Exclusive ARP Plus Surface Gives Nevamar High Pressure Laminates Superior Wear Resistance

Business Wire, Feb 20, 1998

ODENTON, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 20, 1998--Nevamar has developed Armored Protection(TM) Plus Surface (ARP(TM) Plus) to create high pressure laminates with superior durability, abrasion and scratch resistance properties.

The application of this proprietary process results in significantly better wear value than the NEMA standard for laminates, as well as retention of clarity and "brand new" appearance during a much longer period of the laminates' useful life.

In addition to having all of the typical properties of conventional laminates, ARP Plus Surface laminates provide improved abrasion resistance due to the application of a very thin deposit of microscopic particles of aluminum oxide on the melamine layer.

In addition, they experience reduced gloss change, often the first sign of wear in worktops, tables and counter surfaces. The resistance to gloss change also means less perceived color change during the life of the laminates.

Commenting on the importance of ARP Plus, Nevamar Product Manager John Friedel stated, "Typical abrasive wear is caused by the sand or silica particles contained in dust or dirt. They can also be part of sliding objects such as paper bags and cardboard boxes. Since silica is much softer than aluminum oxide, our ARP surfaces resist the abrasive action of most objects much better than melamine resin can by itself."

ARP Plus is applied to most high pressure laminates offered by Nevamar. For more information or technical details, contact your local Nevamar representative or distributor, or call 800/638-4380.

The Decorative Products Division of International Paper Co. is a leading manufacturer of high pressure laminate products which are sold under the Nevamar(R) brand name. It is also the maker of LamMates(TM) HPL/melamine component panels, and other surfaces and panels used in commercial and residential interiors, store fixtures and furnishings.

CONTACT: International Paper Co.

Phillip Nones, 410/778-2184