Johnjcannon

Laminate counter-tops are made from a thin piece of laminated plastic that is adhered to a base or substrate. The substrate might be particle board or plywood. Some popular brands of laminate counter-tops include Formica®, Arborite, Nevamar and Wilsonart. Laminate counter-tops are available in many solid vivid colors and graphic patterns. They are an affordable option when a bold colorful look is desired. Just some of the many laminate counter-top patterns include checks, dots, swirls and assorted geometric abstract graphics. Laminated counter tops are extremely hard wearing, but over time styles change and it can loose its ability to resist damage and staining and can start to show scratches or fading. If your countertops are showing wear and need to be replaced, you don’t have to go to the expense of installing a brand new countertop, instead you can re-laminate. Re-laminating isn’t as difficult as it may seem at first. Here’s how you can go about it:

Repairing Small Cracks and Chips

You can repair small chips on the work surface of a laminate countertop with laminate-repair paste. It’s available in a variety of colors, or you can mix it to match the color of your countertop. For minor gouges and chips, buy laminate repair paste to match the color of your counter. If needed, blend several colors

How to Repair Peeling Laminate

If the laminate has begun peeling up, you can fix it with contact cement. Simply apply the contact cement to both surfaces, and press the laminate back into place. For small areas of bubbling, reactivate the adhesive by heating the laminate. Use a hair dryer or an iron on low heat, taking care not to scorch the surface. For large areas use a small knife to scrape away old adhesive from the support surface and the back of the laminate.

How to Repair Damage Laminated Edge

If the laminate edge is damaged beyond repair, remove it with a putty knife. A heat gun or iron will help speed the process by softening the glue. After you remove the laminate material, sand the exposed countertop surface. Next, spread an adhesive sealant over the surface, and apply the new edge laminate. If you want to apply a more durable edge, use a piece of stained wood molding. Use tape to hold the new edge material in place until it has cured thoroughly. Clean the damaged area with rubbing alcohol and fill the chips with the laminate paste. Smooth it flat with a putty knife. Let it dry completely, leaving it undisturbed for 24 hours. If needed replace large areas of damaged laminated with tile or a cutting board: With a router, carefully cut away the damaged area. Lay down decorative tiles or butcher block, being sure to seal the edges well.

This post is contributed by Jian. Jian is an active blogger who specializes in writing about Corian Countertops , laminate countertops and other Home improvement topics