Blog - SSI North America

Nov 13

Super Matte vs. High Gloss Finishes: Managing Maintenance, Smudges, and Natural Wear in Modern Furniture Design

Super matte hides fingerprints and diffuses light, while high gloss reflects it, deepens color and reveals every smudge and swirl mark. The real comparison between super matte and high gloss finishes has less to do with how a door photographs in a showroom and more to do with how it... read more →

Nov 02

Selecting Antimicrobial & Non-Porous Films: Surface Material Requirements for Medical Casework and Wall Panels

Selecting antimicrobial and non-porous films for medical casework and wall panels comes down to three measurable things: how the surface behaves after 1,000 disinfectant wipe cycles, whether the finish has any open seam a pathogen can settle into, and what the manufacturer is legally permitted to claim about microbial resistance.... read more →

Oct 28

Sustainable Laminate Solutions: Reducing Waste and Carbon Footprints in Woodworking Manufacturing

A typical cabinet shop running solid wood doors loses 30 to 40 percent of its raw board footage to rips, defects, sanding dust and rejected parts. Sustainable laminate solutions change that math by starting with an engineered substrate and a thin decorative film, which pushes usable yield above 90 percent... read more →

Sep 28

Design Trends in Seamless Surfaces: How 3DL Thermofoil Eliminates Edge Banding in Healthcare and Office Furniture

A glued edge band is the first thing to fail on a nurse station, a lab casework run, or a hot-desking bench. 3DL thermofoil sidesteps that failure entirely by wrapping the face, the profile, and the edges of a component in one continuous film, which is why smooth surfaces have... read more →

Jul 30

2D vs. 3D Laminates in Commercial Cabinetry: Choosing the Right Thermofoil Film for High-Traffic Environments

Choosing between 2D and 3D laminates in commercial cabinetry comes down to one question: does the part have a profile that needs to be wrapped, or is it a flat panel? Both are thermofoil films, both perform well in high-traffic environments, and both fail early when they are specified for... read more →

Mar 27

Style Meets Durability: Decorative Laminate Ideas for Kitchens

The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home, but in the context of modern interior design, it is more like the "anchor." As open-concept living remains the standard for new builds and renovations, the kitchen has moved out from behind closed doors to become a... read more →

Mar 27

Decorative Laminates: The Perfect Solution for Mid-Century Modern Designs

Retro aesthetics are dominating interior design trends in 2026, and mid-century modern (MCM) remains the undisputed heavyweight of the movement. For interior designers, high-end furniture builders, and commercial cabinetmakers, tapping into this evergreen popularity requires a balance of authentic aesthetics and modern durability. At SSI North America, we believe... read more →

Jan 29

Decorative Laminate Ideas That Complement Modernist Designs

Modernism is an aesthetic movement that began in the early-to-mid 20th century, characterized by the emphasis of form over ornamentation. In the interior design field, modernism can be recognized by its clean lines and forms, simple color palates, and minimalism, as well as its use of natural materials. Because modernism... read more →

Jan 29

How You Can Incorporate Decorative Laminates into Traditional American Home Styles

One of the greatest benefits of using decorative laminates for interior design is their versatility. Because of the wide range of colors, textures, and finishes available, decorative laminates can be incorporated into any style of interior décor, and they can be used to complement the architectural design of the home... read more →

Nov 04

Sustainable Decorative Laminates: SSI’s Commitment to Environmentally Friendly Products

At SSI, we have dedicated ourselves to operating our business in a way that respects our employees, customers, vendors, and the environment. Environmental stewardship is central to our management philosophy, as we believe all businesses can operate successfully while protecting the planet for future generations. This commitment to sustainability... read more →

November 4, 2025
Greg O'Connell
3D Laminates