HIGH PRESSURE LAMINATES
Laminex ® Aquapanel ™
Laminex Aquapanel is a
melamine surfaced high-
pressure decorative laminate
specifically designed for areas
where resistance to moisture is
required. The strong and
durable 2.7mm sheets feature a
black core allowing the
distinctive black edge to be
exposed in applications.
Laminex® Aquapanel™ has a moisture PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS: SITE WORK NOTES
resistant backing, and a balanced Finishes: (Finishes vary by Storage & Transport
construction ensures board flatness. It has colour/pattern) Sheets should be transported flat with
Glaze, Gloss,Tile
excellent impact strength, which is more Colours: Refer to product brochure
minimum flex. Bulk stocks of Aquapanel
than adequate for normal applications, Thickness: 2.7mm (Nominal) should be stored flat on pallets and
enabling supporting framework to be Weight: 4.4kg/m2 approx. covered with a polythene type sheeting to
spaced at 450mm centers. It is available Decorated: One Sided avoid dust penetration. Before installation
in a range of finishes and colours / (Double sided by store sheets upright on the longest edge
special order enquiry)
patterns. and face to face on the decorated surface.
Core: Black
Keep the work area clean. Lift sheets
Sheet Dimensions: (Sheet sizes vary by décor)
APPLICATIONS: 1800mm x 900mm
carefully. Do not slide on decorative
Laminex Aquapanel is ideal for: 1800mm x 1200mm surface or use as a work surface.
• Lining in shower recesses, bathrooms, 2400mm x 900mm
and laundries, 2400mm x 1200mm Preconditioning
• Splashbacks over sinks, basins and Warranty: (Australia) 7 Year Aquapanel should be unpacked and
Limited Warranty
laundry troughs protective cover removed at the fitting
• Lining buses, caravans and boats. site and allowed to stand for at least 48
COMPLIANCE:
hours prior to cutting and installing to
Laminex Aquapanel conforms to AZ/NZS
Although Laminex Aquapanel is designed allow the sheets to breathe and reach
2924.1 for high-pressure decorative
for use in wet areas, this material must not moisture equilibrium.
laminates and has been approved by
be immersed in water for lengthy periods
government bodies. It conforms with
nor should it be continuously exposed to Preparation
building code Australia and specific state
saturated moisture conditions. Choose your starting point with the
regulatory (where applicable) for moisture
whole job in mind. Starting off with
resistant classification.
Decors & Patterns: straight and plumb walls will help with
Refer to current Laminex Aquapanel whole job. Mark areas that need packing
WHEN SPECIFYING
brochure for decors and patterns available. using a straight edge or square.
Material shall be Laminex Aquapanel as
Checking your levels and plumbs
supplied by The Laminex Group. Colour
Accessories: regularly will keep the job tidy and assist
or pattern shall be … in ….. Finish.
Refer to Section 5 Page 38 for Fixing with installation. Check the Laminex
Systems Product information. Refer to Aquapanel for squareness in case re-sizing
CARE AND CLEANING
Section 5 Page 97 for Laminex Wall is needed. If using Laminex fixing system
Laminex Aquapanel is easy to clean.
Systems Adhesive Product information. profiles check for fit and if necessary
Clean the sheet surface with warm
Refer to Section 5 Page 98 for Laminex plane or sand the back edge of the
water and mild liquid detergent only.
Wall Systems Silicone Product laminate to ease the fitting.
Do not use abrasive cleaners, waxes or
information.
polish on the surface.
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HIGH PRESSURE LAMINATES
PROPERTIES
Property Unit Measure Standard
Application VGS (Vertical General-
†
Purpose Standard)
Dimensional Tolerance mm +10/– 0mm
Cone Calorimeter Glaze AS/NZ 3837
BCA Group Number Rating 3
Average Specific Extinction Area m2/kg 134
Resistance to surface wear Initial wear not less AS/NZS 2924.1
than 50 cycles. Average
wear not less than 150 cycles.
Resistance to immersion in No deterioration other than AS/NZS 2924.1
Boiling Water: slight loss of gloss. Gain in
weight of not more than 4.0%
Resistance to dry heat at 180°C: No deterioration other than AS/NZS 2924.1 Drill holes into the sheet with high-
slight loss of gloss &/or colour speed twist drills. Use a hole saw for
Resistance to Steam: No deterioration other than AS/NZS 2924.1 holes for edges larger than 18mm in
slight change of gloss
and/or colour diameter. Drill holes 2mm oversize to
Dimensional Stability: Dimensional change of not AS/NZS 2924.1 allow for expansion.
more than 0.3% with grain
and 0.65% across grain.
Resistance to impact by large No visible damage at a drop AS/NZS 2924.1 Fixing Systems
diameter ball (324g) height of 100cm other than When using Laminex fixing systems,
an indent of ≤ 10mm diameter using the Laminex Mitre Box and Saw is
Technical Data: Laminex® Branded Products
Resistance to Scratching Greater than 1 Newton force AS/NZS 2924.1 recommended to assist in creating
Resistance to Staining: Reagents groups 1 & 2 = no AS/NZS 2924.1 correct mitred angles on profiles. Place
visible change, Reagents groups sticky tape over the section of profile or
3 & 4 = slight change of
colour and/or gloss keep in protective cover when placing in
Resistance to Colour Change in Not more than slight colour AS/NZS 2924.1 the Mitre Box to keep the profile in
Artificial Light*: change in Xenon arc light
(minimum). good condition.
Blue Wool: 6
Resistance to Cigarette Burns: No deterioration other than AS/NZS 2924.1
moderate change in gloss
and moderate brown staining
Resistance to Moisture at 65ºC# No worse than a slight AS/NZS 2924.1
change of gloss/colour, or
hairline edge cracks or slight
edge swelling after 2 days
† Additional relevant properties included.
* Laminex Aquapanel has good colour retention in normal interior applications.
However prolonged exposure to sunlight may cause some change in colour.
Laminex Aquapanel are therefore not recommended for exterior applications or interior applications
with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
# Slight to moderate gloss change can occur in glossy laminate due to the high gloss level. Preparing the Substrate &
Preparation cont’d Installing
5
Laminex recommends that Aquapanel recommended but if using cut with an Ideally sheets should be attached to a
should be attached to a dressed timber upward stroke and cut from back of dressed timber frame with no more than
frame with no more than 450mm sheet). Clean all edges with a fine file, 450mm centers.You will need to install
between horizontal and vertical studs sand paper or plane to ensure there are batons at 450mm intervals and at the
or battens. no burrs or flattened edges.This will sheet joins if there are not existing batons
assist in inserting the sheet into fixing in place. Standard plasterboard can also
Cutting & Drilling systems with minimum fuss. As with all be used in low humidity applications such
Always cut sheets with the decorative woodworking, always ensure you wear as corridors. When adhering to
surface face up. Cutting stroke should be the appropriate safety gear, including plasterboard and cement sheet board in
down into the decorative surface.To cut dust mask, eye protection and hearing wet area, it must be moisture resistant.
use a fine tooth hand or power saw, (10 protection.
– 12 teeth per mm), masonry cutting
disc, fine tooth band saw or fibro
cement cutters. Note: Jig saws are not
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HIGH PRESSURE LAMINATES
If installing the capping profile along the top Insert Step 6
edge of the sheet, make sure to cut the
internal joiner 7mm shorter than the sheet.
If installing a base profile along the
bottom edge of the sheet, make sure to
cut the internal joiner 3mm shorter than
the sheet. Refer to mitre joints for more
information.
Next, seal the joins by squeezing a bead Place the sheet back into the fixing
Measure your areas carefully.Then cut of Laminex Wall System Silicone down profile.You can put the next fixing profile
fixing systems and sheets one at a time the inside edge of the fixing profile. into place while the first sheet is still
as they are required. slightly tacky.
To begin, install the fixing system profiles Now firm the sheet with a tap to ease
along the first edge. Internal corners the sheet into its fixed and final position.
require the use of an internal 90° profile DO NOT fix the sheet too tightly into
so it is important to ensure the facing the fixing system.They are specifically
walls are square and plumb. Measure the designed with a stop on the inside of
height of the fixing profile required. the trim that allows for the sheet to
Depending on the height of the walls of expand or contract with changing room
your room, the fixing profile may require Do not over fill expansion gap with temperatures and humidity levels.
a join. Mark and cut to required length. silicone sealant as this will prevent
Keep in mind that if the fixing profile natural movement of the sheet. Insert step 7
runs down to a shower base, you should
not fix the profile below the top of the Insert Step 5
base.This will prevent water from
seeping behind your wall.
Double check measurements and cut
the internal corner profile to length and
install using galvanised flat head nails.
Ensure you punch in the heads of any
nails. Now you’re ready to install your Divisional Profile
first sheet. Divisional profiles are designed for walls
Apply a 5mm bead of Laminex Wall that require two or more sheets to span
Insert Step 2 Systems Adhesive to the frame, where it the area. Make sure the previous sheet is
will come into contact with the sheet. installed square and plumb, then slide
the Divisional profile onto the sheet
Put the sheet that has been cut to size edge, checking measurements once
into place. Then, apply a little pressure more. Allow for 7mm overlap if you are
against the sheet, so it comes into firm planning to install the capping profile or
contact with the adhesive. Now gently 3mm for base profile.
remove the sheet and allow the
adhesive to become tacky.This takes Once you are satisfied with the fit and
approximately five to fifteen minutes alignment, remove the Divisional profile;
Measure the size of sheet and cut as depending on climatic conditions. apply a bead of Silicone down the inside
required. If fixing around pipes or taps, edge of the profile.Then simply slide the
you can drill straight through the sheet to profile back into place. Nail the Divisional
create the hole size required. For larger profile in place.
cutouts begin by drilling small pilot holes.
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HIGH PRESSURE LAMINATES
Fit the next sheet as before, ensuring Capping and Base Mitred Joints
that the appropriate method of adhering Capping and base profiles complete the If you need to cut mitred joints, we
is followed. installation by finishing the top and recommend you use the patented
bottom of the sheet neatly. Capping and Laminex Mitre Box and Laminex Mitre
External Corners base profiles are best installed as a Saw to help you cut 45° and 90° angles.
External corners are also required to be continuous length across the sheets.You The Mitre Box has a unique base
90°. Carefully measure the sheet to may need to run these around corners, specially designed to fit the Laminex
ensure the fit into the previous profile is depending on your job. Fixing System.
correctly aligned, then mark off the edge
to be cut, taking care to ensure that the Firstly, starting from an internal or To cut 90° angles, insert the fixing profile
fixing profile is square and plumb with external corner, measure up the into the Mitre Box. Using the Laminex
the edge of the wall and the sheet. required length for installation. Simple Mitre Saw, make a straight cut through
divisional profiles can be run flush up to the profile. Always check your
Once satisfied that the sheet is correctly the Capping profile at 7mm from the measurements.
aligned, mark the sheet and cut as before, top, or down to the Base profile at 3mm
ensuring that the edges are smooth and from the bottom.
free from burrs or flattened ends.
Capping profile
Technical Data: Laminex® Branded Products
7mm 45° cuts can be made in both inward
and outward faces.This allows for both
Divisional profile internal and external corners, giving your
Corners are more detailed but are still job a professional finish.
easy. Measure the length required, and
then, to allow for the join, measure up a
rebate to cut from the Capping end.
Where a Capping profile joins with a
Divisional profile
vertical (divisional, external, internal)
profile, you need to allow for overlap.
3mm Trim the back flange of the capping
profile to accommodate the overlap.
5
Base profile
Refer to the Fixing Systems Product
information (pg 38).
Check the fit in the external profile to
ensure accurate fit with the wall and Completing the Installation
re-check your levels once more. Apply a Carefully seal all gaps around any
bead of Silicone down the inside edge of exposed edges of the sheet with
the External profile and slide the profile After you have located the rebate, check Laminex Wall Systems Silicone. Pay
onto the sheet, remembering to allow for the fit once more. particular attention to wet areas such as
the Capping or Base profile if required. shower bases and around any cut-outs
Nail the External profile in place. in the sheets.
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HIGH PRESSURE LAMINATES
When inserting fixtures, make sure that the sides of the joint. The tooling action such as corridors. In areas of relative
the holes and cut-outs are slightly larger should positively force the sealant into humidity greater than 65%, standard
to allow for expansion. Always ensure the joint. plasterboard should not be used.
that the holes are sealed with silicone to
prevent moisture penetration. Note: The thickness of any solid material In wet areas, moisture resistant
inserted between gaps must be added plasterboard or cement sheeting is
If fitting a load bearing item such as a onto the recommended gap required. Walls subject to possible
towel rail or shelving, fix through the measurements. dampness or high moisture pick-up
sheet and into a wall stud or noggin. should not have Aquapanel fixed direct,
Make sure you apply Laminex Wall Fill the gap with silicone, slightly but installed to dressed timber frame or
System Silicone to seal any penetrations. overfilling. the wall surface must be waterproofed
with an impermeable membrane.
SILICONE JOINS Figure 10 Product Catalogue
If Laminex fixing profiles are not being Installation requires the following:
used to join sheets, a simple butt join • All surfaces must be clean and free of
can be used.The cutting and machining grease, oil, dust and paint.
of each sheet (tile and patterns • Walls must be completely dry. If
particularly) is critical to the overall subject to possible dampness then a
appearance of the finished job. timber frame must be used, or the wall
completely sealed.
Always leave a minimum 3mm gap • Walls must be flat and square.
between the sheets. (Use an offcut of Aquapanel will not conform to an
the sheet as a spacer). Sheets are then uneven surface.
installed as previously detailed with a Use a wet spatula to trowel off the • Clean surface with a solvent such as
5mm bead of adhesive applied to all excess and remove the strips of tape. IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) or white spirits
studs in contact with the sheet. using a two wipe method. (Apply the
Figure 11 Product Catalogue solvent with a clean cloth, then dry off
with a second clean cloth before the
solvent has flashed off).
• Use fixing system profiles in these
applications.
Method of Application
As described for typical installations for
profiles, except the sheet is bonded
directly to the moisture resistant
plasterboard or cement sheet using the
Use a damp cloth or mineral turpentine following method:
to immediately remove any excess • Run a 5mm bead of adhesive around
silicone from the sheet to prevent the edge of the sheet.
etching of the surface. • Use a zig zag pattern of 5 mm bead of
Run masking tape down the sides of each adhesive making sure that the bead is
join and apply Laminex Wall Systems INSTALLATION ON within 15 - 20mm of the edges of the
Silicone to fill the expansion gap between PLASTERBOARD AND CEMENT sheet.
the two sheets. Trowel off any surplus, SHEETS • Press the sheet against the wall to
remove masking tape and wipe off any Although not recommended, Aquapanel transfer the adhesive to the wall.
excess silicone on the surfaces using a can be fitted to walls that are already • Remove the sheet and hold away from
damp cloth or mineral turpentine. lined with a flat sheet, such as the wall to allow adhesive to become
plasterboard and cement sheeting. Refer tacky. This will take approximately 5 –
Tooling to warranty for further information. 15 minutes depending on climatic
All sealant must be tooled into place. conditions.
This action forces the sealant into the Standard plasterboard sheeting can only • Once tacky, press the sheet back
joint and assists the sealant to ‘Wet Out’ be used in low humidity applications, against the wall and continue as before.
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HIGH PRESSURE LAMINATES
HELPFUL HINTS
• Ensure walls and corners are plumb,
straight and square.
• Leave expansion gaps at all joins if butt
joining and around cut-outs.
• Seal all joins and corners with Laminex
Wall Systems Silicone.
• Clean off excess adhesive or silicone
from the sheet surface immediately.
• Clean the sheet surface with warm
water and mild liquid detergent only.
• DO NOT fit the sheet to wet or
INSTALLATION ON BRICK AND damp walls.
CEMENT BLOCK WALLS • DO NOT use mechanical fixing such
Although not recommended, Aquapanel as nails and screws without providing
can be fitted to brick, cement render an expansion gap.
and cement blockwork. Refer to the • DO NOT force the sheet into the
warranty for further information. fixing system past the small expansion
lug.
The wall must be dry and be • DO NOT fit the sheets tightly together.
impermeable to water. The wall must • DO NOT use abrasive cleaners, waxes
Technical Data: Laminex® Branded Products
be sealed with suitable waterproofing or polish on the sheet surface.
membrane. It is essential that the wall is
flat and free of protruding grout.
Sealing the Wall
Walls should be flat and free from loose
particles. Coat the wall with an even
layer of Trade Essentials Contact
Adhesive or Laminex Wall Systems
Adhesive with sufficient coverage to
ensure a continuous film to provide an
effective moisture barrier. Leave to
completely dry for 24 hours.
Fixing to Wall
Refer to application instructions for
adhering to plasterboard and cement
sheets.
5
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HIGH PRESSURE LAMINATES
LAMINEX FIXING SYSTEM PROFILES
Base Profile Divisional Profile Capping Profile
External Profile Internal Profile
LAMINEX FIXING SYSTEMS
50 x 25mm Timber Adhesive
Internal Corner Profile External Corner Profile
Divisional Profile
TYPICAL DETAIL - SHOWER TYPICAL DETAIL - BATH
Aquapanel Nogging
50mm x
25mm
Aquapanel Silicone
Timber
Stud General Site Work Notes
Silicone Wall Appendix 1. Handling & Product Application Guidelines
25mm
(min.) Page 157-158
Moulded
Laminate Product: Care & Maintenance
Noggings Full Appendix 2. General Care and Maintenance
Shower Base
Bath length of bath Page 159-160
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Issued October 2008
