How to Repair Seam Lifting Laminate Countertops

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Things You'll Need

  • Iron

  • Knife

  • Contact cement

  • Paper clip

  • Paper towel

  • Mineral spirits

  • Wax paper

Laminate is a less expensive countertop alternative to natural stone or tile products. It is available in a wide variety of colors and textures, many resembling marble and other stone. Laminate is made of a pressed wood base over which a plastic layer is glued. If you have a countertop with seams, moisture and wear can cause the seams to lift over time. Luckily, repairing the lifted seam requires only household products and the right adhesive.

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Step 1

Turn a clothes iron on to a medium heat setting and allow it to heat up. Press the iron on top of the lifted seam and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds. Lift the iron and test the seam to see whether this reglued it to the surface, as it often does. If the seam is still lifted, apply new adhesive.

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Step 2

Insert the blade of a knife under the seam to lift it gently. Don't lift too far or you may crack the laminate.

Step 3

Open a bottle of contact cement and use the brush attached to the cap to insert 1 tsp. of cement under the raised area of the seam. Recap the cement and set it aside. Insert a paper clip under the seam and move it around to help spread the cement out to the smallest crevices.

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Step 4

Remove the knife and allow the seam to fall into position. Press down on the laminate gently.

Step 5

Apply 1 to 2 tbsp. of mineral spirits to a paper towel and wipe off any excess cement that oozes out of the seam.

Step 6

Spread a piece of wax paper over the seam and set a heavy object on top to hold the laminate down until the contact cement dries.

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