How to Put Laminate on Countertops

Spruce up an older kitchen quickly by changing the countertops. Laminates wear well and cost a lot less money than other kitchen countertop materials. The technique used to put new laminate on a countertop can also save you money. Here's how to do it.

Things You'll Need

• Sandpaper
• Shop vacuum
• Tape measure
• Laminate
• Contact cement
• Utility knife
• J-roller
• Router with laminate bit
• Masking tape
• Wooden dowels

Instructions

1. Remove the old countertop surface completely. Sand the particleboard underneath to get rid of any glue or adhesive that may remain.

2. Measure the countertop. Allow a couple extra inches on both the length and width. Also, measure how much laminate you need for the sides. Go to the local home store or lumberyard to get your laminate sheets and contact cement.

3. Cut the laminate. Use a straight edge to mark the correct size. Then score the laminate with a utility knife. It should snap along the line you marked. Also, cut the front bands.

4. Apply contact cement to the front edge of the countertop and to the laminate edges. Let it dry according to the directions on the container. When it's properly dry, press the edges into place. Use a J-roller to smooth any air bubbles out.

5. Trim the excess with the router with the laminate bit. Clean any dust particles on the countertop. Put masking tape around the countertop edges to protect them as you install the countertop itself.

6. Use a brush or wooden paddle to put contact cement to the countertop and the laminate. When the glue is tacky, place wooden dowels on the countertop to help you work the laminate into position.

7. Place the laminate on top of the dowels. Working from one end, gradually work the dowels out. Once the contact cement makes contact, the laminate sticks. Be careful. When all the dowel rods are out, roll the J-roller over the entire countertop to seal the contact cement. Finish the top edge with the router again.

Tips & Warnings

• Clear the particleboard's surface of all dust particles when you finish sanding. Failure to do so can result in a poor seal of the new laminate.