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Wilsonart Betty and Endora retro laminate designs now part of Wilsonart’s Virtual Design Library

Pam Kueber - Updated: August 18, 2021

Retro Renovation stopped publishing in 2021; these stories remain for historical information, as potential continued resources, and for archival purposes.

Wilsonart is discontinuing their “Betty” and “Endora” laminate designs as “stock” laminates by the end of this year, with plans to move them to their Virtual Design Library (VDL). However, Wilsonart does not sound certain the move the the VDL line will work. So as I say when this kind of change is afoot: If you want this stuff for your kitchen or bathroom, get while the getting is good. Above: Nancy used Betty for the countertops in her kitchen remodel.

retro pink bathroom
Chris used Wilsonart’s Endora to top her leggy bathroom vanity.

Thanks to the several reader Tami, who sent me this tip. Wilsonart confirms:

Question:

Can you confirm whether “Betty” and “Endora” laminate patterns are being discontinued by Wilsonart, effective 12/1/2017.

​Wilsonart: 

Yes, that is correct.

We will be moving forward to try to convert these designs to the Virtual Design Library (Retro category) by the end of the year.  Please keep in mind that not all designs can be successfully converted into VDL.  As the team works through the process, they will keep us all updated.

Question: 

Thank you. If they go VDL, the price will be significantly higher, right?

Wilsonart: 

For an average size kitchen, we typically say ~ $3-5 psf (uninstalled). Check with your local dealer for a price quote.

Note, as shown above: I calculate prices on Home Depot for the product as stock 4′ x 8′  at under $1.80/s.f., also uninstalled. So you can see the difference.

inspiration for the name of wilsonart betty laminate
Designer Sally Chavez named the Betty laminate because it reminded her of the colors in this favorite photo of her mother Betty.

 

Why stock laminate rocks:

  • Stock laminates are typically made with top-layer “deco” papers with designs that are pre-printed (on rotogravure printers) in large runs. 
  • Because they are mass produced, the price for stock laminates is generally several times less than for digital-print papers like Wilsonart’s VLD line, which printed to order.
  • Stock papers are widely available at big box stores and generally have little wait time.

Digital print papers like those in Wilsonart’s Virtual Design Library:

  • Conversely, digital prints are made to order.
  • They are more expensive, as a result.
  • There may be a delay in getting these, because they are made to order and you need to get in line.
  • But a big advantage: Digital printing opens up endless possibilities. Our Retro Renovation®by Wilsonart laminates are digitally printed.

Wilsonart’s Betty and Endora laminates were introduced to the market in Summer 2015. It’s sad to see them dropped from the stock lineup. Abstract-design laminates, like those that were popular in the 1950s and into the 1960s, will now be virtually non-existent as stock offerings. 

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Comments

  2. KStacey says

    I thought I had gotten Endora on time. Then on the day it was suppose to deliver, I received a “sorry, we canceled your order, product no longer available.” email. Gah!! I don’t even need much, it’s for a bathroom vanity project. Back to the drawing board! Boo!!

  3. Jen says

    If anyone is watching the Marvelous Mrs. Maivel on Amazon–set in the 1950s, Betty laminate appeared on a table in a diner! (second episode)

  4. Anna says

    Just had our new Betty countertops installed last week. Glad I got in before they were discontinued! Will buy a large sheet of it now for future projects lining under the sink and pantry.

    Will send a photo when we finish painting!

    Any advice on affordable appliances that blend well with the retro look?