How to Repair Countertops

Stains

• 1

  Make a paste of baking soda by adding a small amount of water.

• 2

  Dab a rag into the paste and wipe it into the countertop in a circular motion, working in toward the center of the stain.

• 3

  Wipe heavy stains with nail polish remover. Use a white rag to prevent the dye of the rag from transferring into the countertop.

Repairing Spots

• 4

  Lift up curling laminate carefully.

• 5

  Scrape behind or underneath the laminate to remove any debris, using a putty knife.

• 6

  Press a hot iron down on top of the laminate for a few seconds and set it to the no steam setting. This activates the cement on the bottom of the laminate.

• 7

  Apply a thin layer of contact cement to the laminate if the iron doesn't work. Press the laminate down for a few minutes.

• 8

  Measure a length of laminate with a measuring tape from a place not easily seen if a laminate piece is broken off the top of the counter. Score the laminate with a utility knife. Place an iron on top of the laminate to release the glue. Heat the broken piece of laminate on the countertop to remove any extra laminate and place the new piece on. Heat the new piece with the iron. Apply cement if it doesn't stick.