[Shop-talk] Formica counter

[Scott Hall]

Re-surfacing a laminate countertop is apparently trivial (I say 
apparently because I've never done it, but I've seen approximately 
32,493 magazine articles and web sites about it).  We wanted to tile 
over ours instead, which is also do-able.  The part I never figured out 
satisfactorily was how to remove the back 'edging' from the existing 
countertop.  And I have no idea how you deal with that if you want to 
re-surface it with laminate, either.  Let me know if you find out?

Oh, and if you want to re-surface yours, Fine Homebuilding has several 
write-ups of the process.  I know you can buy back issues, or a CD of 
their entire archive.  No financial interest, they're just the only 
place I'm sure that's covered it and has the information available.  But 
I'll get Googling would get you there too.  It actually seemed pretty 
simple.

On 7/25/2011 2:52 PM, Eric J Russell wrote:
> In the olden days it was common to nail/screw the substrate (plywood) 
> down then glue the Formica on. Usually the cabinets/counter tops were 
> all built in place.
>
> Now-a-days cabinets & counter tops are built off site, delivered and 
> screwed together. Look carefully for any screws going up though the 
> tops of the bottom cabinets - remove drawers and look up. If you don't 
> find any then it is likely you are dealing with option one.
>
> Yes you can glue new plastic laminate (Formica is a brand) over the 
> old. The unknown will be how good is the original bond between the 
> Formica & substrate? If you are satisfied with the original glue bonds 
> and the condition of the substrate then rough up the old Formica with 
> sandpaper and have at it!