How to Glue a Plastic Laminate
Plastic laminate is a sheeting material made by laminating several very thin layers of plastic into one strong piece. It is commonly used to cover cabinets, countertops and tables when a strong, durable and easily cleaned surface is required. Plastic laminate is easily glued onto wood as long as you follow a few careful guidelines. If you have a cabinet that's peeling or an unsightly piece of furniture that needs a new face, you can revive the furniture by applying new plastic laminate.
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Instructions
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Sand the wood the laminate is being attached to using sandpaper, then wipe away the sawdust with a cloth. This creates a better surface for the adhesive to bond with.
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Spray the back of the laminate with the contact adhesive in long, even strokes. Make sure there are no gaps of dry space between the rows of adhesive.
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Apply the adhesive to the wood as you did for the laminate. Leave the adhesive on both the wood and laminate to dry until tacky.
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Hold the laminate flat directly over the wood. Have a friend help you if needed in order to get the laminate perfectly into position before letting the glued sides touch.
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Lower the laminate carefully down onto the wood making sure the edges line up evenly. Use your hand to press the laminate firmly down onto the wood.
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Run a stiff roller across the laminate in long strokes from left to right. When you finish in that direction, move the roller in short strokes from front to back along the entire piece of laminate.
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Secure clamps onto the laminate to hold it firmly against the wood and leave them to set for at least 24 hours for a full cure. Use a clamp every 6 inches for the best hold.
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Tips & Warnings
Instead of repairing the existing laminate, use a router to trim the edges of the laminate if this is the first time it is being applied.
Don't use cheap particleboard --- it will absorb water and cause the laminate to lift and part from the wood.
