New 1998 High Pressure Laminate Collection Introduced By Nevamar.

ODENTON, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 17, 1998--Nevamar(R) debuts its new 1998 high pressure laminate offerings Friday.

This year's collection of 25 new items includes a wide variety of solids, patterns and woodgrains.

John Friedel, Product manager/HPL, commented on the design thinking behind the new introductions. "The 1998 collection draws its inspiration from natural themes and basic elements in life, with just the right balance of contrast and harmony.

"The use of pearlescent hues in a number of our items also reflects the growing influence of metallics as a fundamental element in designing commercial and residential interior spaces," he noted.

Fifteen new patterns in the 1998 Nevamar collection convey the simplicity embodied by natural and organic soft-edge images that are welcomed by both commercial and residential consumers. They include Papier Soleil and Papier Lune, rice paper images colored in contrasting yet complementary hues of orange and blue.

Palisades Park and Pacific Palisades portray colorations of earth and water, but with an added pearlescence that conveys a metallic look. And Sidewalk Cafe and Sidewalk Bistro derive their inspiration from trowelled cement, quite simply one of the most basic of materials.

Venetian Ceramica and Mediterranean Ceramica give the impression of crackled ceramic, but are made even more interesting by the effects of time and weather and a coloration enhanced by a metallic effect. Gilded Elements and Aged Elements are reminiscent of gold and bronze, washed and worn. But look again -- and the image appears to be a galaxy.

Chance Encounter and Close Encounter represent Nevamar's foray into a serendipitous design statement. The patterns can be interpreted as childlike hieroglyphics. It's all very approachable; you can't help but smile at design that delights like this.

New items in two popular Nevamar patterns are also being offered for the first time.

The Allusions collection, with its "almost-a-solid ... almost-a-pattern" appearance, is being enhanced by Botanical Allusion, with its ripe, life-affirming green hue, and Natural Allusion, reflecting a warm, creamy white. The Shibori collection adds Manila Shibori, inspired by the simple, natural tones of a classic brown paper bag.

Seven new solid colors for 1998 range from neutral to brilliant. Cream Puff, Sea Moss, Moonbeam and Sandcastle are all energized by a complex layering of color which enlivens their neutral tones, while Sugar Plum, Blue Moon and Verry Berry communicate a radiant brilliance.

Three new offerings add depth to Nevamar's existing line of woodgrains. Topaz Khayawood is colored naturally in a deepened honey tone, while Grand Isle Maple and Black Pearl Khayawood appear so lifelike, you simply have to touch them.

All newly introduced Nevamar high pressure laminate items are offered in general purpose grade, postforming and vertical forming grades in popular sheet sizes. They are available with the exclusive ARmored Protection(TM) and ARmored Protection(TM) Plus Surface in all popular sizes and standard grades.

With significantly better wear value than the NEMA standard for laminates, ARP and ARP Plus Surface laminates provide superior abrasion and scuff resistance to protect the clarity, appearance and durability of Nevamar laminates.

The Decorative Products Division of International Paper Company is a leading worldwide manufacturer of high pressure laminate products which are sold under the Nevamar and Polyrey brand names. The Division is also the maker of LamMates(TM) HPL/melamine component panels, and other surfaces and panels used in commercial and residential interiors, store fixtures and furnishings.

CONTACT: International Paper Co.

Phillip Nones, 410/778-2184