Repairing Peeling Laminate

Wipe the substrate, which is the surface beneath the laminate, with a dry cloth. Remove all grime particles from the substrate without wetting it.

Cover nearby exposed surfaces with drop cloths, and then turn on fans to allow cross-ventilation. Put on work gloves as well, and then make sure the temperature in the work area is at or above 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mix the contact cement well using a stirring utensil. Once the cement is evenly mixed, brush the contact cement thinly and evenly onto the substrate and the underside of the peeling laminate using a disposable paintbrush. Make sure to brush the contact cement onto the joint where the substrate and laminate meet.

Lay the peeling laminate carefully onto the substrate, starting at the joint and working outward to ensure proper alignment. Firmly press the laminate onto the substrate to prevent air bubbles or wrinkles. Realize that once the cemented laminate touches the cemented substrate, they are permanently bonded together. Make sure to bond the laminate to the substrate within one hour of applying the contact glue.

Cover the entire cemented-down laminate surface with bricks, books or other heavy objects. Let the contact cement cure for 40 minutes.

Remove the heavy objects from the laminated surface. If you notice contact cement globules have oozed out from under the edges of the laminate and then hardened, carefully break them off using a sharp chisel and hammer.