How to Replace Laminate on Furniture

Remove the old laminate. Old laminate is typically held in place with glue, which is loosed by applying heat or steam. Apply heat to the laminate’s edge with a handheld hair dryer or heat gun. Slide a putty knife between the furniture frame and laminate and gently pry up the laminate. If the glue does not loosen using heat alone, apply steam. Run a steam iron over the laminate’s surface in a circular motion, applying both steam and heat to the veneer, and then use the putty knife to pry up the laminate.

Remove the old glue from the furniture. Use the putty knife and scrape away as much of the old glue as possible. Go back over the surface with a razorblade scraper. If some of the old glue remains, remove it with solvent or fine-grit sandpaper. If you use solvent, allow the surface to completely dry before applying the new laminate. If you use sandpaper, completely clean all sawdust from the surface.

Cut the replacement laminate to the size of the surface you want to cover. Apply carpenter's glue to the surface you want to cover and to the laminate’s backside. Press the laminate into place on the furniture. Make sure all the edges line up. Pressing from the center outward ensures all air pockets are removed. Clamp the laminate into place and let it dry for at least 24 hours.