How to Redo Linoleum Countertops

Cut the linoleum with a linoleum knife into strips 6- to 8-inches wide. Make cuts every 12- to 18-inches, running perpendicular to the first series of cuts.

Direct the heat from a heat gun at a section of linoleum, keeping the gun in constant motion to prevent burning the linoleum. Move the heat gun around the section of linoleum until the adhesive softens. Work within the cut lines to remove the linoleum section by section.

Wedge a metal putty knife under the linoleum on your countertop to lift it off the substrate. Grip the edge of the linoleum with vise grips and peel it off the countertop. Move the heat gun to the next section. Heat the linoleum, lift the edge, grip it with vise grips and peel it off the countertop. Continue to remove the linoleum until no material remains on the countertop.

Equip a belt sander or orbital palm sander with 80-grit sandpaper. Sand the remaining adhesive off the substrate. Vacuum the countertop with a shop vacuum to remove all bits of dust and old adhesive.

Lay a large sheet of heavyweight paper over the countertop. Trace the size and shape of the countertop onto the paper to create a template. Move the paper to a level area. Extend the edges of the template by 3-inches to allow for shrinkage. Use a straightedge as a guide when drawing straight lines. Cut the template out with scissors.

Place a sheet of plywood on a flat surface or across two sawhorses. Place the linoleum on top of the plywood with the finished side facing down. Place the template over the linoleum and tape it to the back with masking tape every 10- to 12-inches. Trace around the template with a grease pencil and remove the template.

Align a metal straightedge to the grease pencil lines and hold it firmly in place with your hand. Score the grease pencil line with the linoleum knife and then go back over the scored line, pressing firmly on the knife to cut through the linoleum. Repeat for all lines.

Apply a 1/8-inch thick coat of latex-based linoleum adhesive to the countertop substrate with a paintbrush or roller. Set the linoleum on the countertop with the finished side facing up and a 3-inch overhang in all directions.

Roll a heavy rolling pin over the surface of the countertop with pressing down forcefully to gain proper adhesion. Let the adhesive dry for 10 to 12 hours.

Line up the metal straightedge with the edge of the countertop and hold it firmly in place. Trim the excess linoleum off the countertop with the linoleum knife.

Create a template of the vertical edges of the countertop and add 4 -inches to the measurement. Lay the template over the linoleum and cut strips for the edging. Paint a 1/8-inch thick coat of adhesive over the edge of the countertop. Place the linoleum over the edge with a 2-inch overhang on both the top and bottom edges of the countertop. Roll a heavy roller over it to bond the linoleum to the edge. Let the adhesive set for 10 to 12 hours.

Cut the excess linoleum away from the countertop edge with a linoleum knife, using a metal straightedge as a guide. Apply linoleum seam sealer to the point at which the horizontal and vertical planes meet to fuse the two surfaces.