At Laminex, we understand that every space is unique, and often requires a range of different colours, textures and finish options suited to the needs of the project. From luxurious super-matte and organic, subtle finishes through to premium textured woodgrains and everything in between, the Laminex range of finishes has a solution for every space.
Explore this guide to discover the differences between our range of finish options, comparing their cost, durability and applications, and find the best finish for your next project.
AbsoluteGrain Finish
AbsoluteMatte Finish
AbsoluteGloss Finish
Natural Finish
Flint Finish
Chalk Finish
Nuance Finish
Silk Finish
DiamondGloss Finish
Metallic Finish
In any space, finish choice is important for a number of reasons. On a surface level, it can affect the look and feel of a room, standing out with the support of texture or colour, and creating a different tone as it interacts with light. When a more subtle finish is selected, this can help a surface to blend in and serve as a support to other features of a space, like furniture, fixtures or creative joinery choices.
Finish choice can also impact a products possible applications, functionality and durability. For example, in high traffic spaces like a large family home or a busy office kitchen, matte or textured finishes provide a subtle, contemporary look, while resisting fingerprints and stains. On the other hand, a sleek and refined appearance can be achieved with gloss finishes, with the reflective surface enhancing natural light and adding a luxurious tone to a space. Due to the polished appearance of these finishes however, they can be more prone to signs of wear, and so are often better suited to vertical applications like doors and panels.
Understanding how each finish responds to light, touch, and usage patterns ensures a design that is both visually appealing and practical for everyday life - learn more about each of the finish options available in the Laminex range below.
Explore Your Options
When selecting finishes for your project, there’s a lot to consider. Explore the table below for a quick guide to all the Laminex finish options, and discover which ones are the best fit for your next project.
| Finish | Applications | Cost | Features | Décors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural | Natural Finish finish is available across high-pressure laminate (HPL), decorated board and compact laminate. HPL can be used for a variety of horizontal and vertical applications, particularly benchtops and cabinetry in kitchens, pantries and wet areas. On Decorated Board, Natural finish is available for vertical use only. | $ | Highly durable and easy to maintain. Low sheen, smooth touch finish. Gives a very natural look to benchtops and cabinetry. | Natural Finish is available in an expansive selection of décors it comes in an expansive selection of décors from the Laminex Colour Collection, including the entire Whites & Neutrals, Woodgrains, Minerals and Accents ranges. |
| AbsoluteMatte | AbsoluteMatte® is available in high-pressure laminate (HPL), Panels and Compact Laminate. HPL can be used for horizontal applications such as benchtops, reception counters, desks and tables. AbsoluteMatte® Panels are suitable for vertical applications like cabinetry and wall cladding, and Absolutematte® can be applied to Compact Laminate for use on tables and benchtops. | $$$ | Super-matte and intriguingly tactile. Fingerprint-resistant surface. Luxurious, high end look and silky-smooth feel. | Available in 16 décors perfect for contemporary interiors, including timeless whites, super-cool ultra-matte black and a range of on-trend neutrals and accents. |
| AbsoluteGrain | Laminex AbsoluteGrain® is available on Decorated Board, with laminate joining the range in mid-late 2025. This finish is most suitable for cabinetry carcasses, doors, panels, and furniture, and can be paired with coordinated ABS edging across a wide range of widths for benchtops, panelling, cabinetry, and shelving. | $$$ | A premium matte woodgrain finish. Features subtle texture variation and intricate detailing. A legitimate veneer alternative, with the durability of laminate. Highly scratch, wear, stain, and heat resistant. | Available across 31 Laminex décors, including the Next Generation Woodgrains range, as well as a selection of existing woodgrains and solid colour décors. |
| AbsoluteGloss | AbsoluteGloss® Panels are suitable for vertical use, providing a practical and cost-effective alternative to 2 Pac polyurethane-painted MDF for cabinetry doors and panels. | $$$ | Uses technologically advanced foil to deliver a super-high-gloss finish. Durability and easy maintenance. | AbsoluteGloss adds a luxurious lustre to six contemporary décors from Laminex’s Whites & Neutrals range. |
| Flint | Flint finish is available on decorated board, and is suitable for vertical use in cabinetry, as well as large-format commercial applications such as wall panelling and office partitions. | $ | Subtly textured with a moderate sheen. Great durability and easy maintenance. | Flint comes in a broad palette of décors from the Whites & Neutrals range, plus a selection of Woodgrains, Accents and Minerals. |
| Chalk | Chalk finish is available across high-pressure laminate (HPL), decorated board and compact laminate. For decorated board, it can be used for light duty horizontal applications such as shelving, and a variety of vertical applications. As HPL, it can be used for a variety of horizontal and vertical applications, particularly benchtops and cabinetry in kitchens, pantries and wet areas. For this finish, it is important to select the right product to suit the application (HPL, decorated board or compact laminate). | $$ | Low-gloss tactile finish. Replicates the natural look and feel of raw timber veneer. | Chalk’s visual appearance and tactility brings enhanced authenticity to a selection of décors from Laminex’s Woodgrains range. |
| Nuance | Nuance finish is available across high-pressure laminate (HPL), decorated board and compact laminate, and is designed to bring refined organic character to cabinetry and low-wear surfaces. For decorated board, it can be used for light duty horizontal applications such as shelving. As HPL, it can be used for a variety of horizontal and vertical applications, particularly benchtops and cabinetry in kitchens, pantries and wet areas. For this finish, it is important to select the right product to suit the application (HPL, decorated board or compact laminate). | $$ | Recreates the effect of sandblasted straight woodgrain. | Nuance comes in a palette of décors from Laminex’s Whites & Neutrals, Woodgrains and Accents ranges. |
| SIlk | Silk Finish is available for vertical applications only on decorated board. This finish is suitable for cabinetry doors, drawers, and panels as well as vanity doors, wardrobes, shelving and wall panels. | $ | Semi-gloss finish. Adds sleek style to cabinetry. | Silk comes in 12 popular and practical décors from Laminex’s Whites & Neutrals range, and four Woodgrain décors. |
| DiamondGloss | DiamondGloss finish is available exclusively as high-pressure laminate (HPL) and is ideal for use as a visually striking benchtop surface. | $$ | Stunning high-gloss surface. Recreates the look of highly polished stone. | DiamondGloss comes in a range of décors from Laminex’s Minerals range, as well as a selection of solid colours from the Whites & Neutrals range. |
| Metallic | Metallic finish is available exclusively as high-pressure laminate (HPL) and has been designed specifically for creating visual impact on vertical surfaces like wall panelling and splashbacks. Some individual décors in this finish have specific applications; Laminex Brushed Stainless Steel is the only Metallic suitable to use as a kicker, and is suitable for light duty vertical applications only. | $$$ | Uses real metal foils to recreate a wide array of visual effects. | The 14 decors in the Metallics range include glamourous brushed textures, sophisticated tinted effects and highly polished anodised finishes. |
Featuring Laminex Bayleaf AbsoluteGrain (cabinetry), Laminex Aries AbsoluteGrain (upper cabinetry) and Surround by Laminex Batten 300 (right hand wall).
Featuring Laminex Peruvian Clay in Natural (cabinetry) and Laminex Luxe Elba TrueScale (benchtops). Styling by Natalie James, Photography by Lillie Thompson.
Featuring Laminex Otway AbsoluteMatte (joinery) and Laminex Paper Bark AbsoluteMatte (benchtops and range hood).
Kitchen featuring Laminex Kalamata AbsoluteMatte (cabinetry), Laminex Aries (island) and Laminex Calm Oak (right hand side cabinetry).
Featuring Laminex Tasmanian Oak AbsoluteGrain. Designed by CJH Studio.
Featuring Laminex Calafata Majore TrueScale (benchtop), Laminex Winter Sky (cabinetry) and Laminex Calm Oak (shelving).
Laminex Midnight Oak AbsoluteGrain (cabinetry), Laminex Refined Walnut AbsoluteGrain (island), Laminex Black AbsoluteMatte (wall cabinetry benchtop) and Laminex Marmo Grigio TrueScale
Featuring Laminex Oyster Grey AbsoluteMatte and Laminex Terril AbsoluteMatte. Design by Richard Woods, styling by Natalie James and photography by James Geer.
Featuring Laminex Milkwood. Designed by CJH Studio, styling by Bek Shepard, Photography by James Geer.
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