How to Make a Formica Backsplash

Measure the wall where you are installing the Formica backsplash to determine the length and the width. Use the tape measure to locate the measurements on a sheet of 1/4-inch plywood and mark them with a pencil.

Move the plywood outdoors and set it on top of two saw horses. Don safety glasses and use a power saw to cut along the pencil line to trim the plywood to size. Rotate the plywood as needed so the pencil lines hang freely, allowing clean cuts.

Lay the plywood on top of the Formica and trace around it using a pencil. Cut out the Formica using laminate shears.

Spread a 1/8-inch layer of laminate adhesive over the face of the plywood and on the unfinished side of the Formica. Let the adhesive set for one to two minutes.

Place 1/4-inch-diameter wooden dowels on top of the plywood at equal distances. Flip the Formica over gently and place it on top of the dowels. Move the Formica until the edges line up perfectly with the plywood. Pull the dowels out and press the Formica down firmly with your hands.

Let the Formica sit overnight to dry. Then flip the plywood over so the Formica faces downward and apply another thin layer of adhesive over the back of it. Apply adhesive to the actual wall surface in the same manner and let the adhesive sit for one to two minutes.

Press the plywood into place on the wall with the glued side facing the wall. Press it firmly into place using your hands.

Apply strips of painter’s tape on top of the Formica backsplash across the top, extending the tape onto the wall surface as well. Leave the tape in place for 24 hours to provide support while the adhesive cures, and then remove it.