How to Reface a Countertop
Refacing a countertop can mean using granite, tile, wood or even glass. But one of the most durable and versatile refacing methods is to laminate the surface. Laminate comes in sheets that score and snap with a utility knife and are attached to the existing surface with contact cement, a form of glue that only sticks to other surfaces that have contact cement on them. You can laminate right over any smooth, unbroken countertop surface, including existing laminate. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Pad power sander with medium sandpaper
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Utility knife
- Sheets of laminate
- Contact cement with brush
- Router with laminate-trimming bit
- J-roller (for pressing the laminate)
- 8 to 10 1-inch dowel rods, three feet long
Instructions
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1
Sand the countertop surface enough to remove any existing grime or gloss. Wipe up the dust.
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2
Take measurements of each span of the countertop that you're going to reface, and mark out the measurements on sheets of laminate. Add an inch around the edge of each measurement. Cut them out with a utility knife.
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3
Brush contact cement over the back of the cut laminate and onto the countertop surface. Let the contact cement dry to the touch, about 15 minutes.
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4
Set dowel rods on the surface of the countertop, with the ends of the rods pointing forward. Put them about a foot apart. Lay the top laminate piece over the dowel rods so you can position it without the surfaces touching.
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5
Position the first laminate piece in front of the front edge of the countertop, getting it lined up, with an inch overhang on all sides. Don't let the laminate sheet touch the countertop until it's properly positioned, then slide the dowel rods out.
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Press the laminate to the surface, then roll over it with the J-roller along the surface to press it into place. Run your router along the edges to trim off the overhang.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear goggles when cutting the laminate.
If the laminate piece is longer than your arm span, have an assistant help you position it.
