How to Resurface Laminate Counter Tops
Laminate is thin, hard plastic that's glued down over the counter top frame, providing protection from moisture and stains. One way to resurface an old laminate counter top is with a new layer of laminate. It can be installed over old laminate, as long as the existing laminate is solid and unbroken. Contact cement, a quick-bonding glue, is the most reliable method of securing the laminate. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Vibrating pad sander
- Medium sandpaper
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Razor knife
- Laminate sheets
- Contact cement
- Brush
- Router
- Laminate router bit
- Laminate roller
- Eight or ten dowel rods, 1-inch wide by 3-feet long
Instructions
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1
Sand the counter top surface with your vibrating sander, buffing off the shine and getting it flat and smooth. Wipe off the dust.
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2
Measure each section of the counter top and cut a corresponding piece of laminate, using your razor knife to score and snap the laminate. Make each section of laminate at least an inch larger all around than the counter top it's will be covering.
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3
Coat the back of each laminate piece with contact cement, brushing it on in a smooth layer. Brush contact cement over the surface of the counter top as well. Let the contact cement set for about 15 minutes, so it's dry to the touch. (Note: It won't feel sticky, but will bind instantly to the surfaces that have contact cement on them, so don't let any of the pieces touch.)
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Hold the laminate piece for the front edge of the counter top in front of the area where it's supposed to go and line it up. Press it in place, allowing a roughly 1-inch overhang all around. Roll a laminate roller over the surface to ensure it's completely set.
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5
Use a power router to trim off the overhanging laminate.
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Repeat the process for each section of the counter top. For the main top span, lay dowel rods over the surface, front to back, roughly every foot, then set the laminate on top of the rods, so they prevent the piece from making contact with the surface until you have it properly positioned. Slide the rods out, press the laminate into place and trim off the overhanging edges.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear eye protection when cutting laminate.
