Why Does Sunmica Bubble or Peel? The Right Laminate, Adhesive and Board Together

Short answer: laminate lifts mostly because of moisture in the board, the wrong adhesive for the place (not waterproof near water, not heat resistant near the stove), laminate on one side only or a dusty, poor surface. Match the board grade, the adhesive and the edge sealing to the place.

Common signs

• A bubble in the middle (trapped air)
• Laminate peeling or lifting at the edges
• Laminate rippling near the sink or stove
• Laminate lifting in patches on an older wardrobe

Most of the time the fault isn't the laminate itself but the combination of materials.

Five real causes

Cause	What happens
Moisture	The board absorbs moisture (especially through open edges or a damp wall), expands, and the laminate loses its grip
The wrong adhesive	An ordinary adhesive weakens in heat or damp
The board's surface	Adhesive doesn't grip dust, old paint or a damaged surface
Laminate on one side	The board bends one way and the laminate's edges lift
Heat	Stoves, ovens and sunny windows strain the laminate and adhesive

The right combination

The board for the place

• Kitchen: at least BWR; BWP or WPC next to the sink.
• Bathroom: WPC.
• Dry rooms: good MR.

Grades in detail: types and grades of plywood.

The adhesive for the place

A waterproof adhesive near water and a heat-resistant one near the stove; an ordinary adhesive in normal rooms. Which Fevicol goes where: Fevicol Marine vs HeatX vs SH.

Laminate and liner

• 1mm laminate outside, liner inside: a layer on both sides.
• Thicker laminate on countertops and tables.
• Choosing a finish: how to choose laminate.

Edge band on every edge

Laminate edges only hold if the board's edge is sealed. See how to choose edge band tape.

When buying laminate

• Keep laminate sheets flat, not rolled or leaning.
• Buy all the laminate for one job from one lot, so the shade and thickness match.
• For the panel right next to the stove, ask the shop for the right laminate and adhesive for the heat.

FAQ

Why does sunmica peel off in the kitchen? Usually moisture and heat: the board grade, adhesive and edge sealing don't all suit the place.

Can new sunmica go over old sunmica? If the old laminate is lifting anywhere, the new one won't hold either. The carpenter decides after checking the surface.

Nitin Plywood House, Alipur

Laminates (Greenlam, Merino, Century), liner, Fevicol and edge band in one place, so the shade and the adhesive are right together. To check which shade and pack size is in stock today, call +91-9212017608.