PerMar Ltd.
Use And Care Guidelines For
Phenolic Work Surfaces And Casework
Surface Protection
Scratches and Impact: Do not chop, slice or pound directly on a phenolic work surface. Use a chopping block or other protective surface. Heavy impact, such as a hammer can cause gouges in the surface. Knives can leave slices or scratches. Ceramics and abrasive materials can scratch phenolic work surfaces.
Hot Objects: Do not place extremely hot items on phenolic work surfaces. Phenolic work surfaces can withstand heat up to 350°F. However, prolonged high temperature exposure can cause surface damage. Use an insulated hot pad or other protective device beneath hot items. Do not place hot irons or crucibles directly onto phenolic work surfaces.
Ordinary Cleaning
To keep phenolic work surfaces looking beautiful, clean with a damp cloth using mild non-abrasive cleaners, e.g., 409, Fantastic, etc. Some commercial self-cleaning waxes and polishes can be used on phenolic work surfaces, but caution must be taken since others contain abrasives that will eventually damage the surface or make it susceptible to stains.
Stronger acid or alkaline-based cleaners may permanently damage or stain phenolic work surfaces. Never allow these cleaners, containers, rags or other items contaminated with these cleaners to remain in contact with phenolic work surfaces. Examples of such cleaners include:
drain cleaners some countertop cleaners ceramic top cleaners
chlorine bleach oven cleaners rust removers
toilet bowl cleaners metal cleaners
If you spill such cleaners on a phenolic work surface, wipe up the spill immediately and rinse the effected area thoroughly with water. Chemical testing, performed to SEFA 8-1998 test specifications, has shown that phenolic work surfaces resist most chemicals for a period of time, but there is no substitute for good housekeeping. Check your phenolic work surface specifications for chemical resistance prior to long-term exposure.
Disinfecting
Phenolic work surfaces may be disinfected with common alcohol based disinfectants or with mild solutions of hydrogen peroxide.
Special Cleaning Recommendations
Residual adhesive: Phenolic work surfaces will occasionally have a protective cover sheet used during shipping that may leave residual adhesive. Clean this adhesive with a non-abrasive cotton cloth and adhesive solvent such as lacquer thinner, MEK, or acetone. Read and follow all instructions and warnings on the labels of all solvent products.
Paint and varnish: Remove most oil based paints, varnishes and lacquers with a suitable solvent or paint remover. Read and follow all instructions and warnings on the labels and remember that most solvents are extremely flammable. Remove most water based paints with an ammonia-based household cleaner or paint remover. For stubborn paint spots, use a plastic, non-abrasive scouring pad. Never use steel wool or other metal scouring pads.
Stains: Phenolic work surfaces are resistant to most common stains. However, some materials and liquids such as certain dyes and pharmaceutical products may permanently stain phenolic if not removed quickly. Examples include:
Some Hair Dyes Laundry Luing Tannic Acid
Mercurochrome Dermatological Tar Povidone-Iodine
To remove or minimize such stains, use full strength Pine-Sol® liquid cleaner or another mild household spray cleaner on the effected area, and allow it to draw out the stain. Blot with a damp, non-abrasive cloth, then rinse. You can also use solvents such as denatured alcohol. Follow all directions and warnings on the solvent label because many are extremely flammable.
Avoidance of Abrasive Cleaners/Materials
DO NOT use abrasive cleaners, powders, scouring pads, steel wool, sandpaper, and etc. to clean phenolic work surfaces. These can damage the surface finish and make it susceptible to staining.
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