How to Replace Formica Laminate Counter
Formica is a brand of laminate, which is a thin plastic that provides a waterproof seal to counter tops and other areas. Laminate is generally applied over particle board or other wood base, though it's possible to apply it over just about any surface, including existing laminate. You can replace a worn, dingy laminate surface by going right over it with new laminate, provided the old laminate is solid and not coming off anywhere. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Hand-held sander with 100-grit sandpaper
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Newspapers
- Laminate sheets
- Power router with laminate bit
- Contact cement
- Brush
- J-roller (made to press down laminate)
- Six or eight 1/2-inch dowel rods, about 3 feet long
Instructions
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1
Sand the entire surface of the counter with your sander, taking off the shine and gloss. Brush away the dust.
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2
Measure each section of the counter that's going to be laminated. Transfer the measurement to your sheets of laminate, adding one inch all around to each section's measurement. Use your power router and laminate bit to cut out the sheets at the adjusted measurements.
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3
Lay the cutout sheets face-down on spread-out newspapers. Brush contact cement onto the backs of them. Brush contact cement on each section of the counter as well. Let the glue begin to set according to the instructions on the packaging, generally, 15 to 20 minutes.
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4
Hold the laminate for the front edge of the counter in front of the area where it will go. Position it correctly, with the edges overhanging on all sides by about an inch. Press it directly to the surface all at once, letting the contact cement take hold. Immediately run your J-roller over the surface to squeeze out any air bubbles.
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5
Run your power router with laminate bit around the edges of the counter, trimming off the overhanging laminate.
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6
Repeat the process for each span of the counter except the main top piece.
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7
Lay dowel rods on top of the main top part of the counter, front to back, about a foot apart. Set the large top piece of laminate on top of the rods and get it properly positioned.
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Slide the rods out from the middle, pulling them forward and pressing the laminate down onto the surface to make contact. Pull out the rest of the rods while pressing the rest of the laminate down. Roll it out with your J-roller. Trim the sides with your router.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear protective eye gear when cutting your laminate.
