GLOSSWTA
MEASURING YOUR WORKTOP
High Gloss
Worktop Profile
• Marking can be done with a soft pencil either on the face of the worktop, if
using a hand saw, or on the back if using a power saw.
• Before cutting check measurements.
Important Customer Notice
• This worktop has an excess of 25mm at each end to allow for trimming
and cutting.
CUTTING YOUR WORKTOP
• If using an electric circular or jigsaw, the best results will be achieved by
cutting the worktop face down so that the saw teeth cut into the laminate
surface, commencing from the radiused front edge.
• If using a hand saw, (10-12 teeth per 25mm) always start from the profiled
edge and keep the saw at a low angle.
• Once the worktop has been cut, the edge can be trimmed with a plane to
make it ready for edging.
• Damage sustained to the worktop during cutting/fitting will not be accepted
by Howdens Joinery.
Note: When cutting a Mirror Chip worktop be aware of sharp edges.
EDGING AND FINISHING YOUR WORKTOP
• Ensure the edge is flat, clean and dust free. Apply a proprietary adhesive,
ideally PVA, to the edge of the worktop.
• Now apply an even pressure along the length of the edging with a hot iron on
medium heat to achieve a good bond, ensuring that any deposits of glue on
the surface of the worktop or the decorative face of the edging are immediately
wiped off with a clean damp cloth.
Note: Iron application does not apply for Mirror Chip edging.
For Polypropylene edged a Contact adhesive should be used.
For Acrylic edging (Glass Effect) a ‘non solvent adhesive should be used.
• When using adhesive always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
•Hints & Tips: Once edging adhesive has been applied, warm the edge before applying
the edge banding. Edging clamps should be used to ensure a secure fix.
• Once bonded the edge can be trimmed using a plane and finished with a fine file.
MAKING CUT-OUTS IN YOUR WORKTOP FOR INSET HOBS AND SINKS
• Any cut-outs required should be carefully measured and marked. Then
working from the decorative surface, drill through all the corners using the
largest diameter drill possible, since sharp internal corners can lead to cracks
forming in the laminate surface. Ensure that there is a minimum radius of
10mm at each corner.
• Join the pre-drilled holes from the back of the top if using a jigsaw.
To ensure that your worktop remains in excellent condition,
it is essential
that all exposed edges of the chipboard are sealed with a silicone sealant
of contact adhesive. Critical area include the sink and hob cut-outs, masons
mitres and exposed edges of the worktop.
High Gloss
Square Edge
Worktop
Water
resistant
Water
resistant
Min 10mm
Radius
Silicone
Sealant
Worktop face down
Worktop face up
Gloss laminate
High quality
environmentally
friendly
chipboard
Sealed
back edge
HD211011v2
Sealed
back edge
High quality
environmentally
friendly
chipboard
Laminate/ Polypropylene/
Acrylic (Glass effect) Square
Edge
Important Notes:
Ensure packaging is disposed of in a safe environmentally friendly way
Use this leaflet in conjunction with the kitchen installation manual
Gloss Worktop Leaflet
Cutting and Installation
To prevent damage from
hot objects, use heat
resistant mat on the surface
of the worktop.
Always use ashtrays for
cigarettes.
Never place objects taken
from the oven or hob
directly onto the laminate
surface since this may lead
to blistering.
Care should also be taken
with hot irons and
cigarettes.
Always use chopping
boards for preparing food.
Crockery items, kitchen
utensils and other objects
sliding across your worktop
will produce fine scratches
in the laminate.
Never cut foodstuffs directly
on to the laminate surface.
Wipe spilt liquids away
from joints and cut-outs
immediately.
Ensure that all inset
appliances are properly
sealed with a suitable
waterproof mastic.
Moisture will not harm the
laminate surface itself but it
is advisable to wipe away
any spillage as soon as
possible. The critical areas
are around joints and
cut-outs.
DRY CLOTH
OR DUSTER
DAMP CLOTH
WARM
WATER &
DETERGENT
NON
ABRASIVE
CLEANER
WHITE SPIRIT
ACETONE OR
NAIL POLISH
REMOVER
STAIN OR MARK
TEA
COFFEE
MILK
FRUIT JUICE
CURRY
RED WINE
VINEGAR
LEMON JUICE
BEETROOT
GENERAL HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
DUST OR LIGHT DIRT
SOAP RESIDUE
OILS-MECH/ENG/VEG
PAINT WATER BASED
PAINT SOLVENT BASED
DYES-WASHABLE
DYES-PERMANENT
SHOE POLISH
WAX CRAYON
BIRO/PEN
CHALK
LIPSTICK
NAIL VARNISH
BLEACH
OTHER
FINGER MARKS
BLOOD
NICOTINE
FOODSTUFFS
Please refer to this Gloss Care &
Maintenance leaflet both before and after
installation, as misuse of all Gloss
laminates may affect the appearance of
the work surface, particularly with regards
to scratching, (see Table ‘Things to
do/Things to avoid’).
HEAT
SCRATCHING
MOISTURE
GENERAL MAINTENANCE OF
YOUR GLOSS WORKTOP
All Gloss worktops are effectively
sealed to protect the core from
moisture along the front and
back edges.
Boiling water and cooking splashes
should have no detrimental effect on
the worktop, however they should be
wiped up immediately so they do not
impair the visual appearance of the
worktop, (see table).
CLEANING YOUR GLOSS
WORKTOP
General cleaning of gloss surfaces
requires only a damp cloth and a mild
detergent or non-abrasive cleaner
diluted in warm water.
Abrasive scouring powders, creams
and even polishes should all be
avoided. Potentially persistent stains
should be removed immediately.
Buff the surface after cleaning with
soft cloth.
THINGS TO DO THINGS TO AVOID
HD211011v2 GLOSSWTA
Care & Maintenance
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