This is why Smartpack has chosen a laminate with double the wear resistance performance for the standard range benchtops.

Introduced more than two decades ago, ARP is one of the most significant improvements in the performance of high pressure decorative laminates.  The armored protection surface is engineered using aluminium oxide particles blended with clear resins.  Together they form a protective layer that allows objects to slide over the laminate surface as if they were on ball bearings.

Unlike other laminates using overlays that cloud the design, ARP’s patented process always allows the subtlety and depth of the decorative paper to show through.  This dramatic clarity isn’t compromised by the surface protection during the serviceable life of the laminate.
Why Aluminum Oxide?
Aluminum oxide is harder than common everyday objects, protecting laminates against the wear caused when those objects slide across the surface.  Yet, aluminium oxide is softer than silicon carbide or diamond which are commonly used in making cutting tools and blades.
Armored Protection keeps laminates looking new longer in the following ways:

It protects the laminate’s color by reducing surface wear caused by common abrasive substances such as sand (silica) particles present in dirt, dust, paper bags an

d boxes.  Standard industry wear  resistance tests (NEMA LD3) show armored protection outlasts conventional laminates.

It reduces gloss change (dulling and buffing).