A preferred matte panel should provide a super soft look and feel. Matte panels absorb the light creating a smooth, even surface that is very appealing to the eye at any angle. When you choose matte surfaces, you’ll help your clients create a dramatic look. Don’t just choose any matte surface, however. Be sure to look for these three qualities.
Modern Millwork: 3 Qualities to Look for in Matte Panels
Stunning, sleek and sophisticated
Modernize your design with any matte surface and create the perfect captivating dramatic look
Soft- Touch
Why stop at having a surface just look great? A soft-touch finish allows a surface to gain distinction by also feeling great. Adding this texture to a space will help achieve that dramatic appeal. Providing the best panel for your client is a challenge all designers face. When your client has matte in mind, looking for a soft, thermal healing, anti-fingerprint surface will make your job a little bit easier.
Thermal healing
Scratches are a part of everyday life. The surfaces in your client’s space shouldn’t show their age with countless scratches. Choose a panel that has the ability to remove micro-scratches with heat, friction or a melamine foam sponge. Your clients will appreciate the easy maintenance. Check out this video to get an up-close look at thermal healing.
Anti- Fingerprint
Fingerprints can be highly visible on lower-end matte panels. Look for a solution that has an anti-fingerprint surface. Your eye should be drawn to the surface, not the fingerprints. This feature will also help keep your client’s panels looking clean for longer.
| Matte Surfaces | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Painting: Panels are painted with numerous layers of super matte paint in the desired color | 1. Common application 2. Highest number of color options 3. Multiple shapes are possible | 1. High life-cycle cost 2. Difficult to match replacement panels 3. Inconsistent and very manual process |
| High Pressure Laminate (HPL): Pressed decorative paper, craft paper and resins to form a high pressure laminate | 1. Can be used in vertical or horizontal applications 2. More scratch resistant that other options 3. Availability of color options | 1. Very limited thermal healing of micro-scratches 2. Fingerprints more visible than other options |
| PET Foil: Clear film applied to melamine board | 1. Prints and patterns can be available 2. Surface has good scratch resistance 3. More economical option | 1. Very limited thermal healing of micro- scratches 2. Fingerprints more visible than other options |
| Nanotech Matte Material: Next- generation acrylic resins combined with nanotechnology hardened and fixed with electron beam curing process | 1. Low light reflectivity, extremely matte surface 2. Thermal healing of micro-scratches 3. Anti- fingerprint 4. Soft to the touch 5. Extreme heat and chemical resistance 6. Enhanced anti- bacterial properties | 1. Mass availability in the market |
For more information on matte panel options for your modern millwork designs, check out REHAU’s website.
By Jesse Collins, Marketing Manager, Furniture Solutions