratch or damage the surface.
Code: 75 (QRY)
Name: Quarry
Quarry is a non-directional surface finish with a texture deeper than Velour, being apparent both visually and to the touch. With its higher level of light reflection and a relatively deep texture, Quarry is more durable than smooth finishes and shallow textures; it is especially suitable for work surfaces such as domestic kitchen worktops.
Code: UN (UN)
Name: Universal
Universal is a non-directional shallow surface finish that is relatively smooth to the touch. More plane than Velour, it provides a lower level of light reflection. Universal is suitable for most applications.
Code: NT (NAT)
Name: Naturelle
Naturelle is a directional finish used only on some laminates reproducing woodgrain designs. The texture direction is parallel to the 'grain' of the wood. It is a matte finish with a low level of light reflection and has a two-level pore that provides a distinctly natural appearance.
Code: 11 (NDF)
Name: Matt
A Matt surface finish has no apparent texture and generally provides a low level of light reflection. It is especially suitable for applications where the laminate will be on a vertical plane.
Code: 47 (MGN)
Name: Midgrain
Midgrain is a directional finish used only on some laminates reproducing Woodgrain designs. The texture direction is parallel to the 'grain' of the wood. More apparent than Finewood, its texture generally provides a low level of light reflection and is suitable for most applications.
Code: 21 (FWD)
Name: Finewood
Finewood is a directional texture used only on some laminates reproducing Woodgrain designs. The texture direction is parallel to the 'grain' of the wood. As the name suggests, it is a fine-grained texture that provides a low level of light reflection; it is suitable for most applications.
Code: 79 (TCK)
Name: Naturel
Naturel is a directional texture used only on some laminates of Woodgrain design. The texture direction is parallel to the 'grain' of the wood. Naturel is used only in coarse wood styles, where it is indented into the pores of the timber.
Code: 45 (APN)
Name: Punched
Punched finish features small embossed square shapes that produce a striking architectural effect. Its deep texture makes it suitable for light duty, vertical use.
Code: 98 (AQL)
Name: Quilted
Quilted has a raised harlequin diamond pattern that runs lengthwise on the sheet of laminate. Like Punched finish, it is suitable for light duty, vertical use due to its deep texture.
Code: 09 (ABR)
Name: Brushed
A classic, linear brushed finish runs lengthwise on the sheet of laminate. This surface finish is suitable for light duty horizontal or vertical use.
Code: 94 (APD)
Name: Powdered
Powdered is an understated, textural, non-directional finish that imparts a subtle, glossy effect. It is suitable for light duty horizontal or vertical use.
Code: 0A (ZEN)
Name: Zenith
Zenith is a non-directional surface finish with a texture more shallow than Quarry yet still apparent both visually and to the touch. Generally less reflective than Quarry, Zenith is suitable for most applications.


Veneer Laminate

This product is made from real wood veneer, so slight colour and pattern differentiation may emerge. This is not a product defect. As with natural wood, exposure to bright sunlight can provoke a slight change in colour over time.

Code Name Description
03 (PU) Polyurethane The surface is protected with a clear polyurethane finish, enhancing the colour and grain of the veneer.
It looks and feels like wood, and requires no varnishing.
WX (WAX) Wax The wax finish is similar to Polyurethane finish but with the feel of natural wood.


Metallic Laminate
Name Description
Metallic surface finish Polished aluminium items have anodised surfaces for improved resistance to oxidisation and staining. Other aluminium items have an epoxy coating, while copper finishes are protected with polyurethane lacquer. Item F2178 (Brushed Stainless Steel) is a true stainless steel surface requiring no additional coating or protection. F4587 (Birch Cubic) features polished aluminium overlaid with real wood veneer, protected by a polyurethane lacquer.
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