How to Laminate Countertops to Look Like Quartz

Measure the countertop and write its length and width on a piece of paper. Measure the countertop edges, noting the vertical measurement -- the length of the edge is the same as the countertop length. Add the vertical measurement to the countertop width, plus at least 2 inches, to arrive at the width of the laminate sheet required. Use this and the length when you purchase the laminate to ensure you have enough to cover the countertop.

Place the laminate on a sturdy surface. Mark your measurements on the laminate piece so you know where to cut. Use a yardstick as a guide to create straight lines. Leave an extra ½ inch on all sides of the laminate. It's better to leave too much than too little. Once the laminate is cut, you cannot simply piece it back together.

Cut the edge pieces next. Set the top and edge pieces aside as you clean the counter surface. Clean by scrubbing with a soapy sponge and dry with a towel.

Put on safety glasses and sand the counter until completely smooth. Remove sanding dust with a tack cloth. Ventilate the room by opening windows and doors. Put on a painter’s respirator.

Change from work gloves to rubber gloves. Apply contact cement to the counter's edge and back side of the laminate edge pieces, using a paintbrush or small adhesive roller. Use the adhesive recommended by the factory that manufactured the laminate. When the adhesive is ready -- contact cement requires a wait time for proper adherence -- attach the edge pieces. The top of the edge pieces should be flush with the counter. Roll a clean rubber roller over the piece immediately to ensure a smooth bond.

Apply adhesive to the top of the counter and backside of the countertop laminate piece. When the adhesive is ready, place smooth lattice slats, dowel rods or lattice pieces on the counter 12 inches apart. Lay the laminate, adhesive side down on the slats, positioning it straight. Starting at one end, remove the slats one at a time, pressing down as you go so the laminate is in the proper position on the counter.

Trim overlapping edges, using a router with a laminate trimming bit. Roll over the entire countertop surface with a clean rubber roller so the laminate forms a solid bond with the counter.