Scribing a Formica Countertop Backsplash to a Wall

Insert a sharp pencil into a compass. Align the tip of the pencil so it matches the tip of the compass. Loosen the screw so the tips are close together and in line.

Fit the formica countertop and backsplash on top of the cabinet where you want it to hang. Push the countertop and backsplash tightly against the wall. Ensure the front edge of the countertop is aligned with the upper edges of the cabinet.

Apply masking tape all around the top of the backsplash. Insert the tip of the compass into the gap between the backsplash and the wall, and push the pencil away until it matches this gap. Tighten the thumbscrew on the compass so it's adjusted to the gap.

Run the compass along the wall, from one corner to the other, to transfer the contours or irregularities to the backsplash. Hold the compass at a right angle to the backsplash, and maintain this angle while drawing the line along the edge. The tip of the pencil that falls on the corresponding edge of the backsplash forms a line along it. Remove the countertop and backsplash.

Sand along the scribed line on the taped edge of the formica backsplash, using a belt sander and 100-grit sandpaper. Move the sander back and forth so it shaves excess backsplash, to form a tight fit.

Dry-fit the countertop and backsplash back onto the cabinets to ensure it butts against the wall. Remove the tape along the edges of the backsplash if it forms a tight fit against the wall. Alternatively, if a gap still remains, scribe a new line by adjusting the distance between the pencil and compass to match the gap and by tightening the thumbscrew. Transfer the contour on the backsplash and sand it to remove excess formica.