THE BEAUTY OF WILSONART® Decorative Laminates is not just skin deep! Wilsonart® is a high pressure laminate made from alpha cellulose decorative papers impregnated with an extremely hard wearing melamine resin and bonded to phenloic impregnated kraft papers to ensure superior impact resistance. With proper care, the surface will keep its good looks for many years. When Wilsonart® laminate covers your benchtop or table, keep in mind that it is not a cutting surface. Remember to use a chopping board when you're slicing meat or preparing vegetables.

Here are some general care and cleaning instructions.

1. Everyday Cleaning
2. Removal of Stubborn Stains

   The melamine resins used in the manufacture of Wilsonart® decorative laminate are highly resistant to staining from normal household agents. Everyday cleaning needs no more than a quick wipe over with a damp sponge or for tougher marks use a mild dishwashing detergent or an all purposecleaner such as Extra Strength Windex or Jif Micro Liquid. It is best, however, to clean up spills as quickly as possible. Always rinse properly with clean water as overuse of chemical cleaners or failure to rinse remaining residue will eventually cause an unsightly build-up on the surface of your benchtop.

   As a last resort if you have stains that can't be removed using the instructions under "Everyday Cleaning" then try the following cleaners in the order printed remembering, of course, to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

   1. Methylated Spirits
   2. Acetone
   3. Paint Thinners

   CAUTION: THESE PRODUCTS CAN BREAK DOWN THE ADHESIVE USED TO BOND THE LAMINATE TO THE SUBSTRATE. ALWAYS BE CAREFUL ON LAMINATE JOINS AND EDGES.

   For problem spots you may need to scrub the stain lightly with a soft brush (e.g. nail brush). If the stain persists then use a very mild abrasive such as toothpaste or baking soda. Note that use of such abrasive cleaners is a last resort only as such materials can prematurely wear away the surface if usedrepeatedly.

3. Other Precautions

   Never use strongly alkaline or acidic cleaners such as CLR(Calcium, Lime Rust Remover), Harpic Toilet Duck, Draino,Caustic based oven cleaners, Sugar Soap or Bleach in anyconcentration. These products can quickly etch into thesurface causing permanent damage.

Never use strongly alkaline or acidic cleaners such as CLR(Calcium, Lime Rust Remover), Harpic Toilet Duck, Draino,Caustic based oven cleaners, Sugar Soap or Bleach in anyconcentration. These products can quickly etch into thesurface causing permanent damage.

Abrasive cleaners and tools - for example, sand paper, steel wool, or gritty cleansers (e.g. creme cleansers, Ajax Powder) -will scratch the surface, damaging both its beauty and stain resistance. Don't use them - they aren't necessary. Toothpaste orBaking Soda may be used with a soft bristle brush on very stubborn spots. For directions see also "Removal of Stubborn Stains".Aeroplane Glue - Hobby glues, such as those used to assemble model aeroplanes, can be cleaned up easily with thesolvents recommended by the glue manufacturers. Then wipe with a mild detergent and rinse. Trix dishwashing liquid is amild cleaner recommended for everyday cleaning of Wilsonart® surfaces. Alcohol will not cloud or stain Wilsonart® decorative laminates. Colouring agents in some alcoholic beverages may leave aslight stain - you can easily remove it with a mild detergent and water.

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Bleach - Any bleach type product e.g. Domestos® (label will say it contains sodium hypochlorite) should never be used to clean a laminate as permanent staining will occur. If an accidental spill does occur, remove the bleach as soon as possible with cold water and a soft cloth. Bluing - If you spill bluing on a Wilsonart® surface, wipe it up immediately and rinse with clean water. If allowed to stand, bluing may leave a permanent stain.

Burn Marks - Wilsonart® laminate will withstand temperatures up to 155°C without any signs of damage. However, as with scratching, prevention is better than the cure and we recommend that hot objects be placed on heat mats to protect the laminate. Heat pads should also be placed under fry pans. Remember the adhesive bonding Wilsonart® to the substrate will failat much lower temperatures. It may be possible to to repair slight burn or scorch marks by using a very mild abrasive such as toothpaste or baking soda with a soft brush or cloth. If this fails, replacement is the only option available.

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Cabinets - Fine cabinetry, in the kitchen and bathroom as well as throughout homes, offices and institutions, is more and more these days being surfaced with Wilsonart® brand decorative laminate, both inside and outside. Cabinets surfaced with decorative laminates will never nee shelf liners or repainting. Care is the same as for any other Wilsonart® decorative laminatesurface. Candles - See Wax.

CHEMSURF® - The registered trademark for a special, chemically resistant Wilsonart® laminate for laboratory benches andcabinets, and other surfaces frequently exposed to strong chemicals. Standard care described in this book may be followed for CHEMSURF® laminates.

Chipping - Caused by hitting the Wilsonart® surface with a very sharp or heavy object. Use a chopping block for foodpreparation to avoid chipping.Chocolate - Washes off with mild detergent and warm water.

Cigarette Burns - A lighted cigarette allowed to remain on a decorative laminate surface could blister it, or cause apermanent stain. If staining does occur follow the instructions under Burn Marks.

Coffee - Washes off with mild detergent and warm water.Crayon - Most wax crayon marks wash off easily with mild detergent. Some dark colours - especially black - may stain if yourWilsonart® surface is very worn. When this happens, clean with an all-purpose cleaner, such as JIF Micro Liquid, and a softbristle brush. If staining persists follow the instructions under Removal of Stubborn Stains.

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Delamination - If a surface edge comes loose from the support material to which it is glued, it can be reglued easily. Use a knife to scrape away any dried glue from the support surface and the back of the laminate sheet. Then apply a contact adhesive evenly to both surfaces. Let dry until the adhesive is shiny, and press laminate firmly and evenly down at all points. Let dry for24 hours.

Detergents - Mild, bleach-free detergents, such as Trix Dishwashing Liquid are recommended for cleaning Wilsonart® decorative laminates. Be sure to use a soft cloth or paper towel, and rinse thoroughly with clean water after each use. Harsh or heavy duty detergents, and those for automatic dishwashers, are not necessary. Also, they frequently have added chemicalswhich may damage the surface. Drain Cleaners contain caustic soda, which will permanently damage any Wilsonart® surface. If you spill a drain cleaner,wipe it up immediately and rinse several times with clean water. Be careful - the caustic soda will burn your skin very easily too.

Driano® - See Drain Cleaners.Dyes for hair, textiles and food can cause permanent stains. When you use a dye, cover the counter or vanity top with plasticwrap or waxed paper, then add several sheets of newspaper to absorb accidental spills and drips. If dye spills onto theWilsonart® surface, wipe immediately with dishwashing detergent or an all-purpose cleanser such as Jif Micro Liquid.

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Enamel - See Nail Polish or Paint.

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Finger - paints can be easily cleaned up with a mild detergent and warm water.

Furniture Polish - Wilsonart® laminates are often used where only occasional dusting is needed for normal maintenance. Some examples are coffee and dining tables, desks and bookcases. Keeping these surfaces beautiful is often easier if you use general purpose cleaners such as Extra Strength Windex or Jif Micro Liquid. Never use wax based products such as Mr Sheen asthey leave a thin wax film on the laminate surface which can lead to the formation of ring marks from hot objects such as coffeecups.

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Gloss Finish - Suitable for light to medium horizontal or all vertical applications where a shiny , reflective finish similar to the look of a lacquered finish is desired. Gloss finish is available on some Wilsonart® colours, please contact Parbury for availability.

Grease - May be removed easily with an ammoniated cleaner, such as Windex, or with a general household cleaner such asJif Micro Liquid. If grease marks persist follow the instructions Removal of Stubborn Stains.

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Heat - Wilsonart® decorative laminate surfaces are very resistant to heat damage. For example, boiling water spilled on the surface will cause absolutely no harm. However, prolonged exposure to high heat can cause blistering and delamination. Do not set pots or dishes directly from oven, stovetop or microwave on the unprotected laminate surface. Protect the surface from heat-generating electrical appliances, such as toaster, electric frypans and electric slow cookers. A heat mat trivet or insulated pad will protect both laminate and appliance from damage. If scorching does occur follow the instructions under the heading Burn Marks. Never place heat producing appliances near joins. Highwear Laminate is the registered trademark for Wilsonart® brand extra abrasion resistant decorative laminate, ideal for supermarket counters and food service areas. Standard care instructions in this guide should be followed.

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Inks - Most inks from ball-point pens, felt tip markers and fountain pens may be easily washed off your Wilsonart® decorative laminate surfaces. Do wash immediately with mild detergent or recommended household cleaner. If staining persists follow the instructions under Removal of Stubborn Stains. Iodine, Tincture of - Iodine will stain if not removed promptly. If this occurs follow the instructions under Removal of Stubborn Stains.

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Jif Micro Liquid® is an all-purpose household cleaner which may be used on any Wilsonart® decorative laminate surface. Be sure to rinse with clean water after use.

Joins - Laminate is a wood product and as such is subject to changes in climate. Joins can open if exposed to any source of heat. Good adhesive bonds can minimise this movement. Excessive movement can allow moisture to penetrate these joins and cause permanent damage (swelling) of the substrate. Always ensure any moisture is kept clear of all laminate joins and edges.

Juices - Most fruit and vegetable juices - from oranges, grapefruit and melon, for example - may be easily washed off with water and a mild detergent or general household cleaner. Juice from berries, peaches, watermelon and tomato may stain if not removed immediately.

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Knives - Sharp knives will cut through the protective surfaces of Wilsonart® decorative laminates, marring their beauty and lowering both wear and stain resistance. Use a chopping block for food preparation. Never use a knife or metal scraper to remove a spot.

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Lacquers or oil based paints should be removed with the same solvent recommended by the manufacturer for brush cleaning. Follow instructions and be very careful, these solvents are highly flammable. Lipstick - Clean up with a general household cleaner such as Jif Micro Liquid.

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Makeup - Most makeup is easy to clean up with a mild household detergent or general cleaner such as Jif Micro Liquid. For makeup containing dyes - some mascaras, some theatrical makeup - an ammoniated cleaner or solvent may be necessary, such s Windex or Methylated Spirits. Mascara - See Makeup. Also, if the mascara contains a permanent dye, see Dyes.

Matt Finish - A soft textured, mildly reflective finish available on most Wilsonart® decorative laminates, generally recommended for work surfaces because of its high durability, low light reflectance, resistance to finger marks, and easy maintenance. Follow general cleaning instructions on this web page.

Medicines - Clean up with mild household detergent or general cleaner. Some liquids, including some types of children's vitamins, may stain. See Removal of Stubborn Stains. Metallic Surfaces - Wilsonart® Decorative Metals should be treated similarly to fine finished woods. If cleaning is necessary, use a mild detergent, such as Trix Dishwashing Liquid, in warm water. Apply gently with a soft cloth, rinse immediately and wipe dry. Smudges may usually be removed with a thin, clean oil and a soft, dry cloth. For daily maintenance, wipe with a soft, clean cloth. Mustard can be easily cleaned up with a mild detergent and warm water. If dried-on mustard stains, follow the instructions under Removal of Stubborn Stains.

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Nail Polish, Nail Enamel - IMPORTANT: Remove nail polish stains with a remover that is the same brand as the polish. Today's nail polishes are formulated to last longer than before, and failure to follow this tip may result in permanent damage. Follow up with a mild household detergent and rinse with clean water. Newsprint usually can be easily washed off with mild detergents. If newsprint ink transfers and stains, follow the instructions under Removal of Stubborn Stains.

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Oven Cleaners contain very harsh chemicals. Do not work with them on your unprotected bench. If spills occur, wipe away promptly, then rinse several times with clean water.

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Paint - Water based paints can usually be removed with a mild household detergent and warm water. A dried paint spot should be removed with a soft bristle brush or a non-abrasive scouring pad. Don't use a knife or metal paint scraper. Pencil Marks may be removed with an all purpose cleaner such as Jif Micro Liquid. Permanent Marker Pens Marks - Solvent-based fibre tipped marker pens can leave a permanently etched shadow of the mark if they are not removed immediately. Follow the instructions under Removal of Stubborn Stains.

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Quick is the best instruction for attacking stains. Most substances will stain Wilsonart® surfaces only after prolonged exposure - a prompt wipe with a soapy sponge is excellent first aid for almost any spill.

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Raspberries - See Juices.

Repairs - For burnmarks see Burn Marks.
For scratches see Scratches.

Ring Marks - The single greatest cause of damage to decorative laminate surface is failure to rinse after cleaning. If even a small amount of cleaning solution remains on the surface, moisture can reactivate it. A glass, cup or mixing bowl set on the surface may leave a ring of moisture - either because the dish was wet or room humidity condensed on the dish. This moisture mixes with the residue of the cleaner on the surface, letting the chemicals act on the surface far longer than they should. The result could be a permanently etched scar. Always rinse thoroughly with clean water and a clean cloth every time you clean. Rust stains are easy to remove with Jif Micro Liquid or a similar general household cleaner. Rust Removers - Do not use them on or around Wilsonart® surfaces. They are not necessary. Also, they contain harsh chemicals which will quickly and permanently damage the surface. If a spill occurs, wipe off all residue immediately, then wash thoroughly with soapy water and rinse several times.

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Scouring Powders - See Abrasives.

Scratches - Deep scratches and scrapes mar the beauty and lower the wear resistance of your Wilsonart® surface. Avoid harsh abrasive cleaners and tools, and use soft sponges, cloth or paper towels for all cleaning. Some "bargain brand" paper towels are quite stiff and they may leave tiny scratches - don't use them. Fine scratches can sometimes be successfully repaired by polishing with a good quality car polish. If this fails replacement is the only option. Steel Wool, even very fine grades, will permanently damage your Wilsonart® surface. Don't use it, and never store steel wool pads on your benchtop: the metal can rust and leave stains. Also, steel wool pads impregnated with cleaners contain harsh chemicals which will permanently damage the surface.

Strawberries - See Juices.

Sunlight - Prolonged exposure to the direct rays of the sun may cause your Wilsonart® surface to fade or yellow. For this reason, Wilsonart® decorative laminates and metals are not recommended for use out of doors or in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can also open laminate joins. Always ensure joins are not placed in direct sunlight or exposed to heat producing appliances such as kettles or frypans

Supermarket Ink- See Inks.

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Tea - Washes off easily with mild detergent. For dried tea stains, follow the instructions under Removal of Stubborn Stains.

Toilet Bowl Cleaners - These cleaners contain harsh chemicals which can quickly cause permanent damage. If spills occur, wipe up immediately, then wash the surface with soapy water and rinse several times. Be careful - these cleaners can quickly burn your skin. Highwear Laminate is the registered trademark for Wilsonart® brand extra abrasion resistant decorative laminate, ideal for supermarket counters and food service areas. Standard care instructions in this guide should be followed.

Tomato Juice, Tomato-based sauces - See Juices.

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Ultraviolet Light - See Sunlight.

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Varnishes should be removed promptly with the solvent recommended by the varnish manufacturer. Most varnishes are easy to remove. However, protect your Wilsonart® surface carefully when you use a varnish containing a stain - the stain can leave permanent damage. And be careful when you use solvents - they will quickly attach glue lines at seams and edges.

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Water is generally all you need for everyday maintenance of any Wilsonart® decorative laminate. A quick wipe with a damp cloth cleans up almost any spill. Don't flood or immerse a Wilsonart® surface, though - water can attack the glue lines and cause the support material to swell and warp. Wipe up puddles quickly.

Wax - Candle wax and paraffin used in jams and jellies usually wash off easily with detergent and warm water. Some very dark candle waxes may stain very worn surfaces. An all-purpose cleaner, such as Jif Micro Liquid and a soft bristle brush will usually remove even dark wax stains.

Windex® is a recommended household cleaner for Wilsonart® surfaces, and especially for those with a very glossy finish. Cleaners with added ammonia can be used to remove grease spots and fingerprints without leaving streaks.

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Y

Yellowing - See Sunlight.

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Z

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