4.Versatility of HPL
One thing is clear: HPL is durable, hard-wearing, easy to care for, and at the same time impresses with its varied, visually appealing surface structures. In order to maintain the attractiveness and texture of the material surface for as long as possible, it is advisable to follow a few simple care instructions. One advantage of HPL is that expensive care products such as furniture oils or polishes are not necessary.
Due to its versatility, HPL can be exposed to a wide variety of external influences. Under normal conditions of use, the most common types of contamination are greasy stains, for example from cooking or baking, fingerprints, or liquid residues. As a general rule, dirt or stains should be wiped away or removed as quickly as possible to prevent residues from forming.
For simple stains, cleaning with warm water applied with a soft sponge, cloth, or plastic brush is sufficient. Very important: never scrub! If the dirt is more stubborn, use standard household cleaning agents such as soap, dishwashing liquid, glass cleaner, etc. Again, make sure that these do not contain any abrasive ingredients! In general, washing with hot water can be repeated. To prevent streaks from forming, the surface should then be dried immediately with an absorbent cloth or paper. Rub dry as evenly as possible in one direction, preferably in the direction of the decor or texture.
If these measures are not sufficient, organic solvents can also be used. These include acetone, methylated spirits, nitro thinner, or turpentine. For heavier soiling or residues such as paraffin or wax, it may be helpful to remove the dirt using a plastic or wooden scraper. Here too, proceed with caution to protect the surface. For high-gloss or deep-matt HPL structures, you should avoid “scraping” with a spatula altogether.
Residues left behind during the installation or processing of HPL surfaces are quite common. Solvents such as ethanol, acetone, or cleaning gasoline can help remove dried residues of paints, varnishes, or adhesives; if necessary, these can also be left to work for a longer period of time. It is important to note that two-component adhesives and varnishes must be removed from the surface immediately. Once they have hardened, traces will always remain despite cleaning measures. Silicone- or polyurethane-based sealing materials should be carefully removed using a plastic or wooden spatula. Residues can be cleaned with specific agents such as silicone removers – if necessary, these can also be left to act for a longer period of time.
The HPL surface can simply be cleaned with warm water and then dried with a paper towel and a soft cloth. More persistent marks can usually be removed with non-abrasive household cleaners such as washing powder, liquid or solid soap. Depending on the degree of staining it may be necessary to allow an extended contact time for the cleaning agent to take effect. Afterwards rinse with water and dry, repeat several times if necessary. Remove all residue of the cleaning agent to prevent smear marks. Use a clean, absorbent cloth to dry the surface. The above procedure can be improved by using a cleaning sponge or a nylon brush.
HPL is a homogeneous, non-porous material and resistant to most household chemicals. Even though liquids cannot penetrate the material, stains should be wiped off immediately. Prolonged contact, mainly with caustic substances such as descaler, aggressive household cleaners, toilet and oven cleaners should be avoided and must be removed immediately.
Limescale deposits can be removed with a warm 10 % acetic acid or citric acid solution. When using a household descaler, the surface must be rinsed with water immediately.
Paraffin or wax residue first has be removed mechanically using a plastic or wooden spatula to avoid scratching the surface.
Fresh contaminations from water-soluble paint, varnish and adhesives can be removed with water as usual. dried residue can be removed with solvents such as ethanol, acetone or paint thinner.
Fresh stains from paint, varnish and adhesives containing solvents can usually be removed with solvents, even dried residue after prolonged exposure, if necessary. Suitable solvents are ethanol, acetone or paint thinner.
Staining caused by two component adhesives and paint has to be removed from the HPL immediately. After hardening, it is not possible to remove these stains without leaving any residue. The surface has to be cleaned immediately with a suitable organic solvent, observing the information from the manufacturer of the corresponding adhesive or varnish system. Two component adhesives and varnishes are based on e.g. epoxy resin or polyurethane (PU).
Staining caused by sealing material based on silicone or polyurethane, requires the residue of the sealing material to be carefully removed mechanically beforehand. A plastic or wooden scraper is ideal for preventing scratches on the surface. Any remaining residue can be cleaned with suitable removers (e. g. silicone remover), if necessary even after prolonged exposure. Prolonged exposure times to the silicon remover can lead to changes on the surface. After coming into contact with solvents, the surface has to be rinsed with warm water and then dried with a clean, soft, absorbent cloth.
