Our fronts and worktops are available in an extensive range of contemporary colours from Formica, Fenix and Arpa.
The main difference between them is the look and feel -
Fenix NTM and Bloom have a super matt smooth touch. Formica is satin with a slight sheen and a subtle egg-shell finish whilst Arpa has a matt look and a surface texture somewhere in between of Fenix and Formica.
If you look at the samples in the sample pack you can feel and see the difference.
For specific colours, please send off for samples directly from our suppliers websites. When ordering you can tick that you are a professional and use Plykea as the company name.
Formica has the widest colour range and the most vibrant options. We offer Matte 58 finishes.
The Fenix range is smaller with timeless, darker tones.
Arpa provides lighter, neutral colours. We offer Kér finishes.
The Fenix Bloom and Arpa Bloom collections have a higher bio-based composition with 50% of the phenol used in the resin replaced with lignin, a natural polymer. You can read about Fenix and Arpa's sustainability strategies here, and here
Formica aims to reduce their carbon emissions from 25% to 50% by 2026 with a longterm goal of bringing this to 100% in the following years. You can read about their commitment to third party sustainable raw materials here
All three finishes are durable, although none are completely indestructible. It is important to avoid placing hot pans or items directly onto the worktop surfaces.
Due to the high pigments used in some of the darkest Formica colours (such as Carnaval Red, Night Forest, Nocturne, Algae Terrill, Fir, Storm and Diamond Black) the surfaces may be susceptible to minor scratches. These scratches may appear as white hairline marks and are permanent. Fenix surfaces on the other hand, have self-healing properties due to their nano-technology, and minor scratches can be repaired using thermal heat. Additionally, Fenix surfaces are also anti-fingerprint, so if you prefer a dark colour, we strongly recommend considering Fenix. More information can be found on the Fenix website.
We always suggest conducting a stress test on your samples to make an informed decision.
If you decide to proceed with some of the darkest Formica colours, a surcharge of £150 + VAT will be added to account for any damages and material reordering during production.
Still unsure? Take a moment to consider where you plan to use the kitchen.
When cleaning Fenix surfaces, never use abrasives, CIF, or bleach. However, a diluted mild abrasive can be used carefully on Formica and Arpa surfaces. If you are designing a kitchen for a rental property, we recommend choosing one of these options. Always test a small area before treating a larger stain to ensure you feel confident in the technique and outcome. To ensure you choose the right material, please refer to the Cleaning and Maintenance guides provided in the links below
Formica laminate faced ply (page 10)