Individual Samples vs. Partial Sheets – Which Should You Order?
Ciana GitreIf you're considering Richlite for your project, ordering samples is the best way to experience the material before committing to a full sheet. While photos can show color, they cannot fully convey the texture, depth, and surface character of Richlite. With over 30 color combinations across four collections (Northwest, Heritage, Cascade, and Stratum) each offers unique characteristics and benefits for different applications.
Richlite provides several ways to explore the material, including finished samples, sample sets, partial sheets, and full sheets. Each option serves a different purpose depending on whether you're evaluating finishes, exploring color, visualizing scale, or preparing for fabrication.
Understanding Richlite Surface Finishes
Richlite panels, whether full or partial sheets, are manufactured and shipped with a Factory (Mill) Finish. This surface serves as the starting point for fabrication, allowing fabricators to prepare the material and apply the final finish required for their project.
Because finishing is typically completed during fabrication, individual samples are a great way to explore the appearance and feel of our leathered and honed finishes, while partial sheets allow fabricators to test and create these finishes themselves.
Mill Finish
The mill finish highlights the material's natural fiber structure and includes a subtle texture developed during pressing. In some applications, such as exterior cladding, cutting boards, OEM components, and select furniture parts, the mill finish can be used as is.
Leathered Finish
A leathered finish is created through light surface preparation, typically using a Scotch-Brite™ pad. This process gently smooths the surface while maintaining the material’s natural texture. After sealing with Hard Wax Oil, the surface develops a soft sheen, a grippy tactile feel, and enhanced color depth. Leathered finishes are commonly used for countertops, cabinetry, work surfaces, and wall panels.
Honed Finish
A honed finish creates a satin-like surface with a refined appearance. Achieved through progressive sanding and the application of a protective finish, it produces a more polished look while preserving the material’s depth of color. This finish is often chosen for modern or minimalist designs and feels smoother and more slippery than a leathered surface.
For more information on finishes and guidance on how to achieve them, please consult our Fabrication Manual. It offers step-by-step instructions, recommended techniques, and best practices to help ensure consistently high-quality results with Richlite.
Individual Samples
Individual finished samples show the final appearance and feel of Richlite after fabrication. These samples are ideal for evaluating color and texture, reviewing surface finish, and for client or design approval.
Available sizes:
- 2.75" × 2.75" sample
- A4 Size (8.27" × 11.7")
Richlite Sample Sets
Sample sets provide a comprehensive introduction to Richlite for customers exploring multiple collections or color options, including top colorways from core collections with variations in color, thickness, and finish.
Sample sets allow you to compare multiple colors and finishes side by side, familiarize yourself with the material’s texture and appearance, begin developing a palette or design specification.
Partial Sheets
Partial sheets offer a larger section of material for scale visualization. They are useful for, visualizing material at scale, reviewing color and surface variation, and practicing sanding and finishing techniques.
Available in:
- 12" × 12"
- 24" × 24"
Full Sheets
Full sheets are used for the final fabrication and installation. Standard sheet sizes include:
- 4' × 8'
- 4' × 10'
- 4' × 12'
- 5' × 10'
- 5' × 12'
Thicknesses range from 1/8" to 3". Typically, contractors, designers, or fabricators place orders and manage measuring, cutting, fabrication, and installation. Richlite can fulfill orders directly or connect you with a regional distributor. Contact us to learn more about ordering full sheets.
Choosing the Right Option
Each sample type serves a specific purpose:
Finished Samples: Best for evaluating color, texture, and surface finish.
Sample Sets: Best for exploring multiple collections and finishes at once.
Partial Sheets: Best for visualizing material at scale or practicing fabrication techniques.
Full Sheets: Used for final fabrication and installation.
For first-time customers, starting with a finished sample or sample set is recommended. Pairing a finished sample with a partial sheet provides perspective on both the finished look and larger-scale appearance. Experiencing Richlite in person ensures the material aligns with your design vision and performs beautifully in your space.