Kitchen countertops and wall decoration are the most common uses for any brand of householdlaminate.Even though it is plastic, it can melt if exposed to excessive heat.It can be cut using ordinary saws, making it a great do it yourself project, and it comes in many styles.
Step 1: For your project, choose the correct material.
You can get sample chips from most places that sell laminate to compare the house's color scheme.You can test for additional properties by taking several of these homes.If you don't want to do the sawing yourself, you can purchase formed laminate to fit your counter.A matt finish hides wear and tear better than a glossy one, which may require more cleaning.Considering each chip by its appearance and not its marketing is the best way to go about it.To test the strength of the laminate, scratch it with a steak knife.If you're applying a thin sheet, you should use a thick one.
Step 2: You should lightly sand the surface where you will put the Formica.
Sand the surface and wipe away the sawdust with a cloth or rag.If the surface is covered with paint or varnish, you should sand thoroughly to remove it.
Step 3: Measure the length and width of the areas you plan to install.
To get an accurate measurement of the area, use a tape measure.If your walls are not at perfect angles and you are installing a full countertop, you should first etch the Formica.For more information, see the video.
Step 4: There is a stable surface on which to place the Formica.
It should be large enough to keep the Formica steady.You don't have to worry about damaging the saw with scrap plywood.Don't cut on concrete because it will damage the saw blade.
Step 5: To add 1 inch to each measurement, mark it on the back of the sheet.
It's a good idea to draw your cut lines onto the laminate at the increased measurement so you don't waste a large piece.
Step 6: Along the lines, apply masking tape.
It's easier to see where to cut because of this.If you want to keep the surface presentable, you shouldn't cut over it.
Step 7: The Formica should be cut along straight lines.
Ideally, you should use a circular saw.A handsaw with at least 10 teeth per inch (4 per cm) will work, but may be tedious for larger jobs.To ensure a straight cut, use a metal straightedge.If you don't have a saw, you can use a craft utility knife to score the sheet and then snap it on with a smaller piece.Keep your score straight by using a straightedge.Make sure the laminate bends at the desired break point by lifting carefully and keeping an eye on the score.Don't use these tools to make circular cuts.Take care not to cut into the marked area by cutting out the piece in straight lines.
Step 8: Curved adjustments can be made using a different tool.
If you have an installation place that is curved, you'll need to use a piece of furniture to make the adjustments.The cutting tool you used earlier will have trouble turning along a curve, which will result in laminate that won't fit.
Step 9: If applicable, apply contact cement to the edge strip and the surface it will attach to
If you want to install laminate on a countertop or other surface with edges, begin with the edge pieces.If you cut them yourself, apply the contact cement with a brush or roller.The manufacturer's directions say to allow it to set until it feels tacky.All you need to do is heat a clothes iron, place the laminate against the edge, and iron back and forth.If you want to gently tap it, sit for a minute and use a rubber mallet or shoe heel.You don't have to trim the edge strip now.
Step 10: Carefully align the edge strip to the surface.
Press it to the surface when you are sure you have placed it correctly.Once the two surfaces come into contact, the contact cement is bonding to 50% or more of its final strength.
Step 11: The Formica needs to be pressed with a roller.
To remove air from between the laminate and the surface, push a dry roller back and forth across it.
Step 12: The edge strip should be trimmed if applicable.
Use a fine file to remove excess material.If you do use a laminate trimmer, you should lubricate the edge with gasoline first.The chance of breakage is minimized by this.When trimming, use a drill bit.
Step 13: Put painter's tape on the trimmed edges.
While you install the rest of the sheet, protect your finished edges.
Step 14: Use a paintbrush or roller to spread contact cement.
Allow it to set according to instructions.The contact cement should be left until it becomes tacky and dry to the touch.If the manufacturer's instructions are followed, you will be able to install your Formica.When moistened with water, these are often activated.
Step 15: The surface should be aligned carefully using dowels.
Place lengths of larger dowels every 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) apart across the surface to prevent accidental misalignment.To hold the laminate up until it is aligned, these should be laid flat across the full width of the surface.You will need to position them by hand when applying laminate to vertical surfaces.
Step 16: Press it one area at a time when you position the sheet.
Continue adjusting the laminate as you move from one end of the surface to the other.Once you've aligned each section, shift the dowels out of the way, then press it down to adhere it to the surface.
Step 17: Roll over the panels.
To eliminate air pockets, push a roller across the sheet.
Step 18: You can trim and shape the edges.
Use a drill bit that has a flush trim.The laminate will melt if exposed to high heat, so stop frequently.
Step 19: Go to the edge.
To file down the edge of the laminate, use a fine wood file.At an angle along the entire edge, file downward.
Step 20: If it won't fit, adjust it with a scythe.
If your walls are not at right angles, place your countertop against the wall as close as you can, then use a compass and sander to adjust the shape.If necessary, put wedges beneath the countertop to make it level.If you want to touch the pencil end of the compass, hold it against the wall at the widest gap.You can draw a line on your counter by moving the compass along the wall.If you want to level the countertop up to the pencil line, you need to use a block plane or sander.The countertop should now fit against the wall.
Step 21: The edges of Formica should be installed using bolts and sealant.
L-shaped countertops come precut with either 45o or 22.5o angles.Attach these pieces together with bolts.To ensure a waterproof corner, apply a bead of sealant or caulk.Don't tighten the bolts.To keep the pieces in place, tighten enough.If the surface is not level across the diagonal, you can use a rubber mallet or shoe heel.
Step 22: It is a good idea to consider whether or not to install a back splash.
There is a vertical section of material above the countertop that protects the wall from accidents.Attach a particle board base to your wall if it is drywall.It's possible to install tile over your counter.
Step 23: The same way you applied your counter, apply a laminate backsplash.
Once it's aligned against the wall, roll it flat and trim the edges with a router.
Step 24: Cut the holes for the appliances.
The manufacturer's instructions should always be followed to determine safe placement.If you want to cut out the hole, use a jigsaw.To prevent the Formica from melting, cover the edges of a rangetop cutout with two layers of heat-conductive aluminum tape.
Step 25: Learn how to treat it.
The material can melt if hot objects are placed on it.Instead of cutting directly onto it, use a cutting board.Clean with a damp cloth.
Step 26: Remove the Formica from the base.
It's a good idea to wear ear plugs and eye protection when you're removing Formica because the process creates dust and sharp particles.Use a sharp end of a hammer or other pry tool to remove the Formica from the countertop.Gloves are used to handle the sharp, broken Formica.If you want to install a new countertop on top of the plywood base, be careful not to damage it.