How to Repair a Laminate Countertop

A laminate countertop
  • 2-4 hours
  • Beginner
  • 15-50
What You'll Need
Iron/blow dryer
Masking tape
Small knife
Toothpick
Contact cement
Heavy books/cans
What You'll Need
Iron/blow dryer
Masking tape
Small knife
Toothpick
Contact cement
Heavy books/cans

Over time, you will find yourself having to repair a laminate countertop. This is something that will happen no matter what type of countertop you have. Things like heat, water and overall daily wear and tear are going to damage your countertop. Make sure that you know the proper steps to repair your laminate countertop to make it look like new again. The better you are with the repair work, the longer you can expect your laminate countertop to last.

Overtime, you will find yourself having to repair laminate countertop. This is something that will happen no matter what type of countertop you have. Things like heat, water and overall daily wear and tear is going to do damage to your countertop over a period of time. Make sure that you know the proper steps that you will need to take so that you can properly repair your laminate countertop to make it look like new again. The better you are with the repair work, the longer you can expect your laminate countertop to last you.
Materials Needed:
Iron/Blow Dryer
Masking Tape
Small Knife
Toothpick
Contact Cement
Heavy Books/Cans
Step 1 – Heating
If you are working with any areas that are small and are suffering from bubbling, then you will find that doing something like reactivating the adhesive will help to begin the repair work. You will need to heat the laminate in order to do this. You can easily heat the laminate up by using a blow dryer or even an iron as long as it is on low heat. Make sure that you do not scorch the surface of your laminate countertop as you do this. The area that you are going to be repairing will need to be weighed down with heavy cans or books.
Step 2 – Scraping
If you are working with larger area that is peeling, then you will need to use a small knife so that you can scrape away all of the old adhesive. You will need to do this from the support surface that is going to be at the back of your laminate. Be careful as you do this, scraping too hard will end up doing damage to the underneath part of your cabinet.
Step 3 – Edging
You will find that heating the edging just slightly will help to put it in a position where it can be shaped. Once you have heated it just so, you can press it into the shape that it needs to be shaped in. Make sure that you do this carefully and slowly so that it will be shaped the way that it needs to be.
Step 4 – Contact Cement
You are now ready to get your contact cement and spread it along the underside of the laminate as well as along the support surface. Make sure that you use something small like a toothpick or even small wood strips so that you can get the laminate propped up completely until the adhesive is just about completely dry. You do not want something too large as it will end up doing damage to your countertop.
Step 5 – Remove Air Pockets
You are now ready to get your laminate and press down firmly onto it. Make sure that you get rid of all of the air pockets. You may need to use a rolling pin to do so. Get the surface weighed down with heavy objects. Make sure that you evenly weigh it down. Masking tape will be needed for the edges

Step 1 - Heat

If you are working with any areas that are small and are suffering from bubbling, then you will find that doing something like reactivating the adhesive. You will need to heat the laminate in order to do this. You can easily heat the laminate by using a blow dryer or even an iron as long as it is on low heat. Make sure that you do not scorch the surface of your laminate countertop as you do this. The area that you are going to be repairing will need to be weighed down with heavy cans or books.

Step 2 - Scrape

If you are working with a larger area that is peeling, then you will need to use a small knife so that you can scrape away all of the old adhesives. You will need to do this from the support surface that is going to be at the back of your laminate. Be careful as you do this, as scraping too hard will end up doing damage to the surface underneath your cabinet.

Step 3 - Heat the Edging

You will find that heating the edging just slightly will help to put it in a position where it can be shaped. Once you have heated it, you can press it into shape. Make sure that you do this carefully and slowly so that it will be shaped correctly.

Step 4 - Use Contact Cement

You are now ready to get your contact cement and spread it along the underside of the laminate as well as along the support surface. Make sure that you use something small like a toothpick or even small wood strips so that you can get the laminate propped up completely until the adhesive is almost completely dry. You do not want something too large, as it will end up doing damage to your countertop.

Step 5 - Remove Air Pockets

You are now ready to finish up your project by pressing down firmly onto the laminate Make sure that you get rid of all of the air pockets. You may need to use a rolling pin to do so. Get the surface weighed down with heavy objects. Make sure that you evenly weigh it down. Masking tape will be needed for the edges.