Resurface Your Worktops With Laminated Plastic

Nowadays many companies offer plastic laminate surfaces that can be applied to countertops. It’s not a secret that the laminated plastic sheets come in a wide variety of colors and designs and can be applied to other surfaces in addition to countertops. Actually, you can install it yourself to save money but the process does involve a few steps which should be followed closely to prove quality results. First of all, you will need to prepare the surface for the plastic. It’s common knowledge that laminated plastic sheets with a thickness of 1/32” can be used on vertical surfaces, while sheets of 1/16” thickness are recommended for flat surfaces. Beyond any doubt you have to pay serious attention to the fact that before applying the laminate, you must remove any paint or varnish and sand and clean the surface thoroughly. To the best of our knowledge, most countertops are manufactured with a high-density particle board. Withal, on the other hand, regular particular board is ideal for plastic laminates.

So once the surface is appropriately prepared, you should cut the laminated plastic. You need also to keep in mind that it is important to always cut the sheets slightly oversized to allow for trimming. As a matter of fact, you can cut the sheets with a circular saw, saber saw, backsaw or even a utility knife. In case if you use a saw, keep in mind that the saw should have a fine-tooth blade. On the other hand, circular saws or saw saws cut on the upstroke. As far as my personal experience can be taken into account that cutting from the back side of the plastic laminate will help prevent chipping. No doubt you have to pay serious attention to the fact that placing a strip of masking tape on the cut line will also prevent chipping. Besides, this technique also makes the line more visible. The other thing that needs to be added is that, when using a hand saw, always cut from the front side at a low angle.

In addition, it should be also mentioned that you should take your time when applying the laminate sheets. It’s well known that though epoxy adhesives can be used to apply the plastics, contact cement can usually be used and is actually more proposed . But before applying the sheets, be sure to roughen the surface to be covered suing a course sandpaper and, of course, clean away any sanding residue. Again, do not rush in this of the process. According to statistics, fifty to seventy-five percent of the bonding strength when using contact cement is made in the plastic’s first contact with the surface. What counts here is that you should know that the pieces are accurately positioned before allowing the plastic and the glued areas to meet.

We can safely assume that once the laminate sheets are positioned correctly, you can slowly remove the dowel rods as you bond the pieces together. What’s more, a roller can be used to apply pressure to the sheets once laid properly. You should roll the entire area to smooth the surface and eliminate air pockets. As far as we know, you will need to make a seam in the laminate if the sheet is not large satisfactory to cover the entire surface. Simply just bond the larger piece into place and apply the second one. It goes without saying that to finish laminating the edges, clean the base of your router to prevent anything from scratching the new laminate counter top. According to my experience, applying tape to the base of the router is a good way to avoid this scratching. Than you should remove any extra contact cement. Small wonder that you may want to try nail polish remover. In fact, it is good for this purpose.

Read more about kitchen remodel ideas, kitchen design online and laminate counter tops.