Durability

How durable is NevaClad?

• NevaClad is quite durable and holds up extremely well under normal wear and tear conditions and when installed by properly trained and experienced technicians.

• NevaClad’s adhesive system (upon activation) allows it to go from a flexible state to a more rigid form after it is applied to a substrate, such as a high-pressure laminate. This increases its structural integrity and enables it to take on the impact resistance of the substrate to which it is applied.

• Once NevaClad fuses to its substrate, it has excellent abrasion resistance that is on par with (and often exceeds) that of HPL. On average, the T-Bar Abrasion Test (ASTM-D1044) takes 7,000 revolutions to pass through the color layer of the NevaClad finish lines we carry.

• NevaClad is also highly resistant to stain-causing agents, such as coffee, pen marks, bleach, ammonia, permanent markers, and minor scuff marks. Most stains, especially when caught early, can easily be wiped off using a damp cloth and normal cleaning detergents. For stubborn stains, denatured alcohol is the safe and preferred method for removing most dirt, ink stains, and scuff marks. However, it is important not to let the stain set.

• The additional thickness of our NevaClad product lines (versus other competitive laminates) enhances their durability and conformability.

• It should be noted that NevaClad is not a silver bullet. Like most other surfacing materials, the NevaClad finish can be damaged or marred if abused, neglected, or vandalized. However, it does take concerted effort to cause damage and it is our experience that such damage is the exception rather than the rule. If damage does occur, NevaClad is easily repairable by a trained technician.

Can horizontal or work surfaces be updated with the NevaClad laminate process?

Yes.  NevaClad is highly durable in both vertical and horizontal applications. For work surfaces and high-trafficked vertical surfaces, NevaClad will wear extremely well under normal wear and tear conditions, so long as no damage occurs to the substrate it’s applied. The outside edges (and corners) of fixtures and millwork are where most abuse occurs -– not the flat surfaces. Maintaining the integrity of outside corners and edges is done by properly finishing the edges during the surfacing process. For countertop applications, this often entails the installation of a T-molding, which will protect the counter edges from abuse from objects continually knocking or rubbing into them, such as chairs. Utilizing a suitable pattern is another factor that should be considered when renewing work surfaces. Darker patterns will show less dirt and require less maintenance. Also, glossy patterns will typically show more imperfections or deviations in the original substrate.