Recovering Laminating on Counters

Cleaning

• If your laminate counters are dull and stained, you may be able to restore them without having to do a remodeling project of any kind. One of the mistakes that people make when trying to clean their laminate counters is to apply abrasive cleaner and rub it with a towel. That scratches the countertop and does not get it clean, according to the Housekeeping Channel website. To remove stains, apply white vinegar and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Rinse the vinegar with water from a spray bottle and then gently blot the water and vinegar from the countertop. You can then clean the laminate with a solution made of dishwashing soap and warm water. Chemicals and abrasive cleaners damage the laminate and do not restore its luster. Using this approach can help your laminate counters to look clean and new.

Paint

• If you do want to re-cover your laminate countertops by giving them a new surface, then consider painting them. Clean the laminate of grease and any other substance that will make it difficult for paint to grip. Remove damaged pieces of laminate and fill in cracks or holes with plastic wood filler. Scratch the laminate with steel wool or fine-grade sandpaper to give the paint a surface to grip onto, and sand down any wood filler. Apply a coat of oil-based primer, and then a coat of oil-based alkyd paint after the primer has dried. Alkyd paint creates an acrylic surface and comes in a variety of colors. Allow the first coat to dry overnight and then apply two more thin coats. You will then need to apply a clear coat of lacquer as a protective surface.

New Laminate

• You can re-cover your laminate counter with a new layer of laminate. You can cut sheets of new laminate to size, or take your measurements to a home improvement store and have the laminate sheets cut for you. Clean off your existing laminate to create a strong surface for the contact cement to bond to. Roll contact cement on your old laminate and wait until it is dry to the touch. This will allow you to lay thin strips of lattice vertically on the cement. Place the new sheet of laminate over the lattice strips and slowly remove them in sequence to allow the laminate to set evenly on the surface. Use a rubber roller to press the laminate into place.

Tiles

• If your laminate counter is a flat surface, then you can cover it in tile to give a completely new look to your kitchen. Clean your laminate countertops and allow them to dry overnight. Apply adhesive to the laminate and put your tiles in place. After the tiles are set and the adhesive has dried, you can grout the tiles and give your countertops a new look.