Each year Surface & Panel asks industry designers to share their insights on fashion trends, emerging surface designs and applications. This is is part two of the Surface Design Guide, a sampling of what is new in thermally fused melamine (TFM) panels and value-added veneers for 2011.

Thermally Fused Melamine (TFM)

Kml www.kmlcorp.com

The technology of the printers and press plate companies combined with flexible innovative research allowed KML develop a durable product that is appealing to architects and designers. KML is using a 100-percent post-industrial recycled core, so combined with the attractive wood grain designs and finishes, is able to give customers the look and feel of real wood without cutting down any more trees. Choose one of six classic neutral shades – Ecru, Flaxseed, Canvas, Silver Flannel, Tweed and Onyx. Or, select from any KML color or effect option to complement your designs. Let your imagination go. From high-fashion store fixtures to hospitals; from the kitchen to the workshop, the possibilities are limitless. Resembling flax spun cloth, KML’s Linen Collection’s richly embossed panels are equally matched for use with modern clean-lined applications or traditional elegant designs.

Tafisa www.tafisa.ca

Presenting two of tafisa’s 10 new designs from the Beyond Borders Collection for 2010-2011: PORTOBELLO Rich in nuances of bronze and charcoal. Perfect for today’s modern trend. MONACO A blend of grey, charcoal and black for the ultimate elegant look. The tight-grained appearance and toneon-tone coloration of these quarter-cut oak designs give them a sophisticated flair that is well-suited for any contemporary vertical or horizontal application. The deep, linear wood grain effect of the surface texture Urbania enhances the depth of these designs, while the low-shine gloss level highlights the natural color of the oak design. Matching HPL and five-piece doors for kitchen cabinets, vanities and closet applications are available.

Uniboard www.uniboard.com

The Uniboard 2010 product launch sets the standard in design and sustainability. Capturing the essence of natural beauty, earthy textures and soft natural fabrics, Uniboard presents the Elegantly Natural melamine collection, a luxurious collection of cool, neutral woodgrains, exotic and linear designs that is versatile enough to transcend market segments and geographical regions. The strength of this collection is its perfect balance between commercial and residential design that will rejuvenate all market segments. The new Bistro finish accentuates the linear wood designs and creates a natural wood texture. Matched exactly for moldings, Bistro creates a beautiful, six color five-piece door program that has taken off in the kitchen segment. All Uniboard melamine panels are manufactured using 100-percent recycled or recovered wood fiber (pre-consumer). For even greener solutions, Uniboard has launched Nu Green 2 and nu Green Zero NAUF particleboards that are FSC- and EPP-certified, meet and exceed CARB Phase 2 and can help achieve up to six LEED points.?

VENEERS

Rapha Stone www.raphastone.com

Rapha Stone is a line of unique, new flexible stone veneers that transform surfaces into a dramatic and natural stone look. Dramatic because they are flexible, and yet natural because it is real stone! The lightweight and economical stone veneers open up new possibilities for a stone look. At just 1/2 pound per square foot, these lightweight veneers allow installation in applications like RVs, exhibit displays, and wall construction where reinforcing is not available. A woodworking shop can process and fabricate Rapha Stone. The thin stone with the FRP (fiberglass reinforced polyester backing) can be cut and adhered with standard tools and adhesives.?

Treefrog Veneer www.treefrogveneer.com

Treefrog recently reintroduced Madagascar Ebony and Palmwood, two already popular treefrog Veneer laminates, with an improved topcoat, labeled Bright Silk that better accentuates the darker wood hues. Treefrog has also introduced the FSC Collection, five of the company’s most popular veneer laminates, with FSC-certified veneer faces. the FSC Collection is pre-finished and supplied on a laminate backer for installation ease and cost-effectiveness. They can contribute to LEED Materials and Resources Credit 7-Certified Wood.

Lamin-Art www.laminart.com/us/

Lamin-art presents Veneer-art, a collection of pre-finished wood veneers that are stain-, scratch- and dent-resistant. Made only with genuine, not reconstituted veneers, Veneer-art High-Performance Wood Veneer is ideally suited for vertical and horizontal applications in commercial interiors such as reception desks, table tops, architectural doors, wainscoting and all types of fixtures, furniture and cabinetry. Because it is ready to install and requires no finishing, Veneer-art saves time and labor while providing superior durability. Currently 18 domestic and exotic colors/species are offered, and matching edgebanding is also available.

Materials Inc. www.materialsinconline.com

Materials Inc. by WTP Corporation introduces Tula natural birch bark tiles. Tula is a Finnish white birch bark, which brings the rough beauty of nature into any interior environment. Birch is a living organic material and the color, tones, and patterns are different in every tree trunk. This makes every Tula panel unique. There is a long standing tradition of making use of every article of the birch tree in Finland. Tula’s design is inspired by that tradition, and uses technology to bring a natural element into any modern environment.?