HPL
High-Pressed Laminate (HPL) is an innovative material made from paper and thermosetting resin. This thin layer of HPL is laminated onto a thick layer of HDF.
The material is resistant to wear, scratches, and impacts and will last a very long time with proper maintenance.
General advice
Important: advice applies only to the HPL top layer
An HPL panel consists of a thin layer of HPL – made from paper and thermosetting resin – on a thick layer of MDF.
Therefore, only the top of the furniture is HPL, not the edge, the bottom, or the frame. This maintenance instruction thus only concerns the HPL surface (top) of the furniture.
For example, the magic eraser should not be used on the edge of the furniture, as it will damage it because it is lacquered.
Scratches and wear
HPL is a very scratch-resistant material, but not completely immune to signs of wear. With intensive use, superficial scratches or dull spots may appear. This is not a defect but an expected sign of use.
It is therefore advisable to use coasters, placemats, or a tablecloth to protect the surface from hard or abrasive objects.
HPL Fenix
HPL Fenix is a durable material resistant to wear, scratches, and impact.
In addition, HPL Fenix has self-healing technology against superficial scratches.
It is water-repellent and anti-fingerprint with an ultra-matte surface that feels soft to the touch.
Maintenance instructions HPL Fenix
Cleaning products
Warm water is usually extremely effective.
As FENIX is a strong material, any household cleaning product can be used, such as all-purpose cleaners, disinfectants, degreasers, or descalers.
If necessary, even acetone can be safely used (always follow the health and safety instructions on the bottle).
For cleaning, a clean cloth or a melamine sponge – also known as a magic eraser – can be used.
Daily cleaning
For daily cleaning, warm water or a regular all-purpose cleaner is sufficient. As a final step, we recommend rinsing with plenty of warm water and then wiping the surface dry with a clean cloth.
Scrubbing with abrasive cleaners, scourers, or hard brushes should be avoided; in the long term, this could lead to a shiny spot on your matte surface.
Instead, you can use a melamine sponge – also known as a magic eraser.
Scratches and stains
In daily use, FENIX comes into contact with various substances that can leave stains.
Instructions for removing the most common stains can be found on the FENIX website.
HPL Unilin
The following maintenance advice applies specifically to the HPL Unilin finish.
HPL Unilin is a durable material resistant to wear, scratches, and impacts. However, it does not possess self-healing technology against superficial scratches.
Maintenance instructions HPL Unilin
Cleaning products
No special cleaning products are required. Unilin recommends the following products on their website:
- We recommend using an all-purpose cleaner or glass cleaner.
- Maintenance products containing ethanol, alcohol, or propanol can also be used to clean the surface. The use of acetone is also permitted but should always be rinsed with lukewarm water so that the product does not remain on the surface for longer than 2 minutes.
- Avoid dishwashing liquid. This contains oil to protect the skin. A film may remain on your panel, which will become visible over time.
- Also, do not use abrasive products, as they can damage your surface.
- Do not use corrosive products or products containing hydrogen peroxide, as they can cause pale spots on your panel.
Daily cleaning
Cleaning HPL is easy, provided maintenance is regular.
- Remove any large amounts of dirt and/or dust from the surface with a soft brush or dry cloth to make the surface as clean as possible.
- Use a sponge or microfiber cloth (a lint-free cloth) to clean the surface. Mix all-purpose cleaner with water or spray glass cleaner directly onto the surface.
- Gently rub the surface in a circular motion with the cleaning product and let it sit for a moment (max. 5 minutes).
- Rinse the surface thoroughly with lukewarm water to completely remove the cleaning agent.
- Wipe the surface dry with a soft, dry cloth to avoid streaks. Avoid using paper when cleaning, as small pieces of paper can remain in the grain of the design.
Scratches and stains
Recommended action plan for stubborn stains:
- Remove any large amounts of dirt and/or dust from the surface with a soft brush or dry cloth to make the surface as clean as possible.
- Use a sponge or microfibre cloth (a non-shedding cloth) to clean the surface. Apply a small amount of acetone mixed with water to a clean, soft cloth.
- Gently rub the surface with the water-mixed acetone and let it soak in for a short while (max. 2 minutes).
- Rinse the surface thoroughly with lukewarm water to completely remove the acetone.
- Wipe the surface dry with a soft, dry cloth to avoid streaks. Avoid using paper for cleaning, especially on deep surface structures, as small pieces of paper may remain in the grooves of the design.