Frequently Asked Questions
When you have questions about our products and processes, here's a great place to start. We've listed some of the most common questions we receive below. For additional questions, click here to submit your inquiry.
Common Questions We Get Asked...
What are phenolic panels and how are they made?
Phenolic panels, also known as high-pressure laminate (HPL) panels, are made of kraft paper that is impregnated by a phenolic resin. Layers of kraft paper are then pressed together under high heat and pressure to create a very durable, non-porous panel. These panels can be used in a variety of interior, exterior, and laboratory projects. For more information on what phenolic panels are and how they can be used, read our blog.
Where can I find a project using Fundermax panels locally?
Explore our project gallery to find projects across North America that have used our products. Use filters to narrow down your search by application, color, and industry.
How do you fasten phenolic panels to the wall?
Fundermax panels can be attached to the wall in multiple ways with our different fastening systems. To see an example of facade panels being mounted with a Modulo Fastening System, watch this video. For a Scaleo Lap Siding example, watch this video. If you would like more technical details on how to install phenolic panels, read our blog.
How do I find installers in my area?
Fundermax has a wide network of installers across North America and we'd love to help you find a contractor best suited for your project. Find your local Fundermax Sales Representative so they can help match you with the right contractor in your area.
How durable are phenolic panels in a laboratory environment?
In a word - very. Max Resistance2 is our lab-grade material that is antibacterial, chemical, stain, and moisture resistant- making it ideal for high-traffic labs. These laboratory work surfaces can withstand heat up to 360 °F / 182 °C without blistering, scorching, discoloration, or impairing the surface. This is ideal for labs using heat appliances and tools for testing. Read our blog to learn how phenolic panels are both durable and sustainable.
Can phenolic work surfaces resist bacteria?
Yes! If you need an antibacterial work surface for your high-traffic space, such as a laboratory or clinic, our Max Resistance2 product has superior bacterial and fungal resistance. The non-porous surface, which is also free of macro and micropores, ensures that it can withstand frequent cleaning from harsh disinfecting chemicals. Download our brochure to learn more about the antibacterial properties of our laboratory products.
How easy is it to fabricate and install phenolic work surfaces?
Weighing in 6.9 pounds per square foot for standard 1" thickness, Max Resistance2 is easy to handle and install. With three sizes available, the panels enable fabricators to gain an excellent yield, plus installers can modify the panels with ease on-site. Furthermore, with its deep color core, additional edge treatments are not required. Fundermax also provides superior technical support to ensure efficient fabrication and installation. Contact us if you need further assistance with fabricating and installing our product.
Are phenolic panels environmentally friendly?
Fundermax has an EPD and HPD and the raw materials we use are FSC and PEFC certified. Our panels can also contribute to LEED. In addition, the durability of the work surface reduces the potential for early replacement and reduces waste- making it a highly sustainable choice. For more information on our sustainability efforts, click here.
How durable are phenolic panels to scratches, impact, and weather?
Fundermax panels are highly durable for exterior, interior, and laboratory applications. The non-porous surface is scratch and graffiti resistant, antibacterial, and chemical resistant- making it ideal for a variety of areas. Our panels are also a great choice for humid and sunny climates due to their UV, weather, and moisture resistant nature.
Are Fundermax panels compliant with IBC code?
Yes, Max Compact Exterior 8 and 10mm panels meet the requirements of IBC Chapter 14. To learn more about our testing and code compliance, click here.
What class does Fundermax material fall under in the ASTM E84 test?
Max Compact Exterior is Class A-rated, Max Compact Interior F-Quality, and Max Resistance2 are also Class A-rated. Visit our Code Compliance & Testing page to download our ASTM E84 test results and for additional testing information.
What tools do I need to cut/drill your material?
Fundermax panels should primarily be cut and drilled on a CNC router or panel saw. Field cuts can be done with common hand tools such as circular saws and compound miter saws. Download our Technique Exterior and/or Technique Interior brochures for guidelines on the tools and methods needed to cut and drill into our product.
Are phenolic panels sustainable?
Yes- but not all phenolic panel manufacturers are created equal. Fundermax phenolic panels consist of 65% natural fibers sourced from FSC-certified forests and do not contain problematic ingredients like urea-formaldehydes, asbestos, sulfur, and more. Learn more about what makes phenolic panels sustainable and the benefits of sustainable building materials in our blog.
Who is Fundermax?
Fundermax is a privately owned, global phenolic panel manufacturer that has been around for over 130 years. We make high-quality compact laminates for exterior, interior, and laboratory applications. Although headquartered in Austria, there are branches located around the world, including Charlotte, NC where Fundermax North America is based. Read our blogs for more details on who Fundermax is and our history.
How do you fasten phenolic panels to the wall?
Fundermax panels can be attached to the wall in multiple ways. For more information on how to attach panels to the wall, click here.
How do I know if phenolic panels will work for my project?
If you're evaluating materials for your next project, you may be considering phenolic panels. After some research, however, you might be unsure if phenolic panels are the right fit. Read our blogs for non-biased material comparisons covering the differences between Fiber Cement vs Phenolic Panels, Natural Wood Panels vs Phenolic Panels, Epoxy vs Phenolic Panels, and ACM vs Phenolic Panels.
Will Fundermax panels fade over time?
Color fading of building materials is a common concern amongst architects and designers. Thankfully, Fundermax panels will not change colors or fade over time- even when exposed to harsh conditions. Our products go through Greyscale testing which determines a material’s colorfastness when exposed to accelerated weathering. Fundermax achieves a 4-5 rating on the Grayscale while the industry standard is 3.
How do I clean phenolic panels?
Phenolic panels are easy to clean and maintain. Our durable, non-porous panels can be cleaned with warm water, a variety of common household products, and chemicals. The stubbornness of the dirt or stain will determine which item to use. Read our blog for a step-by-step guide on how to clean phenolic panels.
Can I use your HPL panels in a curved design?
Yes! HPL panels are a versatile material not only in aesthetic but in application. They can be used in curved designs but there are some important things to consider before doing so. To see some examples and for more information on using HPL panels in a curved design, click here.
What applications can I use phenolic panels for?
Phenolic panels can be used for a variety of exterior, interior, and laboratory projects in various industries. This includes sunshades, balconies, bathroom partitions, wall lining, and laboratory work surfaces, to name a few. For additional information on the common and unique applications of exterior and interior phenolic panels, read our blog.
How do you make HPL panels out of paper?
HPL panels are made of kraft paper layers and thermosetting resins that are manufactured under high pressure and temperature. When you hear paper, you may think that the panel will eventually swell or warp because that’s the nature of paper and many paper products. Fortunately, this does not happen because the thermosetting resins that impregnate the kraft paper makes the panel non-porous. Therefore, preventing it from swelling and warping.
Do HPL panels delaminate?
Although delamination is a concern for many laminates, it’s not the case for our high pressure laminate (HPL) panels. Delamination occurs when the top laminate layer separates from the laminate panel. Fundermax’s production process and high quality technology ensures that when the HPL panels come out of the press, the final product is a homogeneous material. For more information on how Fundermax HPL panels don’t delaminate, click here.
What warranties does Fundermax offer on their products?
At Fundermax, we offer an industry-leading, 10-year US warranty for our exterior products that includes labor AND materials. Our interior product lines come with a 2-year limited warranty. View our downloadable PDFs for in-depth details about Fundermax’s warranties.
Are air gaps and joint spacing necessary when installing phenolic panels?
Incorporating air gaps and joint spacing is an industry standard when installing phenolic wall panel systems. This is necessary for allowing airflow on the front and back of the panels to prevent them from warping. Not only will it keep the panels flat, it will also help extend the life of your building and design. For more information on how to properly install Fundermax phenolic panels, contact us today.
Do HPL Panels work well below 10 feet?
Yes- you can install HPL panels in applications between 0 and 10 feet. Fundermax phenolic cladding panels are durable and can handle the wear and tear of high-traffic areas. That includes dirt, graffiti, scratches, and cleaning chemicals. As a result of this, HPL panels can be installed below 10 feet without concern.