How to Replace Counter Top Laminate
Formica type laminate countertops have dominated kitchen counters for the past half century. However, laminate countertops frequently outlive their stylishness. A sure bet to rejuvenate a worn kitchen is to replace the laminate countertops with an updated version. Manufactured in a wide variety of colors and finishes, laminates can be found to compliment any interior. Use sample chips available from any laminate retailer to choose the right laminate to redo your countertops. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Laminate
- Contact cement
- Table saw
- Wooden dowels
- Rubber mallet
- J roller or heavy rolling pin
- Router and flush cut bit
- Finetooth bastard mill file
- Acetone
Instructions
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Cutting the laminate
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1
Measure the countertops and mark out a map of the pieces you'll need to recover the countertops. Make a full size cardboard template and check to be sure that it is exactly right by laying it on top of the existing countertop. Cut a template for each of the existing pieces. Mark the top side of each template to avoid confusion.
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2
Use a table saw with a sharp, finetooth blade to rip your sheets of laminate into pieces an inch wider than the depth of your countertop. Leave a factory edge along one side for the back of the countertop.
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3
Lay the template pieces out on your laminate and carefully mark each piece. Use a straight edge to mark seam edges. Leave an extra inch overhang along each edge that represents the lip of the countertop. Cut edges where you have seams with a flush-cut bearing bit in a router. Clamp the laminate to a straight table edge or board directly under the seam line. Cut the seam smoothly with a steady motion with the bearing running lightly against the table top or board.Cut enough strips of laminate to cover the edges of the counter 1 inch wider than the counter edge.
Installing the laminate
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4
Use a sander to scuff up the surface of the existing laminate. Spread contact cement on the existing countertop with a small short nap roller. Choose a section to start with and roll out glue in the area that will be covered by a piece of laminate. Roll contact cement on the back of the laminate as well.
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5
Allow enough time for curing the cement. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for best results. Lay ¼ inch wooden dowels several inches longer than your countertop is deep on top of the cement every 10 inches.
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6
Lay the laminate on top of the dowels. Push the factory edge against the wall at the back of the countertop. Remove one dowel at a time, pressing the laminate down firmly as you go. Remove the final dowel and use a rubber mallet to tap down the edges of the laminate. Use a J roller to press the laminate down firmly.
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7
Start pressing adjoining pieces down working from the seam. Push the edge of the next piece tightly to the first, keeping it against the wall. Pull the dowels out same as for the first piece.
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8
Use a router with a flush-cut bearing bit to trim the excess laminate off at the edge of the countertop.
Roll cement on the edge and laminate strips. Tap and roll the pieces into place for the edge of the counter. Use the router to trim the excess. Use a fine tooth mill bastard file to file down the edge. Be sure to get all of the roughness, sharp laminate cuts like a knife.
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Tips & Warnings
Wax router bearings to avoid burning laminate.
Always use a sharp bit.
Wear safety glasses when cutting or routing laminate, shards are incredibly tiny and sharp.
