Among the most decorative and durable of all plastic materials are the laminates made by fusing resin-impregnated paper into solid panels under high heat and pressure.

For many years these melamine laminates* have been a preferred surfacing for counters and work areas, as well as for fine furniture. Now their functional and ornamental qualities are being utilized for wainscoting, wall paneling, toilet partitions, doors, shower stalls, elevator cabs, push and kick plates, store and bank fixtures.

Easy-to-care-for melamine laminates require a minimum of maintenance never need painting or finishing. The smooth surface washes clean with a damp cloth, and resists scratching, denting, chipping, cracking, burns and stains. It withstands heat up to 275° F. It is unharmed by

alcohol, most acids and alkalis or boiling water.

Building suppliers stock melamine laminates in a wide range of deeptones, pastels, mosaics, marbleized effects, wood grains and all-over designs. The panels are available in two thicknesses (1/10 inches and 1/16 inches), in widths from 30 inches to 48 inches, and in lengths up to 16 feet.

These sheets cut neatly with a saw, and cement permanently to smooth plaster walls (cured), gypsum lath, sheathing grade plywood and building blocks. Properly installed, melamine laminates do not swell or warp.

* Monsanto supplies melamine resins for decorative laminates sold under these trade names: Consoweld, Corlex, Decarlite, Far-lite, Fiberesin, Lamin-Art, Micarta, Nevamar, Panelyte, Pionite, Plastilight, Railite, Resilyte, Richelain, Textolite.

Present and future applications of plastics in construction are under constant study by Monsanto's structural Plastics Engineering Grouo. You are invited to check them for expert technical counsel. Monsanto Chemical Company, Room 506, Springfield 2, Mass.