How to Install Sheet Laminate

Plastic laminate is the stuff countertops are made of. Put it on particleboard or plywood, or even cover old laminates with it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Brushes
• Work Gloves
• Work Gloves
• Wood Putty
• Wood Putty
• Vaseline
• Rolling Pins
• Kraft Papers
• Laminate Trimmer Bits
• Routers
• Safety Goggles
• Sandpaper
• Safety Goggles
• Sandpaper
• Routers

1. Fill any holes or indentations in the surface with putty and sand it smooth.

2. Be sure the area is clean and completely dry, or the laminate won't stick.

3. Apply adhesive to the surface and to the back of the laminate with a brush or notched plastic applicator. Apply two coats to particleboard.

4. Let the adhesive dry until you can put a piece of brown kraft paper on it and the paper doesn't stick.

5. Lay three pieces of brown kraft paper over the surface, making sure the edges overlap.

6. Lay the laminate on top and line up the edges.

7. Press on one end of the laminate while you pull a piece of paper out from under it. The idea is to work slowly from one end to the other.

8. Use a rolling pin to press bubbles out of the adhesive. Begin in the center of the laminate and work outward.

9. Let the cement dry for at least 30 minutes.

10. Finish by applying a coat of petroleum jelly to the edges that stick out past the surface, and trim the excess with a laminate trimmer router bit. The petroleum jelly prevents scorching from the heat of the bit.

Tips & Warnings

• The best way to cut laminates is to score the edge and snap it off, rather than actually cutting it. Test a scrap piece before using a saw to make sure the saw blade doesn't chip the laminate.
• Latex-base adhesives won't hold as long as neoprene-base ones.
• Use adhesives in a well-ventilated area and be sure to wear safety goggles and gloves when cutting or trimming laminates.

[chipsurfer]

on 9/30/2008 Consider Wilsonart Laminate's when choosing, as they seem to be easier to work with.

on 11/22/2005 If you can not remove the counter top to work from the underside, try using a roto-zip tool. Use guides were possible to keep a straight line, and replace the blade as needed to prevent burning.

on 11/22/2005 If you're using a table saw or circular saw to cut laminate, make sure the teeth of your saw are cutting up on the face of the laminate...This will stop chipping.

on 11/22/2005 Ordinary Cisco shortening works as well as petroleum jelly when trimming edges. Just apply it to the surface you want to protect. It will not burn the laminate and it cleans up easily.

on 11/22/2005 I tried cutting a scrap piece of formica with a circular saw. using a plywood blade and the masking tape,(previously suggested by one of your members) the blade makes a nice clean cut. It's much easier than scoring and snapping.