How to Cut Cast Polymer Countertops
Cast polymer countertops, known as solid surface countertops, come in a wide variety of colors, styles and price points. Solid surface countertops offer strength and durability in kitchens and bathrooms, making them a popular choice with homeowners, builders and decorators. Manufacturing cast polymer countertops includes melting acrylics or plastics, pouring the liquid into molds and allowing them to set into a hard surface. When installing these countertops, adjusting the size requires cutting to obtain a tight fit. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Professional crayon
- Straight edge
- Sawhorses
- Circular saw
- Carbide saw blade
Instructions
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1
Use a tape measure to measure the size of the countertop area and mark the measurement on the back of the cast polymer with a professional crayon. The back is the unfinished side usually slightly rougher in appearance and without shine.
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Use a straight edge to extend the measurement marks into lines. These lines are guidelines to use when cutting.
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3
Rest the countertop on top of two sawhorses with the unfinished side facing up, showing the cutting lines.
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Load a circular saw with at least a 60-tooth carbide saw blade. Higher tooth counts on saw blades provide smooth, sharp cuts to polymers.
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Set the blade height to 1/8-inch higher than the thickness of the countertop.
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Place the saw blade at the edge of the countertop material and follow the guidelines slowly. Do not force the saw along, let the saw do the work and rip though the countertop. Forcing the saw will result in uneven edges and will harm the saw.
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Tips & Warnings
Cut countertops outdoors if possible in order to avoid polymer dust in the house. Polymer dust is highly irritating.
Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while cutting polymer countertops.
References
- Photo Credit the kitchen. image by guiney from Fotolia.com
