Laminate countertops sheets are created by adding two or more layers of synthetic material together. The materials are covered by two layers of plastic and sealed together using pressure, heat or adhesives. This creates a durable surface that is easy to maintain, and allows manufacturers to create designs, colors and styles that can match almost any home decor. One of the disadvantages of using choosing this type of countertop is that once damaged it's almost impossible to repair. So taking the necessary precautions to avoid damage is key, here are a few of the most common ways to damage your issues and how to avoid them.
1. Using sharp or abrasive objects
Laminate sheets succeptable to marks and scratches; using wire brushes for cleaning or cutting produce directly on your kitchen surface are a few examples of objects that can cause damage. They can leave unsightly marks and scratches that cannot easily be repaired. When cleaning use a common washcloth and soap. For stains use safe household products and/or baking soda, the sheets are porous so the stains are not that deep and should be easy to clean. Experts do not recommend using bleach; excessive bleach can lead to damage. For cutting produce, simple use a cutting board this will eliminate the possibility of accidentally cutting or marking the surface.
2. Heat, avoid direct contact.
Placing extremely hot objects from your oven or stove can possibly damage your countertop. When cooking or working with other items that cause extreme heat remember to always place a heat resistant item between the kitchen surface and the object, a good example would be to place a pot holder down or to keep pots and pans on the oven.
3. Moving heavy objects
Heavy objects mixed with sudden impacts can chip edges, for example moving a microwave and accidentally dropping it onto your countertop can possibly cause chips in edges. Our recommendation when moving heavy items is to use care, place the items down slowly and with purpose or simply avoid contact at all.
While these tips seem like common sense they are extremely important, once a countertop has been damaged you either need to live with the imperfection or replace the laminate all together.
Article written by Richard L McCaffery,
These tips have been brought to you by the staff at Formica-Laminate.com, we provide consumers with information regarding plastic laminate countertops and other laminate products.
Maintaining Plastic Laminate Countertops
How To Install Laminate Countertops
So you've found the laminate that your looking for, the pattern, design, color and price have come together and your now ready to begin your home improvement project. The project will be lengthy but the end result will be rewarding. Whether your goal is to improve the aesthetic of you home or to increase the value home by enhancing your kitchen the project will leave you with a feeling of accomplishment.
The first step is to prepare the surface area for the laminate sheets.
* Remove the old countertop surface
* Sand the surface area
* Clean the surface area
* Use course sandpaper on surface area to prepare for contact cement
* Apply any back laminating as needed, this will reduce moisture that will get into the countertop
Note*
Removing adhesives, paint and varnishes is key to getting the professional result your looking for.
The second step is to prepare the laminate sheets.
* Measure the surface area to determine the size and shape needed.
* We recommend using a utility knife or fine-tooth backsaw to cut out your laminate sheets. (You can also use a circular saw, backsaw or saber saw.)
a. Give yourself room for error a few centimeters to ensure the laminate fits, you can trim the sheets later to ensure you get the right fit.
b. Technique for cutting the sheets is to cut on the design side and at a low angle.
The third step is to set up the surface area and laminate sheets for placement.
Experts recommend using contact cement to bond laminate to your surface. (Epoxy adhesives will also work as a bonding agent.)
* Using a paintbrush apply a coat of contact cement to the surface you wish to apply the laminate to.
* Apply a smooth coat of contact cement onto the back of the laminate sheets.
* Read the directions on the contact cement for drying allow it to dry for the recommended time.
a. Be careful not to allow the cement to dry to long this can decrease the bonding strength.
b. A good rule of thumb is just that if the contact feels dry to the touch it is probably ready. Note* You may need an additional contact cement coat for the trim to the countertop edges.
The fourth step is placement of the laminate sheets onto the surface area.
This must be done very carefully. The bonding strength of contact cement is between 50-70% at first contact. So positioning the laminate sheets perfectly before they do contact is a must. You can do this by using strips of wood, dowel rods or wrapping paper.
* Place strips of wood or dowel rods roughly a foot apart adjust if laying a larger laminate sheet. Or place wrapping paper over the surface area. (This step is not needed when placing laminate sheets onto vertical surface.)
* Place laminate sheets onto surface area, once the placement is perfect then remove strips of wood, dowel rod or wrapping paper.
* Use a roller to go over the entire surface, make sure that the plastic laminate is sealed tightly to the surface area this will also help ensure any air pockets are removed. For this task you can also use a wooden block or mallet, it's recommended to start from the center and work out using these tools.
* If you need to make a seam place the larger laminate sheet over the smaller sheet. Cut through the sheets cleanly at the exact point that they overlap then remove the excess laminate.
The fifth step is placement of laminate sheets onto the edges.
* Measure edges and cut out laminate sheets accordingly. Remember to cut sheets out with a few extra centimeters to ensure they cover the surface you can trim and customize the sheets later.
* Apply two coats of contact cement onto surface edge.
* Apply one coat of contact cement on to plastic laminate strips.
* Allow the contact cement to dry for the recommended time provided by product instructions.
* Carefully place laminate sheets aligning the sheet perfectly to the top of the counters edge.
Go slowly and press firmly to ensure the sheet is sealed to the surface at all points.
The sixth and last step touch up and clean your new countertop.
* Allow the contact cement to fully dry.
* Trim off any excess laminate on the edges using a router with a special blade for laminate, you can use a file if the excess is small. Be careful and go slowly when cutting the excess laminate, a slight miscalculation could crack the laminate sheets.
* Clean any excess contact cement using a special solvent, if you do not have the solvent you can also use nail polish to remove it.
If you have any further questions regarding how to install laminate countertops please visit our site and http://www.installinglaminatecountertops.com Or visit our sister site pergo laminate flooring for laminate flooring information.
Before conducting any home improvement project you should check your city, county and state codes and always follow recommended and required safety precautions. This article is meant to be informative to consumers, before starting your home improvement project please consult a professional. Accordingly the author /publisher of this article are in no way liable for damages or injuries resulting from the use of this document.
Article written by Richard L McCaffery.
