What is glossy laminate + photos and user reviews

When choosing the most suitable floor covering for yourself, you must strive to obtain maximum quality with high decorative capabilities of the material.

In addition, ease of installation or the possibility of repair or partial replacement of the coating is important, which is the most problematic issue for most materials.

Based on the combination of these qualities, laminate becomes a confident leader; it is durable, has attractive appearance, and allows the replacement of individual panels that have failed.

At the same time, laminate can also be selected in a more or less successful manner, since it has a lot of varieties.

Let's consider the material from the point of view of its external effect - the degree of surface gloss.

What is glossy laminate

Glossy laminate has all the properties of a regular material, but has a high degree of surface gloss. The floor looks as if it has been covered with a thick layer of varnish and carefully polished .

It should be noted right away that the use of such a coating is not for everyone; it will not appeal to everyone, but most users, even those who do not have a special affection for shiny surfaces, note the high decorative effect of a glossy laminate.

From the point of view of the properties of the material, it is practically no different from other types except the surface. The same base, locking part, absolutely the same installation technology. The material is similarly divided into strength classes; the surface imitates boards made from various types of wood or types of tiles.

The panel consists of the same layers as all other types:

The lowest layer is a stabilizing layer; it keeps the lamella from bending if moisture is absorbed.
The main (bearing) layer. It makes up almost the entire thickness of the lamella and contains the locking part. It may consist of fiberboard, HDF or another sheet, and takes on all loads or mechanical impacts. The thickness of the load-bearing layer changes with increasing strength class, but is not completely proportional to it - some samples, with a smaller thickness, have a much stronger load-bearing layer.
The decorative layer consists of craft paper with a printed pattern. Most often, this is the texture of a certain type of wood, but there are also other types of images - tiles, leather, stone, etc.
The top layer is protective. It takes on loads and is responsible for resistance to water. Glossy laminate has a specific protective layer with a high degree of gloss, strength, and increased thickness. This layer contains acrylic, which increases shine and prevents slipping on the surface.

Some of the most expensive types have another layer - soundproofing. It reduces the noise produced by the laminate when walking on it with shoes . At the same time, the problem can be completely solved only by correct laying of the material using a properly laid substrate.

IMPORTANT!

Rattling noise from improperly installed flooring is a common problem with laminate flooring. It arises when the owner wants to save on the substrate, which has a negative impact on the residents of the lower floor.

Another important aspect of the material is moisture resistance. This parameter may differ for different types of material, and it does not directly depend on the strength class. Hardy species are able to withstand a puddle of water for up to 6 hours, giving the owner time to fix the leak or clean up.

At the same time, one should correctly understand what exactly is meant by this term. The surface of the panels itself does not allow water to pass through, regardless of the degree of moisture resistance . The locking part, which is capable of absorbing moisture, is at risk.

Stable types of laminate have a lock impregnated with hot wax during manufacturing. Conventional types of such impregnation do not work and react to moisture by swelling and swelling of the material at the joints.

If necessary, you can independently treat the joints or locking parts when laying with moisture-repellent compounds, for example, wax mastic . This will help reduce the risk of coating failure when exposed to water.

Caring for artistic laminate flooring

When it comes to maintenance, laminate flooring has significant advantages over parquet boards. It is quite unpretentious: a rag and a vacuum cleaner will do an excellent job of cleaning it from dirt. Although some precautions must be taken. When using cleaning products, make sure they do not contain wax, silicone or abrasives. A soap solution is sufficient for washing.

Advantages and disadvantages

Glossy laminate has all the usual material parameters, but there are also some specific qualities.

The advantages are:

High gloss coating. Actually, this is the most important advantage of the material, significantly outweighing all other advantages and disadvantages.
Durability, resistance to scratches or abrasions. Some manufacturers add corundum for strength, which makes the surface comparable in hardness to stone.
The material significantly changes the appearance of the room, giving it an elegant and aesthetically attractive appearance.

The disadvantages of glossy laminate include:

The surface requires careful and careful use. Despite the strength and resistance to damage of the top layer, the attitude towards such a surface must be appropriate.
After washing the floors, you must immediately wipe the surface, otherwise marks and stains will remain on the surface.
The coating requires intensive care.

Such pros and cons cause a lot of controversy among consumers about the ability of the coating to provide long-term service. However, reviews from people who are already using this laminate indicate the high performance of the material .

NOTE!

Not everyone will like the glossy surface; this material is not for everybody. If in doubt, it is better to turn your attention to other, no less attractive types of material.

Surface preparation

Before laying artistic laminate flooring, you should carefully prepare the subfloor surface . There are no trifles or insignificant operations in this procedure, since it will not be possible to subsequently correct poor-quality preparation, and the service life of the coating is very long.

First of all, you need to clear the floor surface of all foreign objects. Remove all furniture from the room, remove baseboards, and you may need to remove doors from their hinges.
Clean the floor surface from dust and dirt, remove the old coating, and remove all layers.
If the surface has certain flaws that can spoil the appearance of the canvas, they must be eliminated . Detected potholes or cracks are filled with putty. The cracks or gaps between the flooring boards are puttied or filled with mortar. If there are a large number of flaws, excessive curvature or slope of the floor, you will have to make a full concrete screed.
After completing the preparatory work, you need to wait a certain time for the screed or putty to gain the necessary strength.
After this, the substrate is laid. It may consist of polyethylene foam, cork sheets or other special material. The final choice is made locally and takes into account the need for cutoff or, on the contrary, vapor permeability of the substrate .

Types and colors

Glossy laminate has various color options, which depend on the type of wood being imitated. Both dark brown material (wenge, bog oak) and light types (pine, spruce, etc.) are available .

At the same time, the material is not limited to simulating only wood. There are varieties with patterns of leather, stone, mosaic tiles, and parquet sets. All these interior options are quite attractive from an aesthetic point of view; they allow the user to choose the most suitable option for themselves.

In addition, there are two varieties of glossy laminate:

With standard gloss.
With a mirror shine.

The second option is less popular, since it reflects literally everything, and not every user likes this.

Photos of laminate types:

Positive properties of mirror panels

Among the main positive qualities of mirror panels is their ability to withstand the negative effects of moisture. This allows you to use varnished glossy laminate in the bathroom and kitchen. Classic matte coatings cannot boast of this property.

It should also be noted that the material can withstand high temperatures. If you want to lay glossy panels on top of a heated floor system, you can rest assured that this cladding will withstand heat.

In addition, the positive properties of this finish include the following:

Natural materials are used to make planks. This makes the coating harmless to humans and the environment.
The mirror surface does not slip at all. The panels are given shine not by polishing, but by adding a transparent acrylic layer. Walking on such a surface is pleasant and safe.
The glossy finish tolerates wet cleaning well and does not attract dust.
The flooring, assembled in accordance with all requirements, looks like a continuous mirror covering, filling the room with airiness and additional volume.

What rooms is it suitable for?

Glossy laminate looks great in the living room, bedroom or children's room. It performs somewhat worse in the corridor, where it experiences significant loads . And for the hallway, kitchen, and especially the bathroom, glossy laminate is less suitable due to the constant splashing of water on the surface, which leaves streaks or stains.

Otherwise, the use of glossy laminate is not limited in any way.

Criterias of choice

The main selection criterion will be the greatest correspondence of the coating to the overall appearance and interior of the room. The entire process of selecting materials based on color and design style is subordinated to this task.

An important point will be the size of the ornamental elements, since in a small room it is impossible to fully appreciate a large pattern, and in large rooms, coverings with small details create a feeling of ripples in the eyes.

All these points should be taken into account when selecting the material in the most complete accordance with the furniture, wall color, and lighting conditions of the room.

For mistakes made when choosing, you will have to pay with disappointment, many years of contemplation of an unsuccessfully chosen composition, and in some cases you will have to change furniture or repaint the walls, which entails additional costs.

What classes exist

Glossy laminate is available in all types of grades, from 31, the softest, to the most durable 33 grade. The degree of gloss is influenced by the top, protective coating of the material, consisting of a durable film with certain properties .

It also largely determines the degree of abrasion resistance, although the thickness or material of the supporting layer largely influences the strength of the laminate. The most resistant types contain corundum additives in the upper protective film, turning it into durable protection that can compete in hardness with natural stone.

Manufacturers

Parquet Prestige

The German brand Parquet Prestige presents a whole series of laminated decorative parquet with increased strength characteristics. The coating is resistant to pressure, abrasion and moisture. The designers of the collection drew inspiration from examples of the design of French palaces in the 14th-15th centuries.

Most options have a small repeating pattern and a low-contrast color palette. The shade transitions are soft and gradual. Laminate is ideal for any room in a classic style, but will also effectively complement a modern interior.

MaxWood

The Russian company MaxWood offers two collections of laminate with imitation artistic parquet. The ERMITAGE and ERMITAGE DECOLAIT series transform simple geometry into a work of art by playing with color, texture and pattern placement. The classic repeating pattern of precast flooring is a versatile solution for any room size or purpose.

Artistic laminate imitation Avangard Hall modular parquet is also produced in China. Armstrong offers a wide variety of designs, high strength class 33 and attractive prices. The square shape of laminated boards greatly facilitates installation. Interlocking vinyl laminate is a recent development in the laminate flooring industry. The variety of textures and colors of this coating increases every year.

User reviews

Let's consider reviews from owners of glossy laminate floors, who can tell from their own experience about the material, its properties and operating features.

Author's name	Customer review
Irina L.	I saw this kind of laminate from friends. I thought for a long time whether to take it for myself, but finally decided. I don’t regret it at all, especially since I came across better material, no marks or scratches, although I wash the floors and walk barefoot. Apparently, different companies - different coverage. I am very pleased and recommend it to everyone.
Oleg.	My wife and I bought glossy laminate last year. We like it ourselves and all our friends who come to visit. They even took me to the store as a consultant. The covering has been in place for a year and a half, but everyone who comes in for the first time thinks that it has just been laid.
Margarita P.	We purchased class 33 laminate flooring for the entire apartment (for the kitchen too). The surface must be protected; it is quite delicate and does not tolerate being hit with sharp objects. In addition, when water gets in, it swells on knocks. We had to put protective film under the chairs on wheels (just in case), as well as where water constantly gets in. Now it has become calmer, the material is not afraid of heels. It looks simply excellent, we’ve been sitting there for a long time and we’re constantly admiring it.
Yaroslav D.	The laminate flooring was installed two years ago, so we can already judge its qualities. When work began, we were afraid that it would quickly get scratched and become ugly. I didn’t, we still can’t stop looking at our floors. In addition, many criticized the material for being slippery. Nothing like that, just like any other species. We have class 33, our neighbors looked at it and took 32. Theirs is no worse, but it was cheaper.
Lydia V.	My mother-in-law bought herself a glossy laminate. I invited a professional to lay it properly. At first she was afraid that it would be slippery and scratches would appear, but now she calmed down. We go to her like we go to a museum now.
Alice E.	In general, I love it when everything glitters around me; I argued for a long time with my husband about laminate flooring. He believed that it was impractical and would quickly become scratched and cloudy. We compromised and only laid beds in the living room and bedroom. All fears turned out to be in vain, the material behaves perfectly and does not create any problems. Only, if someone is going to install a glossy laminate and install a glossy stretch ceiling, choose one or the other, in pairs - it will be too much.
Tamara I.	A glossy floor is very beautiful, but you have to constantly look after it, wash it only with a wrung-out cloth and immediately wipe it dry. Try not to scratch or damage the surface. Beauty is a capricious thing and requires constant maintenance.
Victor P.	I had a glossy laminate on the floor, in general there were no problems, but I was annoyed by the fact that my animals (cat and dog) slipped on it (my wife and I never slipped), in addition, they were too loud They ran on the laminate. Now in the corridor and hallway I have replaced it with glossy tiles, it is better, although no scratches have appeared on the laminate.
Vasily Sh.	We doubted it for a long time, there was a state of “I want it and it hurts.” I wanted to get a beautiful coating, but I was afraid that all the expenses would not be justified. Finally, we bought and laid 32 class glossy. The feeling is fabulous, like walking on a mirror, beauty. So far there have been no problems, but we are being careful.
Evgeniy M.	I myself am not an ardent supporter of gloss, but my wife really likes it, so I gave in to her requests. I must say right away - never buy cheap material for 800-900 rubles, it is a Chinese counterfeit and nothing good will come of it. If you buy good material and put it in correctly, you won’t be happy with it.

These reviews from people who use glossy types of laminate clearly indicate the high decorative and performance qualities of the material, although it requires some care, but creates a special, festive and sophisticated look for the apartment.

Laying features

Laminate tiles are quite easy to install. You can lay it with your own hands, for this you need to take into account the following nuances:

The main difference between laying a square laminate and a rectangular one is that it must be laid in the same way as ceramic tiles. That is, with the formation of cross joints.
The second difference is that it is necessary to select a pattern that imitates parquet. Some collections have a complex pattern, so the manufacturer provides detailed instructions - a laying diagram.
This coating is laid exclusively “on itself”.
During the installation of the coating, it is necessary to ensure the straightness of the laid row. Shifting along the locks should be completely eliminated.
A gap is left between the wall and the last row of covering: about 1 cm.

In general, laying square laminate flooring is not that difficult. Moreover, this can be done without using a substrate; the strength of class 33 allows it. But the absence of a substrate will somewhat worsen the sound insulation, so such savings are questionable.

Another interesting issue that I would like to consider is laying laminate flooring on old parquet. This possibility is quite real and allows you to repair the flooring in a short time.

Varieties

When choosing a laminate, the buyer is guided by information about the manufacturer, board dimensions, strength class, presence of chamfer, and other technical characteristics. By using the information wisely, he will ultimately receive a reliable and durable decorative coating.

Depending on the chemical composition of the laminating layer, the gloss differs in the degree of reflectivity. Semi-gloss laminate only reveals its properties when exposed to sunlight. The super-glossy finish provides a mirror-like reflection of the entire environment, regardless of lighting.
According to the degree of wear resistance, the facing material is divided into classes. Class 33 glossy laminate has the highest strength. In places where there is no high traffic, it is recommended to lay products of class 31 or 32.
The shape of the lamellas is very diverse. A standard German laminate contains 7-8 boards per package, 1260-1380 mm long, 180-190 mm wide, 8-12 mm thick. But there are shortened and almost square models, which is important when laying artistic glossy laminate that imitates expensive ceramic tiles.

The decoration of the room will be a smooth, monochromatic surface assembled from lamellas without a chamfer, or an imitation of expensive parquet with a four-sided chamfer in a semi-gloss finish from Germany.