How to Apply Marble to a Formica Countertop
Formica countertops are common in many households. Formica is simple to install and is inexpensive, making it very popular to home builders. Formica is relatively easy to care for but can fade over time. When this happens, the countertop can be restored, or it can be covered by marble, tile or granite. These materials are more dense and can withstand many years of use. To put marble over Formica, you only need a few hand tools. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Silica thickener
- Putty knife
- Eye protection
- Dust mask
- Gloves
- Etching compound or deglazer
- TSP
- Brush
- Cleaning cloths
- Mortar
- Bucket
- Trowel
- Marble countertop
- Helper
Instructions
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1
Fill in any holes on the Formica countertop with silica thickener using a putty knife. Let set according to the manufacturer's instructions. Lay your marble countertop over an unbroken surface.
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2
Put on eye protection, a dust mask and gloves. Open windows to improve ventilation. Apply an etching compound or deglazer to the countertop to rough it. Sand it with fine-grit sandpaper, which isn't necessary if you use a deglazer or etching compound. Follow the manufacturer's application directions. Allow to dry completely.
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3
Clean the Formica countertop with TSP and warm water using a cleaning cloth. Wipe down the Formica with a damp cloth to remove any TSP residue and allow to dry or towel dry the Formica. This will not only remove the etching compound or deglazer, it also will provide a clean surface for the mortar to bond.
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4
Combine mortar with water in a bucket and stir until the mixture becomes the consistency of peanut butter. Spread mortar over the Formica countertop with a trowel. Make the mortar even and thin with the trowel.
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5
Situate the marble countertop onto the Formica quickly before the mortar begins to harden and dry. Lift, with help the marble countertop, and set the marble evenly over the Formica countertop. Scrape away any excess with a trowel. Let the mortar cure according to the manufacturer's suggested drying time.
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