3.Machining and processing HPL
The substrates for worktops are usually chipboard. As these tend to swell under the influence of moisture, direct influence of water or steam on the substrate has to be avoided under all circumstances.
Special attention has to be paid to the treatment and sealing of the following areas:
Damage to the balancing layer or the sealing in the area of the front edge before or after installation also restricts the user benefit of the worktop. The affected parts must be treated with waterproof sealing materials afterwards. In any case, high-quality sealing materials have to be used.
With the HPL, the manufacturer reliably protects kitchen worktops against ingress of water or steam. Machining, however, always produces unprotected edges, joints and fastenings. Generally, the installation instructions from the manufacturers of sinks, hobs and installed appliances must be observed. Sealing profiles and cross-linking sealing compounds, especially those based on silicone, polyurethane and acrylic, have proven successful for sealing chipboard. In addition, the following materials can also be used for sealing:
Dry seals
Manufacturers of installed appliances usually supply sealing rings, sealing profiles or self-adhesive sealing strips. These have to be applied during installation.
Sealing compounds
It is essential that the areas to be sealed are cleaned carefully. Then, a primer has to be applied to ensure reliable adhesion. When using a cleaning primer, prior cleaning can be omitted. After a curing period, the sealing compound has to be applied without hollow spaces according to the manufacturer's instructions. The surface has to be smoothed immediately. To prevent contamination of the element surfaces with sealing compound and to achieve an evenly wide joint pattern, we recommend masking the joint edges with tape before applying the sealing compound. Sealing systems which are hard and inelastic must not be used.
