Formica problem

Posted by Steve Lambert on November 8, 2006, 12:31 pm

Can I lay Formica over and existing Formica counter top. Trying to update
from Pink Formica counter top to a different color. Thanks

Posted by Jesse on November 8, 2006, 1:33 pm

wrote:

>Can I lay Formica over and existing Formica counter top. Trying to update
>from Pink Formica counter top to a different color. Thanks

Yes you can if present layer in well attached. I've done this several
times, you should rough up the existing surface. jesse

Posted by on November 8, 2006, 3:09 pm

Steve Lambert wrote:

> Can I lay Formica over and existing Formica counter top. Trying to update
> from Pink Formica counter top to a different color. Thanks

Hi Steve:

The short answer is "yes, it can be done", followed by "but I wouldn't
ever do it..."

I've seen this attempted twice by amateurs and once by a professional
woodworker. In each case the surface was supposedly prepared properly,
the right contact cement was used, etc.,etc.. In each case the
laminate delaminated from the underlayment within two years.

You might go into the local Lowe's or Home Depot and look at their
pre-made countertops and do some price shopping. The cost difference
between the laminate and the countertop is significant but I wouldn't
call it considerable (the cost difference between laminate and Corian

is considerable.... <grin>)

To install a new countertop you (usually) unscrew the old one, lay down
the new one (making up any joints with the bolts they supply), level it
with shims as needed, and screw it down. You might have to trim out
the backsplash some so that it fits against the wall, so there's a
little (annoying) trial-and-error fitting to be done..

To laminate, the old surface must be sanded and cleaned thoroughly.
Cement is applied to old and new surface and allowed to dry, then the
laminate is laid and rolled thoroughly. Then of course there's the
nose and backsplash surfaces to be installed, and all of the edges to
be trimmed with the right router bit....

There are lots of things I'll do myself, and some that I'll leave to
the manufacturers or professionals. Making a laminate countertop is
one of the latter.

PS -- The cost of laminate countertop was so reasonable that we had our
big kitchen table made that way. Told 'em we wanted a custom
countertop 4 x 6 feet that was finished on all four edges, as though
for an island. When it came in we mounted it on legs. Done. It's
lasted about seven years now and looks almost as good as it did when
new.

Best -- Terry

Posted by on November 9, 2006, 12:28 am

Steve Lambert wrote:

> Can I lay Formica over and existing Formica counter top. Trying to update
> from Pink Formica counter top to a different color. Thanks

if the formica is just a flat surface you can . scuff back the original
laminate to get a better glue bond .

If the countertop has a formed edge you will want to replace it .

Posted by m Ransley on November 9, 2006, 7:15 am

Degreasing years of embedded grease is the problem, you need alot of
work and different cleaners and solvents .Not cleaning right is what
leads to glue failure.

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