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.

ATI stocks large quantities of commodity Brushed Stainless Steel and Brushed Aluminum sheets as part of our program.

Phenolic paper backing is layers of impregnated Kraft paper bonded together.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Counter balancing is necessary as with other High Pressure Laminates to prevent warping of the substrate like wallcoverings, wall panels, ceilings and surfaces.

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.