Frequently Asked Questions


We’ve compiled a list of our frequently asked questions below to help you with any queries about Surround by Laminex.


What is Surround by Laminex?

A modern range of decorative, pre-primed face, MDF panels for interior wall and ceiling applications.

Where is Surround by Laminex made

Australia.

Where can you install them?

Surround by Laminex can only be installed in interior applications. The pre-primed panels (face only) can be installed onto prepared plasterboard, timber, steel, brick or masonry wall and ceiling surfaces.

Do they come in different colours?

No. The pre-primed panel face can be finished with your chosen paint colour.

What decorative style / patterns are available in NZ?

Batten 25 | Classic VJ 100 | Demi Round 40 | French Stripe 30 | Scallop 45 | Scallop 135.

How large are the panels?

All decorative MR E0 MDF panels are available in two sizes: 2400mm X 1200mm and 3000mm X 1200mm.

All decorative Fire Resistant Panels (FR E1 MDF) are available in only 3000mm X 1200mm.

What is the panel thickness?

All profiles are 12mm thick except Classic VJ 100 which is 9mm thick.

What is on the back of the panel?

All profiles come with a low pressure melamine back except Classic VJ 100 which has a raw back.

Are Surround by Laminex Panels suitable for Bathrooms, Kitchens and Laundries?

Yes, Surround by Laminex can be used in Internal Moisture Areas such as bathrooms, laundries and kitchens. However, additional preparation, sealing & painting required. Surround by Laminex is prohibited for use in Splash Zones. Refer to section 6.9 of the Fabrication & Installation Manual for detailed instructions.

Surround by Laminex is NOT suitable for areas where the moisture content is likely to be elevated for prolonged periods, such as saunas, indoor swimming pools or industrial wet areas.

Surround by Laminex Fire Resistant panels (FR E1 MDF) are PROHIBITED for use in Internal Moisture Areas.

Can I install Surround by Laminex around a kitchen island?

Yes, as long as it cannot come into contact with liquid / water. When installing around a kitchen island, a toe kick is recommended.

Can I install Surround by Laminex horizontally on a wall?

Yes, Surround by Laminex can be installed in a Horizontal Orientation on walls. For more detailed information and instructions, refer to the latest version of the Fabrication & Installation Manual.

Can I install Surround by Laminex as a wall lining around a Fireplace?

Yes, as long as all safety standards and clearance rules are adhered to. For more detailed information, and instructions, refer to the latest version of the Fabrication Installation Manual.

Consult with a professional heating appliance specialist on any building code and regulatory requirements.

What is the fire rating of Surround by Laminex?

All MR E0 MDF profiles are Group 3 Fire Rated.

All E1 MDF FR profiles are Group 2 Fire Rated.

Can Surround by Laminex Panels be used on or to make cabinets?

Surround by Laminex is NOT suitable for cabinetry making. It can however be used as a decorative feature, around a fixture such as a shop counter. When installing around a shop counter island, a toe kick is recommended.

Can Surround by Laminex Panels be used as flooring?

Surround by Laminex is NOT suitable for any floor applications.

Can Surround by Laminex Panels be used on Ceilings?

Surround by Laminex can be used on ceilings. Refer to latest Fabrication & Installation Manual for detailed instructions.

Can the panels be used outside or in alfresco areas?

Surround by Laminex is NOT suitable for use in any exterior applications.

Can I use Surround by Laminex panels on top of existing plasterboard?

Yes, refer to the Fabrication and Installation Manual for instructions.

What tools, equipment and material do I need to install Surround by Laminex?

Tpically you will need the following:

•    Tape measure
•    Spirit level / laser level
•    String line or equivalent
•    Hand saw or circular saw
•    Hammer and or nail gun or screw gun
•    Pencil or chalk for marking out
•    Caulking gun
•    Sanding sponge
•    Recommended adhesives
•    Nails / screws
•    10mm Spacers or off cuts
•    Compatible timber based filler

How do sheets fit together?

Sheets are easily attached together using the smart tongue and groove system.

Do you need to trim Surround by Laminex Panels?

Some trimming maybe required to fit to height and width of area.

Why do I need to allow for a 5mm expansion gap when installing panels?

Surround by Laminex is made from Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF). MDF responds to the humidity and temperature of the surrounding environment, affecting the moisture content of the product, resulting in panel dimensional change.

Is it important to leave the panels to climatise before installation?

Pre-conditioning of Surround by Laminex panels is required in order to achieve moisture content equilibrium (MCE) before fixing, to reduce the likelihood of bowing or shrinkage after installation. Therefore, Surround by Laminex panels must be stored for a minimum period of 48 hours at the same environmental conditions as the subsequent place of use. Failure to condition material may result in product expansion and contraction in response to environmental conditions, particularly with changes in temperature and humidity. This may result in, but is not limited to, bowing or warping of panels, joint failure or build-up of internal stresses that release in the form of cracks.

Can I butt join the panels?

Not without allowing for panel expansion. Claims arising from peaking, movement or any failure of sheets in place due to the use of butt joins will not be covered under warranty.

What is the Pre-Primer product / brand?

Akzo Nobel - High Cover Vacuum Primer (880439013).

Do I need to sand the panels prior to painting?

It depends on your desired finish preference. Lightly sand all surfaces to be coated to obtain a smooth and even finish. Use a sanding sponge or progressively use finer grit sandpaper to achieve a smooth edge free of damage, racks, dents or notches. Care must be taken not to abrade the decorative routed areas as this may result in permanent damage of the surface to be painted. Damage to Surround by Laminex panels as a result of surface or panel preparation activities will not be recognised under warranty. Use a soft brush to remove all sanding / processing dust and contamination before painting commences.

What is the expansion allowance that should be used when installing a full run wall?

An allowance of 1mm expansion gap for every meter of horizontal wall length covered, MUST be allowed at the start and finish of each wall.

For example: A horizontal wall length of 7m will require an expansion gap of 7 x 1mm = 7mm total gap allowance to be evenly applied to both ends of the wall. Hence, 3.5mm at the start and 3.5mm at the end of the wall installation.

Refer to the latest Fabrication & Installation Manual for more detailed instructions.

When installing wall to floor, what expansion gap should be used?

A minimum expansion gap of 5mm MUST be left between the top surface of the primary floor and the bottom edge of the Surround by Laminex® panel. Fixings of moulding / wall skirtings must maintain the unimpeded 5mm gap. Refer to the latest Fabrication & Installation Manual for more detailed instructions.

When installing wall to ceiling, what expansion gap should be used?

A minimum expansion gap of 5mm MUST be left between the top edge of the Surround by Laminex panel and the primary ceiling. Fixings of a cornice or moulding must maintain the unimpeded 5mm gap. Refer to the latest Fabrication & Installation Manual for more detailed instructions.

Can Surround by Laminex panels be curved?

Yes. Panels can be curved to create a rounded structure. However, Curving should only be undertaken by a person experienced in kerfing and mould making.

Before the panel is curved, it must firstly be cut (called kerfing).

Kerfing is a technique used to create flexible or curved shapes in various materials, including wood, plastic, or metal. The process involves making a series of parallel cuts along a specific line or curve in the material.

Refer to the latest Fabrication & Installation Manual for more detailed instructions.

© Copyright 2024, Laminex New Zealand®. SURROUND by Laminex® and Laminex New Zealand® are registered trademarks of Laminex New Zealand® or its related company licensors. SURROUND by Laminex® is marketed and distributed by Laminex New Zealand®, a division of Fletcher Building Products Ltd.

warm colour tone bedroom French stripe wall decoration warm colour tone bedroom French stripe wall decoration
Warm colour tone contemporary living room Warm colour tone contemporary living room
Green bedroom wall panel decor Green bedroom wall panel decor
White nursery French Stripe wall decor panel White nursery French Stripe wall decor panel
Clothing shop wall decorative panel Clothing shop wall decorative panel

From left to right: Bathroom wall featuring Demi Round 40, Bedroom wall featuring Batten 25, Retail lobby featuring Demi Round 40, Bedroom wall featuring Scallop 45, Nursery wall featuring Classic VJ 100, Retail space featuring Demi Round 40.