How to Polish Scratched Formica
Scratched Formica counter tops often look dirty and ruined. However, there are products that are designed to repair surface scratches. After the damage is repaired you can polish your counter top to bring back the shine. Repair any kind of damage to the counter top at the same time so that the result will last. It is particularly important to glue down any lifted or loose areas before polishing. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Soap and water
- Scrubber
- Degreaser
- Towel
- Utility knife
- Laminate repair paste
- Putty knife
- Rag
- Contact cement
- Toothpick
- Counter top polish
- Buffing wheel
- Kitchen caulk
Instructions
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1
Clean the counter top thoroughly with soap, water and a scrubber. Follow up with a degreasing cleanser and dry with a towel. Remove old caulk from along the baseboard and near the sink using a utility knife. Check the entire counter for lifted areas, loose laminate and scratches.
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2
Match the color of your counter top when purchasing laminate repair paste. This product is sold at most home centers and through kitchen installation stores. Apply the paste to the surface scratches using a putty knife. Place paste along the scratch and drag the putty knife at a 45-degree angle to the scratch. This forces paste into the scratch. Wipe off the excess with a rag.
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3
Glue down any loose laminate using contact cement under the edge of the laminate. Apply a toothpick for small areas and keep the cement off the top finish of the laminate. Allow 12 hours for the paste and glue to dry.
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4
Squirt counter top polish on your counter. Attach a buffing pad to your drill and buff the counter top and backsplash. The polish fills in small scratches and returns the luster to the laminate finish.
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Caulk along the backsplash and sink with fresh kitchen caulk. Drag a fingertip covered in a moist rag along the caulk to smooth it out and force it deep into the cracks.
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Tips & Warnings
Older counter tops require more maintenance but they can often look nearly new if you treat them right. Cut foods on cutting boards and clean up spills before they can stain.
Polish your counter once a month to keep it looking shiny and clean.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
