How to Fix Cracked Laminate
Laminate countertops sometimes crack over time. Changing out a laminate countertop can be costly and time-consuming. It also means that you won't be able to use the countertop for a while. If your laminate countertop has only a small crack, you can easily repair it by filling it with a special compound. You can get this product at home improvement stores for less than $20. This project takes only a few minutes and allows you to immediately use your countertop.
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Use the tip of a utility knife to remove any debris in the crack. Debris can disturb the appearance of the laminate countertop after the repair.
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Clean the crack with a special solvent that comes with your laminate filler product. The solvent removes small debris in the crack and prepares it for the filler.
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Mix the laminate filler product according to the manufacturer's instructions, if necessary. Squeeze the product onto a scrap piece of laminate or a sample laminate chip and work it with a putty knife until it thickens.
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Scoop some of the mixed laminate filler with a putty knife and press the filler compound into the crack.
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Dampen a rag with the cleaner solvent and wipe off the excess filler compound from the laminate countertop to produce a smooth surface.
References
Tips
- For a more permanent solution, you can replace the laminate. You need to remove your sink and abrade the old, cracked laminate. Apply contact cement on the countertop surface and on the back of the new laminate, then press the new laminate into place. Use a router to cut holes in the new laminate for the sink and other fixtures. Allow the filler to dry according to the compound's packaging directions.
Writer Bio
Edriaan Koening began writing professionally in 2005, while studying toward her Bachelor of Arts in media and communications at the University of Melbourne. She has since written for several magazines and websites. Koening also holds a Master of Commerce in funds management and accounting from the University of New South Wales.
Photo Credits
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