I have old 1970 or so countertops in my kitchen and have just repainted my old birch custom built cabinets white and peppercorn on the bottom. They came out beautiful and it took me almost 4 weeks on and off, but I can't believe how MODERN my kitchen looks now!

Anyways, my old countertops are those ones where the Formica is glued on top and now I kind of like them! I don't really want to spend the money for new modern countertops and kind of prefer the "retro" look! I don't have to keep up with the Jones'!

Is it difficult to relaminate these? Do I put the laminate right over the old, rouging it up a bit first?

How do I shape the edges and stuff after laying them in place in the cement?

Should I just get NEW counters?

 

If your countertop had delaminated, then they are pretty much trash. Much easier to contact a local fabricator to replicate the look you want with new material. Trying to retrofit or repair old laminate is a losing battle.

 

A photo showing how your counter tops are built would help us help you. The tops could have been custom built or cut from counter top slabs from a home center. New tops is the way to go. Re-covering the old is not a good option. Good luck with your project.

 

If your laminate is still solidly stuck in place you can put another layer on top. It's not the best solution but it can be done. Basically you thoroughly sand the old laminate with a very coarse grit. Thoroughly clean then install your new laminate. I like to remove the old edging but if yours is solid you can glue over it as well.