Formica Tabletop Treatment

Sealant

• Formica tabletops are not prepared to accept varnishes, lacquers or other protective sealants. Instead, Formica is produced with its own protective layers that cover pigment layers and prevent fading, scuffing and scratching. If you attempt to apply a sealant to a Formica table top, it may not adhere properly, depending on the Formica's texture. If you want to refinish an old Formica surface, sand it to a uniform texture before applying a clear acrylic sealant.

Stain Treatment

• Most surface stains on a Formica tabletop can be treated very easily. Soft, damp cloths and liquid soaps, such as dish-washing detergent, removes most smears and stains from a Formica surface. Multiple cleanings may be necessary for some stains. In other cases, all-purpose household cleaners can remove more severe stains by pulling them out of the Formica's top layers. Ammonia-based cleaners are also an option and won't damage the Formica.

Scratch Treatment

• Just as Formica tabletops won't accept protective sealants well, they are also difficult to treat after being scratched or dented. Standard cleaning procedures can remove the dirt and debris that build up in scratches, minimizing the appearance of damage. However, there is no effective way to entirely eliminate scratches in Formica tabletops. Instead, prevent scratches before they occur by always using hot pads, cutting boards and other protective surfaces.

Considerations and Alternatives

• Formica is typically used as a low-cost alternative for one of the many materials that it can be designed to resemble. These other tabletop materials include natural wood, granite and ceramic tile. While each option has its own benefits, all are more expensive than Formica. Tile is difficult to stain or mark, but the grout between tiles can chip or crumble as it ages. Wood may require a layer of varnish and occasional cleaning with oil soap to retain its original look. Soft woods are particularly susceptible to dents and marks, even with protective treatment. Granite stains easily unless you apply a sealant.