Lacquered laminate and its classes
Of all types of flooring, only lacquered lacquer meets all the necessary safety standards. In addition, it has a locking joint, which allows you to get a perfectly smooth surface, without crevices, joints and seams. This, in turn, makes caring for it very simple. The assembly is very easy, so that even an amateur can mount it.
Laminate is divided into classes, so, class 34 is a material that is used in places with large cross-country( bedroom, kitchen, corridor).The life of this laminate is about 25 years. For offices, 31 classes are used, 32 for shops, and 33 for restaurants. The life of such materials is less than 10-20 years. Classes 21, 22 and 23 are used for bedrooms, children's rooms and classrooms, but it is rather difficult to acquire them because of their low popularity. This is due to the fact that they will serve only 5-6 years.
Tip! Experts recommend buying laminate, starting from the 30th class, as it is the most durable and reliable.
Advantages and disadvantages
The lacquer laminate has the following advantages:
- Simplicity. Installation is very simple, thanks to special locks;
- Strength. Laminate is not afraid of any mechanical loads. It does not stamp the heels, furniture and claws of domestic animals;
- Heat resistance. The material is not afraid of accidentally dropped cigarettes or candles;
- No stains remain. All spilled liquids or other contaminants are easily washed off;
- Hygiene. The surface has a good seal, so it does not accumulate dust and bacteria.
However, the lacquered laminate also has its drawbacks, which must be taken into account when choosing a floor covering:
- Water resistance. The material has an extremely low resistance to moisture, so it is not practical for rooms with high moisture;
- Vulnerability. The laminate "walks", so when a certain object falls on it, there is a strong noise;
- Non-ecological. Unlike wood and parquet, laminate is made from non-natural materials. However, all materials and substances used for its production are absolutely not dangerous for human health.
Important! Because of poor perception of the material by moisture, it must be cleaned only with a damp cloth, and in no case is a steam cleaner.
To varnish or not?
The question often arises, is it possible to cover the laminate with varnish? On the one hand, manufacturers say in the instructions that this can not be done. This is due to the fact that this coating with a film of polyurethane, and once again the laminate to cover with varnish will be superfluous, and a new layer of varnish will lie down badly and will exfoliate. In addition, the coating is "floating", that is, it changes its physical properties depending on temperature and humidity. In this regard, the varnish at the joints will eventually crack and worsen the appearance of your floor.
Tip! To cover with varnish the new laminate is not worth it, since it is already with the protected surface, but the shabby coverings can be "rejuvenated" in this way.
So is the laminate covered with lacquer? Yes, it can be done to give the coating a glossy sheen and to hide small defects and scratches if the floor has been in operation for a long time. In some cases, this practice justifies itself. But it must be remembered that it is possible to cover the laminate with varnish, which is intended for this material.
