You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers! ATI Decorative Laminates is committed to helping you with your project every step of the way. We’ve provided a list of FAQs below to support you on your journey to finding the decorative surfacing solution that is perfect for you. If you have any additional questions, please contact an ATI Customer Service Representative at 800.849.1320.
Choose a Product Line
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How can I order samples of your product offerings?
You can order samples from our MirroFlex, Fusion, and NuMetal product lines right here! Choose from sample chains to individual pieces, or even get a Design Binder that includes literature and samples from our product lines.
Ordering through our online sample store is quick and easy - just go to ATILaminates.com/Order-Samples, choose a product line, and add the desired samples to your cart. You can also order samples by contacting an ATI Customer Service Representative at 800.849.1320 or email us at info@advtechnology.com.
How can I order ATI literature as well?
Absolutely! Follow the same exact steps listed above.
How can I find pricing information?
At ATI, we offer a variety of decorative surfacing solutions with pricing that may vary by product, design, quantities, finishes, and even shipping. We have a general price range located on each of our main product pages.
To provide more accurate pricing specific to your project needs, please contacting an ATI Customer Service Representative at 800.849.1320 or email us at info@advtechnology.com.
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Can I customize MirroFlex with my own design or a custom color?
Yes. Due to the manufacturing processes, there is a minimum requirement for a custom design or color. We will be glad to discuss the requirements with you and see if this solution is feasible for your project.
Do the seams show in MirroFlex panels and Glue-Up ceiling tiles when you put them side by side?
MirroFlex panels and Glue-Up ceiling tiles with the BIO (Built In Overlap) feature are designed to minimize the appearance of seams and makes installation easy and forgiving.
How do you cut MirroFlex?
MirroFlex can be easily cut using normal household scissors or a utility knife. Remember to measure and mark a straight line before you make your cut. If using a utility knife, score the sheet on the front/decorative side and then break the product as opposed to cutting all the way through.
What is "cut-to-size?"
When ATI cuts the product to fit your size specifications. There is a charge for cut-to-size orders, and certain tolerances apply.
How does MirroFlex ship?
ATI makes every effort to ship in the most efficient way. We have partnered with packaging engineers and specialists to develop special cartons, skids, and crates for shipping. Visit our YouTube Channel, YouTube.com/MirroFlex, to learn more about ATI's Shipping Procedures.
What is the heat resistance of MirroFlex? Can I use it in my kitchen?
Never expose MirroFlex products to heat in excess of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It can be used in kitchens, but refrain from installing it behind a drop-in cooktop, as it may deform when exposed to heat. MirroFlex should not be exposed to long periods of excessive heat.
What types of substrates can MirroFlex be applied to?
With the proper adhesive, virtually any substrate will work.
How do you determine fire, impact, and stain resistance?
ATI employs third-party testing facilities to independently verify MirroFlex's technical attributes.
Are MirroFlex Ceiling Tiles waterproof?
MirroFlex Ceiling Tiles (including Decorative Glue-Up and Lay-In Tiles, Decorative Acoustic Tiles, and Faux Mineral Fiber Tiles) are all easily cleanable and non-absorbent (waterproof) as well as meet or exceed the compliance requirements recommended by the USDA, State Health Departments, and the FDA. While these organizations do not specifically recommend products, an outline of requirements is provided and should be reviewed before any ceiling tile is to be installed over a food preparation area. For questions or more information regarding technical and safety data on MirroFlex Ceiling Tiles, please visit the Resources section of our website or contact an ATI Customer Service Representative at 800.849.1320. Be sure to contact a local health inspector for specific industry requirements.
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I want to submit my own photo(s)/art file(s), what size and resolution should it/they be?
Ideally, your photo/file should be a full size image at a native resolution of 300 ppi or minimum 150 ppi. If you do not have these file sizes, please send what you have and we will evaluate the image and determine if it is suitable for your needs. Depending on substrate and function, you may be very happy with the quality achieved with a less than perfect image. Fusion can be a very forgiving process and we have worked with many files that fall way below any sort of conventional resolution standards with good results.
My photo might need some "Photoshopping;" can you guys do that?
Yes, we can photoshop images to make them look their best for your project with an additional charge. Keep in mind that a higher resolution does not always equal higher quality. An example of this is when a photo is taken in low light. Digital cameras tend to create “noise” via random speckles of off color when there should be none. It is much easier to manipulate and “fix” a lower resolution photo that is shot well than to “fix” a photo with high resolution that is poorly shot.
What file formats do you accept?
We accept raster image formats and vector images.
Common raster image formats that we use are psd (photoshop), tiff, jpg. These file formats are resolution dependent. As you scale them up in size you effectively lower the resolution.
For example, a 300 ppi photo scaled up to 200% would then be 150 ppi. Twice the size = ½ the resolution.
Common vector images that we use are .ai (adobe illustrator), .eps, .pdf. These images are usually created by an artist and may be safely enlarged to nearly any size with NO LOSS of resolution.
Does my file need to have bleeds?
Your document must provide bleeds if colors, images or graphic elements go to the edge of the final product. For bleeds, you must extend the artwork 0.125” (1/8th inch) beyond the final size in all directions. Not sure if your image needs bleeds? Don’t worry. Call us and we will have a specialist advise you on your project.
Should my files be RGB or CMYK?
RGB has a broader range of available colors and will produce better prints. Converting your files to CMYK is only for images that will eventually be converted to a halftone and used in a process like offset printing.
I want to color match an existing item that I have. Can you guys color match?
For PMS color matches, please provide us with a pantone number and we will approximate it as closely as possible.
My photo/art file has text; what size should the font be?
The smallest optimum size for fonts is 12 point. Some fonts require a larger point size or bolding, especially if reverse copy is needed. Please provide type as “outlines” so that type conversion issues are avoided. IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to the thousands of existing fonts, we may not have the requested font in-house.
How do i know what substrate to use for my project?
Already know what substrate you want? Great! If not, please talk with us about your project and we will find what works best for you. Pick a substrate for the look and feel you want. Substrate plays a very critical role in image quality, and the look and feel that you want for your project. We can help you find what works best for you.
Do you have cleaning and care information available?
Due to the variety of substrates used, please see the Technical Specs on our website at ATILaminates.com/Fusion.
How should I store my Fusion project before installation?
Store flat and acclimatize in the same environment for at least 24 hours before fabrication.
What sizes are available?
Sizes are connected to substrate selection and printing technology. In general, all stock substrates listed on page 41 are available as 4’ x 8’ panels. Sublimation allows for 5’ x 10’ nominal printing, while our digital printer can print at 5’ width and virtually unlimited length. Other options may be available; please ask your ATI Associate for details.
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What is NuMetal?
NuMetal is a collection of High Pressure Laminates with a thin metal surface and phenolic paper backing. These HPLs can be used for interior applications like wallcoverings, wall panels, and ceilings.
Does ATI stock any commodity-type HPLs?
ATI stocks large quantities of commodity Brushed Stainless Steel and Brushed Aluminum sheets as part of our program.
What is phenolic paper backing?
Phenolic paper backing is layers of impregnated Kraft paper bonded together.
Is phenolic paper backed metal better than unbacked metal?
In many ways phenolic paper backed metal is superior to unbacked items. The phenolic paper backing helps protect the laminate from being dented and damaged in shipping and fabricating (it does not make the product totally resistant to damage so the fabricator still needs to take care). Phenolic paper backed metal is also easier on router bits and saw blades so the fabricator should get more life out of these tools using the phenolic paper backed laminate.
What is the difference between NuMetal and other similar, competitive metal lines?
The main difference is the choice and variety of items that the NuMetal line offers. Other competitors specialize in standard melamine HPLs whereas we focus solely on the metal market. The phenolic paper backed HPLs are all made the same way and fabricated with the same standard tools. There is more of a difference when compared to some of the unbacked metals. A lot of these items do not have a phenolic paper backing. This makes the items a little more difficult to fabricate and a little harder on fabricators’ tools.
How can NuMetal be used in my project?
NuMetal is recommended for all vertical and light-duty horizontal use. Claddings for walls or ceilings, doors or frames, furniture, light-duty horizontal surfaces, and displays are just a few examples of areas for NuMetal installation.
How about size and thickness?
Thickness is approximately .035” with the exception of Unique Art and stainless steel, which are .040” thick. Polished aluminum surfaces are anodized. Brushed aluminum and copper surfaces are lacquered. NuMetal sheets are typically 4’ x 8’ with 4’ x 10’ sheets available in select designs. See page 29 for additional details.
How is NuMetal fabricated?
NuMetal is fabricated with the same tools used on any high pressure decorative laminate and bonded to the same type of substrates commonly used in the trade. Special care must be taken to avoid denting the surface with tools or scratching the surface with particles of metal. Carbide-tipped blades and bits are recommended. Dull blades will generate heat and scorch metal.
How can NuMetal be shipped?
NuMetal can be shipped via truck, wooden crates, or rolled for courier shipment, depending on the pattern and size of the order. It is recommended that soon after receipt the NuMetal should be removed from the container and stored flat so excessive roll set does not take place.
Is there any special treatment required before or after fabrication to ensure longevity of the product?
Anodization produces a hard surface that will not tarnish and has the high abrasion resistance of aluminum. All products are covered with a clear, peel-off mask to protect the finish. This mask should be left on during fabrication to avoid marring the surface.
Is the lacquer compatible with other systems?
All brushed NuMetal, Copper, and Unique Art laminates are coated with cellulose-based lacquer. This lacquer is compatible with other lacquer systems, which allows for additional finishing if necessary.
What type of adhesive is recommended?
Any contact cement or cold-set adhesive normally used with decorative laminates is suitable. Avoid adhesive spreading or setup on metallic surface. USE ONLY NAPHTHA OR BENZINE IN ADHESIVE CLEANUP! Do not use lacquer solvents or other adhesive solvents, which attack lacquer coatings.
How should NuMetal be stored?
It is important to store the product flat and not on edge, as storing on edge can cause the sheet to bow after some time. Metal laminates should be stored face up in a cool, dry area and in a completely supported flat position. Use a top sheet of chipboard or similar material to hold stored sheets flat.
How should NuMetal be cleaned?
Make sure that the cleaning agent used is compatible with either our anodized or lacquered products prior to use. Clean surfaces with a soft cloth using household cleaner - waxes, Windex-type solutions, or ordinary soap and water. Good furniture or automobile waxes provide additional protection for all metal laminate surfaces.
Are there any precautions to consider when handling the product?
Metal laminates will conduct electricity and can cause shocks or short circuits when in contact with ungrounded electrical circuits. This product is laminated aluminum, copper, or stainless steel of the highest quality and brilliance. Slight surface imperfections are normal. PLEASE INSPECT CAREFULLY PRIOR TO USE to insure the material is suitable for your needs.
Is counter balancing necessary?
Counter balancing is necessary as with other High Pressure Laminates to prevent warping of the substrate like wallcoverings, wall panels, ceilings and surfaces.
Do you offer a real metal product that doesn't require counter balancing?
ATI's Fusion program offers the Artful Metals Collection. The Artful Metals Collection contains unique metal and patina-inspired finishes available on a wide range of ATI's 4' x 8' Fusion metal substrates - no counterbalancing required. Special orders for 4' x 10' size have minimum order requirements.
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This is a sample text. You can click on it to edit it inline or open the element options to access additional options for this element.
I want to submit my own photo(s)/art file(s), what size and resolution should it/they be?
Ideally, your photo/file should be a full size image at a native resolution of 300 DPI or minimum 150 DPI. If you do not have these file sizes, please send what you have and we will evaluate the image and determine if it is suitable for your needs. Depending on substrate and function, you may be very happy with the quality achieved with a less than perfect image. We have worked with many files that fall way below any sort of conventional resolution standards with good results.
My photo might need some “Photoshopping”; can you guys do that?
Yes, we can photoshop images to make them look their best for your project with an additional charge. Keep in mind that a higher resolution does not always equal higher quality. An example of this is when a photo is taken in low light. Digital cameras tend to create “noise” via random speckles of off color when there should be none. It is much easier to manipulate and “fix” a lower resolution photo that is shot well than to “fix” a photo with high resolution that is poorly shot.
What file formats do you accept?
We accept raster image formats and vector images. Common raster image formats that we use are PSD (Photoshop), TIFF, and JPG. These file formats are resolution dependent. As you scale them up in size you effectively lower the resolution. As an example, a 300 DPI photo scaled up to 200% would then be 150 DPI. Twice the size equals ½ the resolution. Common vector images that we use are AI (Adobe Illustrator), EPS, and PDF. These images are usually created by an artist and may be safely enlarged to nearly any size with NO LOSS of resolution.
Does my art file need to have bleeds?
Your document must provide bleeds if colors, images, or graphic elements go to the edge of the final product. For bleeds, you must extend the artwork .125" (1/8th inch) beyond the final size in all directions. Not sure if your image needs bleeds? Don’t worry. Call us and we will have a specialist advise you on your project.
Should my files be RGB or CMYK?
RGB has a broader range of available colors and will produce better prints. Converting your files to CMYK is only for images that will eventually be converted to a halftone and used in a process like offset printing.
I want to color match an existing item that I have. Can you guys color match?For PMS color matches, please provide us with a Pantone number and we will approximate it as closely as possible.
My photo/file has text. What size should the font be?
The smallest optimum size for fonts is 12 point. Some fonts require a larger point size or bolding, especially if reverse copy is needed. Please provide type as “outlines” so that type conversion issues are avoided. Important note: Due to the thousands of existing fonts, we may not have the requested font in-house.