HOW IS NEVACLAD APPLIED DURING THE NEVACLAD LAMINATE PROCESS?
HOW STRONG IS THE ADHESIVE BOND OF NEVACLAD?
WHAT IF THERE IS DAMAGE TO THE SUBSTRATE TO BE RENEWED?
HOW ARE NEVACLAD PATTERNS AND DESIGNS CREATED?
WHO CAN PERFORM NEVACLAD INSTALLATIONS?
WHAT IS THE WARRANTY ON NEVACLAD APPLICATIONS?
CAN NEVACLAD BE INSTALLED OVER DRYWALL?
CAN NEVACLAD BE USED FOR EXTERIOR APPLICATIONS?
CAN NEVACLAD BE INSTALLED ON CURVED OR COMPOUND RADIUS SURFACES?
How is NevaClad applied during the NevaClad imaging process?
NevaClad is ready for installation right out of the box. It incorporates an integrated adhesive system, which eliminates the need for additional adhesives that are typically required for traditional laminates. A specially-designed release paper protects the adhesive layer until the NevaClad is ready to be applied. During the application process, heat is used to make the Nevaclad foil pliable so that it can conform to convex and radius shapes, and, also to enhance the bond strength of the adhesive system.
How strong is the NevaClad adhesive bond?
The bond strength of the NevaClad adhesive system is meant to be permanent and is instant upon activation. It is an acrylic-based adhesive that is non-water soluble. It is not adversely affected by moisture or extreme temperature variances. Heat enhances and accelerates the bond during the curing phase. Maximum bond strength is reached in 8-12 hours. For installations with minimal surface preparation, there is no mixing of glues, no mess and no odor, which makes NevaClad a viable option for projects required to take place during normal business hours or where short turnaround times are required (e.g., lobbies open 7 days a week).
How flexible is NevaClad?
NevaClad is highly flexible and can easily be applied to curved or radiused objects, such as round columns, concave and convex shapes. NevaClad becomes pliable with heat and can easily wrap around 90-degree corners, such as on counters, purse ledges, cabinet doors, laminate panels and office doors.
What if there is damage to the substrate to be reimaged?
Proper surface preparation is absolutely key to the overall success and longevity of a NevaClad or similar type application. The substrate must be in overall structurally-sound shape with little or no delamination occurring. Our installers will make minor repairs to cracked or damaged laminate prior to beginning the application. This is accomplished by using a two-part polyester filler (i.e., Bondo) to build back up the damaged area and then sanding it completely smooth with the surrounding laminate or veneer. The repaired area is then sealed against porosity to ensure proper adhesion of the NevaClad surfacing laminate. The surface must be completely smooth before the installation can take place, otherwise telegraphing of deviations within the substrate may occur. For millwork that is experiencing delamination, depending on the severity, it may be necessary to have a woodworker to make repairs and/or replace missing laminate beforehand.
How are NevaClad designs created during the manufacturing process?
In addition to the range and depth of patterns available, what really stands out most about NevaClad Surfacing Laminate is the quality and authenticity of their design. Unlike most high-pressure laminate designs, which are merely photographic images, NevaClad designs are created through an advanced rotogravure printing and embossing process. The end result is an intensely higher level of detail and authenticity. This is particularly evident when it comes to our wood grain finishes. By utilizing a rotogravure process, a strikingly realistic graining effect is achieved that gives the NevaClad designs added dimensional depth, mimicking real wood veneer flawlessly.
Who should perform NevaClad applications?
NevaClad is highly unconventional when compared to other types of surfacing materials, such as high-pressure laminates. Their flexible nature, thickness, and integrated adhesive system make it necessary that a specific set of installation techniques be employed to fully maximize the wearability and overall life of the application. For this reason, only experienced installation technicians that have been manufacturer-trained should perform NevaClad applications. Millwork Image Solutions has both in-house, as well as a wide network of trained technicians readily available to accomplish your installation needs.
What is the warranty on NevaClad applications?
The standard product warranty for the NevaClad product lines that we offer range from 3 to 5 years. The product is guaranteed by the manufacturer (following its installation completion date) to be manufactured free from defects. Such warrantied defects include: reduced gloss, developed texture, decomposition, swelling, clouding, tackiness, crazing, bubbling and cracking of product. In addition to the product warranty, Millwork Image Solutions warranties all installations for a period of one year against labor defects when installed by their trained installers. Normal wear is excluded from all warranties.
Can NevaClad be installed over drywall or gypsum surfaces?
In general, it is NOT recommended for NevaClad to be installed over drywall due to the porousness and limited repairability of gypsum. However, if the drywall is in an area that is not subject to abuse or heavy traffic then it is permissible to install NevaClad. When installing over gypsum, proper surface preparation will need to be performed ahead of time to ensure the installation is completed successfully.
Can NevaClad be used for exterior applications?
We carry a multitude of NevaClad finishes that are specially designed to be used in exterior environments. Steel and metal surfaces are the only types of substrates that are suitable for exterior-grade thermopliable foils. The surface must be smooth and solid. The exterior foils have an anticorrosive film layer that makes them resistant to climate, direct sunlight, chemical pollution and staining. They are guaranteed for five years against fading or peeling when properly installed by an experienced, manufacturer-trained installer.
Can NevaClad be installed on curved or compound-radius surfaces?
Most interior and exterior grade, NevaClad finishes that we carry are able to be heated and conformed to certain types of three-dimensional applications. These types of applications are very intricate and require the skills of an advanced and experienced installer. The degree of difficulty and the amount of conforming required will ultimately decide whether or not the substrate is suitable for the applications.