How to Remove & Replace Laminate Sheets
If you want to re-laminate an old laminated countertop, it's usually best to go right over the old laminate. Removing the old laminate is a slow, painstaking chore, so don't take this approach unless you have to. The only reason you should remove the old laminate is if it's so badly damaged you can't put a new layer over it without affecting the look of the new surface. The removal process involves chemically dissolving the glue, which takes lots of patience; resist the urge to rip it off in pieces, which will only make it more difficult. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Window fan
- Goggles
- Rubber gloves
- Newspapers
- Lacquer thinner
- Spray bottle
- Putty knife
- Wood shims
- Power palm sander
- Tape measure
- Laminate sheets
- Router with laminate bit
- Contact cement
- Brush
- Laminate roller
- Six or eight 1-inch dowel rods about 3 feet long
Instructions
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Removing Laminate
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1
Prepare to remove the laminate. Open all the windows and put a fan in one to vent the room. Put on goggles and rubber gloves. Spread newspapers on the floor around the counter. Fill the spray bottle with lacquer thinner.
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2
Work your putty knife under the laminate from an edge and spray lacquer thinner in the opening. Let it sit for a minute, then work it some more with the putty knife. Each time the laminate comes up further, push a wood shim into the opening to keep it raised, re-spraying as needed.
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3
Proceed slowly, giving the lacquer time to dissolve the glue. Don't rip or break the laminate, as that will make it more difficult to get it all off. Continue until all the laminate is removed.
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4
Let the bare particleboard of the countertop dry completely. Go over the surface with the power palm sander, taking off any residual glue and getting the surface flat and clean. Clean up the dust.
Replacing Laminate
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5
Measure each span of the countertop, add an inch all around and transfer that measurement to your laminate sheets. Cut out the sheets with your router.
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6
Lay the sheets face down on newspaper and spread contact cement on the back of the sheets. Spread additional contact cement on the countertop surfaces and let the cement dry to the touch. (Note: The contact cement won't feel sticky but will bind instantly to other contact cement, so don't let any of the pieces touch.)
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7
Hold the piece of laminate for the vertical front edge in front of the surface where it will go, with the laminate overhanging on all sides. Once it's positioned correctly, press it into place. It will hold instantly.
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8
Run your laminate roller over the surface. Trim the overhanging laminate along the edges using your router.
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9
Lay the dowel rods across the countertop, with about one rod per foot of the length.
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10
Lay your large top piece of laminate over the dowel rods. Position it correctly, then carefully pull out the rods from the middle, one by one, pressing the laminate down to the surface as you do. Once the laminate is entirely down, roll it out with your laminate roller. Trim the edges with the router.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Wear eye protection when using a router.
