Can You Put Formica Over Old Countertops?

Preparation

• Proper preparation will ensure that your new countertops adhere firmly to the old countertops. Take out the sink and set it aside, then clean and fill any holes in the existing countertop. Sanding the counter roughs up the surface and removes gloss. A contact cement made for laminates is easy to work with and allows you to take your time.

Cutting

• Take measurements of your existing countertop to the store. Store personnel can help you determine the right amount of Formica to buy. Make a paper pattern for a curved countertop. For straight sections, cut according to measurements. A sabre saw with a fine-toothed blade makes cutting the countertop easier. Leave a 1/2-inch overhang at the front of the countertop. You'll trim this even after you install the counter.

Installation

• After you apply the contact cement to both the new and the old countertop, you'll wait half an hour for the cement to dry. Since the two countertops will adhere on contact, you'll need to keep the sections apart until they're properly situated. If you lay dowels on the countertop, about 12 inches apart, you can rest the new countertop on these and remove them one at a time as you press the new countertop in place. Take care in butting seams together. Rolling a heavy rolling pin or rubber roller over the Formica helps remove air bubbles and encourages a tight seal between the new and the old countertops.

Finishing

• After cutting out for the sink and reconnecting all the plumbing, trim any excess material from the counter edges. A router with a flush-trimming bit allows you to cut close to the counter edge. You can finish the countertop with wood or metal trim sold for this purpose.