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1938
- It wasn’t until 1938 — following the invention of a new kind of resin, melamine — was laminate engineered with a top layer of colored paper. Melamine bakes or “flows” to create a hard, clear topcoat finish. It also bonds and protects the decorative paper layer beneath.
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Originally marketed in the late 1940s post-World War II, laminate was quickly adopted for its modern aesthetic, gracing everything from dinette tables to commercial bars. The material owed its early popularity to its affordability and adaptability, making it a staple in homes and businesses alike.
- What Is Laminate Made of?
- Laminate Becomes Available to The Public
- Laminate Became A Modern Marvel
- Laminate Today Compared to Laminate in The 1950s
- Transform Your Kitchen with Laminate
When we think of laminate, why do we think of America in the mid-20th century? Initially, laminate was made purely with phenolic, which could only produce a caramel brown-colored finish. It wasn’t until 1938 — following the invention of a new kind of resin, melamine — was laminate engineered with a top layer of colored paper. Melamine bakes or “flo...
Laminates were not marketed to consumers until the end of the 1940s, after the Second World War. Partly due to the state of the American economy in the late 30s. Consumers ate this new “modern” material up. Laminate became popular in commercial settings, such as diners and bars, and in the home as dinette tables, cabinetry, and countertops. However...
Laminate was bright and cheerful, impervious to stains, easy to clean, and never required polishing. Think about the other materials used for the same purposes: 1. Marble was porous, stained, and cold to the touch. 2. Wood scratched, stained, and required polishing. 3. Linoleum scored, stained, and yellowed with time and sunlight. Also Read: Counte...
Laminate today is produced in the same way as in the 1950s, with some differences. In the 1950s, laminate had a higher percentage of polymer (phenolic and melamine) resin. The exact percentage is unknown, but the mid-century laminate was around 40% to 50% polymer depending on the grade. Mid-century laminate also has a different feel than today’s la...
If you want your new kitchen to look like a diner, Boomerang is still available (though Formica itself only offers a charcoal color!) However, if you want something more modern for your space, browse our selection of modern day laminates.
Jun 4, 2013 · This important invention made the brightly colored laminates we associate with kitchen counter tops of the 1950s possible — and opened up a brand new world of design possibilities for American kitchens and bathrooms.
laminate countertops came in the early 1900s when a couple engineers for the Westinghouse company invented a laminate product with phenolic resins to serve as an industrial insulator. The inventive engineers left Westinghouse to create the Formica Company and soon the laminated plastic was being used widely for radios and other electronic devices.
The countertops were invented in the early 1900s by engineers from Westinghouse Company. They invented the product from phenolic resins that serve as an industrial insulator. The engineers later left Westinghouse and created the Formica Company that popularized the material.
Sep 4, 2024 · In 1979, when This Old House first aired, plastic laminate dominated the countertop market. Brands like Formica and Wilsonart commanded an impressive 90% market share. These surfaces were affordable, easy to clean, and available in a variety of colors—including the now-iconic neon orange that graced the first This Old House TV project.
Dec 20, 2022 · Back in the day (you know, 30 years ago), laminate countertops were the most POPULAR choice for kitchen countertops; you’d be hard-pressed to see much else. And with the popularity of quartz and granite countertops in the last 20 years or so, laminate has got a reputation of being a ‘cheap’ alternative.
