Phenolic resin compact laminate are neither a plastic nor a wood product, though they are related to and combine some of the best characteristics of both. The primary component is paper. Sheets of industrial kraft paper, similar to construction paper, are treated with phenolic resins. These are layered together and subjected to high heat and pressure causing the phenolic compounds to chemically "cross-bond", irreversably fusing the papers into homogeneous panels. Melamine-impregnated decorative surface papers give the face of the panel its color or pattern and creates the scratch resistant surface.