Countertops Are Easy To Install On Your Own By Ray J. Walberg At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

How To Install Formica Counter Tops

1) Get your surface ready for the laminate plastic

Use laminated plastic sheets that are 1/16” thick and supposed to be used on a flat work area. Then you can put laminated plastic that is 1/32” thick on the vertical surface.
Wash the area where the laminate will go and get rid of any paint before you put down the laminated plastic. Your countertops are usually made out of a high-density particle board. You could also choose regular particle board or plywood as well.

2) Cut the laminated plastic

You can use a circular saw, saber saw, backsaw, or knife to cut the plastic. Your saw should have a fine-tooth blade and a some masking tape needs to go where you are cutting so that it doesn’t chip and its easier to use. Cut from the back end of the plastic with your circular saw or saber saw. Make sure you do the cuts on the upstroke. If you cut from the back this will stop chipping. IF you use a hand saw then cut from the side with a low angle. Always make sure your plastic sheets are a bit large so you can trim later.

3) Laminated plastic application

Normally you can use cement to apply the laminated plastic. You can also try epoxy adhesives but cement is best. Use sandpaper to rough up the surface that you wish to cover. You will want to get rid of the leftover bits with a brush or air. Use caution when you are putting down the sheets. You should know that 50-75 percent of the bonding happens in the first push together. So this means the pieces should be aligned well before you stick them together. If you are putting the sheets on a vertical surface then you should put the glued sheets down without wooden strips or wax paper.

4) Finishing Up

Once the laminate is in the right spot you can get rid of each dowel rod at a time and bond the parts together. You will want to use a roller to put the right amount of pressure on the plastic. Roll the whole thing down very well so that there is no air left inside it and it is attached well in all spots. If you don’t have enough laminate for the project then you need to create a seam. You need to bond the big pieces together first. You can finish the edges off by cleaning the bottom of the router. Make sure that there is nothing stuck on it that could scratch up the plastic. Put the tape on the bottom to make sure this doesn’t happen. Get rid of any extra cement with a solvent. Use nail polish remover if you don’t have anything else.

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