D-11 Applies laminate sheets

Overview

Task D-11 covers applying laminate sheets to a variety of substrates. The standard gives the purpose as a finish that is durable, sanitary and decorative. In this standard, veneers with a backing count as laminate sheets, because they are handled in the same way. The descriptor also notes that many countertops now come from companies that specialize in making post-formed countertops.

The four sub-tasks follow the same pattern as veneering: select, prepare, adhere, clean up.

D-11.01 Selects laminate sheets

What you do

• Choose the size, grade and thickness of the laminate sheets according to the project specifications.
• Inspect the sheets for flaws and damage to industry standards.
• Balance the sheet to industry standards.

What you need to know

• Types of laminate sheets, including their properties, characteristics and applications.
• Grain direction.
• Sheet balancing.
• Procedures for selecting laminate sheets.

Range of variables

• Grades and thickness include: general purpose (GP), vertical grade (V32), acid resistant, fire rated
• Flaws and damage include: scratches, colour variation
• Properties include: flexibility, grade, finish
• Industry standards include: AWMAC, AWI, WI, CKCA, shop-specific standard

D-11.02 Prepares laminate sheets and substrate

What you do

• Select and use the tools and equipment the application requires.
• Cut laminate sheets according to the project specifications.
• Handle laminate sheets with care to prevent damage, following industry standards.
• Join (seam) laminate edges to industry standards.
• Cut the substrate to size to the project specifications, allowing for the edge treatment.

What you need to know

• Types of laminate sheets and substrates, including their characteristics and applications.
• The tools and equipment used to prepare laminate sheets and substrates, and how to use them.
• Procedures for edge treatment of the substrate and for preparing laminate sheets and substrate.

Range of variables

• Tools and equipment include: laminate knives, routers, saws, hand planes
• Properties include: flexibility, grade, finish
• Industry standards include: AWMAC, AWI, WI, CKCA, shop-specific standard

D-11.03 Adheres laminate sheets to substrate

What you do

• Select and use the tools and equipment the application requires.
• Select adhesives according to the project specifications, then apply them to the manufacturer's specifications.
• Press the laminate to the substrate using one of the pressing methods.
• Apply pressure to the laminate when you use contact cement.
• Get a tight and flush seam, using methods that meet industry standards.

What you need to know

• Types of laminate sheets, substrates and adhesives, including their characteristics and applications.
• Hazards associated with adhesives.
• Solvents and cleaners, including their characteristics and applications.
• Environmental conditions that affect laminate.
• The tools, equipment and methods for adhering laminate sheets to substrates.

Range of variables

• Adhesives include: polyvinyl acetate (PVA), contact cement
• Methods include: vacuum press, hot press, cold press
• Tools and equipment include: rollers, glue spreaders, glue sprayers, brushes, rubber mallets
• Environmental conditions include: temperature, humidity
• Properties include: flexibility, grade, finish

D-11.04 Performs final clean-up of laminated sheets

What you do

• Select and use the tools and equipment the application requires.
• Trim excess laminate.
• File and sand laminate edges so they are flush with the substrate.
• Bevel the finished laminate edge.
• Remove excess adhesive with solvents and specialized cleaners.

What you need to know

• Solvents and cleaners, including their characteristics and applications.
• Manufacturers' guidelines on inside radius and cut-outs.
• The tools, equipment and procedures for final clean-up of laminated sheets.
• Laminated sheet trimming techniques and procedures.

Range of variables

• Tools and equipment include: laminate trimmers, hand planes, files, bevel trimmers, sanding blocks

Sub-task	Tools and equipment listed
D-11.02 Prepare	laminate knives, routers, saws, hand planes
D-11.03 Adhere	rollers, glue spreaders, glue sprayers, brushes, rubber mallets
D-11.04 Clean-up	laminate trimmers, hand planes, files, bevel trimmers, sanding blocks

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Source: Red Seal Occupational Standard – Cabinetmaker, Task D-11 (pp. 87–91).