As a general rule, the contact cement should be left until it becomes tacky and dry to the touch, but no longer. Often, these adhesives activate when moistened with water. Align the surface carefully using dowels. These should lay flat across the full width of the surface to hold the laminate up until it is aligned. When applying laminate to vertical surfaces, you will need to position them by hand.
Position the laminate sheet and press it one area at a time. Align the laminate as accurately as you can, then continue to adjust it as you move from one end of the surface to the other.
Shift the dowels out of the way once you've aligned each section, then press it down to adhere it to the surface. Roll over the installed laminate. Push a roller across the sheet to eliminate air pockets and strengthen the contact bond. Trim and shape the edges with a laminate trimmer or other router. Use a flush trim carbide drill bit. Stop frequently to allow the router to cool, as the laminate will melt if exposed to high heat. File down the sharp edge.
Use a fine wood file to methodically file down the sharp edge of the laminate. File downward at an angle along the entire edge. Method 3. Before installing, scribe your countertop to adjust it if it won't fit.
If your walls are not at right angles, place your countertop against the wall as closely as you can, then use a compass and sander to adjust the shape: [7] X Research source Check that the countertop is level using a plumb bob or level. Slide shims or wedges beneath the countertop to make it level if necessary.
Hold the non-pencil end of the compass against the wall at the widest gap, and touch the pencil end against the countertop. Move the compass along the length of the wall to draw a line on your counter. Clamp the countertop onto a sawhorse or other secure position, then use a sander or block plane to level the countertop up to the pencil line. Your countertop should now fit snugly against the wall. Install angled edges of Formica using miter bolts and sealant. Attach these diagonal pieces together with miter bolts after aligning their front edge.
Apply a bead of sealant or laminate caulk to ensure a waterproof corner. Do not over tighten the miter bolts. Only tighten enough to keep the pieces in place. Tap down one piece of laminate with a rubber mallet or shoe heel if the surface is not level across the diagonal. Consider whether to install a laminate backsplash. A backsplash is a vertical section of material above the countertop, which protects the wall from stains and other kitchen accidents.
If your wall is drywall, you'll need to attach a particle board base before adhering the laminate. You could also consider installing a tile backsplash over your laminate counter. Apply a laminate backsplash the same way you applied your counter.
Once it's aligned against the wall with contact cement, roll it flat and trim excess or uneven edges with a router. Cut holes for appliances. Always follow the appliance manufacturer's instructions to determine safe placement on your countertop. Use a jigsaw to cut out the hole, and file down the sharp edges afterward. Cover the edges of a rangetop cutout with two layers of heat-conductive aluminum tape to prevent the Formica from melting.
Learn how to treat your Formica. Avoid placing hot objects onto the Formica or other laminate, as the material can melt.
Use a cutting board rather than cutting directly onto it. Clean with a damp cloth and a mild household cleaner. Remove Formica carefully by prying it off the base. Always wear eye protection and ear plugs, as removing Formica is a loud, time consuming process that creates dust and sharp particles. Use the sharp end of a hammer or other prying tool to pull the Formica off the countertop in pieces. Be careful not to dent the plywood or particle board base beneath the Formica if you wish to install a new countertop on top of it.
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow. James Guth Painting Specialist. James Guth. Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0. Can I install a Formica laminate sheet to drywall above my kitchen backsplash and on the wall behind the oven?
Laminate will bubble and become disfigured if applied to a drywall surface. Not Helpful 7 Helpful 8. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If you don't have a J-roller for pressing the laminate, you can use your hands.
Try to press evenly across the surface. Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. Contact cement bonds to 50 to 75 percent strength on first contact, so make sure the laminate is in place before removing the dowels and allowing the surfaces to touch. Formica is not approved for installations over drywall. Laminate will generally become bubbled and disfigured if applied to a drywall surface. You Might Also Like How to. How to. Painting Specialist.
Expert Interview. About This Article. Co-authored by:. Co-authors: Updated: September 25, Categories: Countertops and Kitchen Benches. Article Summary X To install Formica, start by marking the measurements on the Formica sheet, adding 1 inch to each measurement to avoid cutting it too small.
In other languages Italiano: Installare la Formica. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read , times. Thanks for the info, it was helpful. More reader stories Hide reader stories. Did this article help you? Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Grand Leavitt Nov 3, Anonymous Sep 8, This has been helpful, thanks. Paul Jeffery Dec 13, Christopher Saxer Feb 10, Anonymous Jun 28, Share yours! To cut formica with a circular saw, start by measuring the area you want to laminate with a tape measure and mark the cutting line on the formica with a pencil.
Then, put masking tape on the cutting line, lay the formica on a flat surface, and cut along the lines. Once you install the formica, use a jigsaw to do any trimming or make any round cuts. Finally, use a belt sander with a grit of to smooth the edges. To learn how to use a router to cut formica, keep reading!
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Related Articles. Article Summary. Method 1. Purchase the size of Formica sheet that fits best for your project. Sheets can be 3, 4, and 5 feet. The smallest sheet available is generally a 3x8 feet. Measure the area you wish to laminate with a tape measure. Mark the cutting line on the Formica with a pen or pencil.
Place masking tape on the cutting line. Use extra layers of tape at the edge of the Formica where the saw will first start the cut. If the line is not visible through the tape, remeasure and remark on top of the masking tape.
Lay the Formica on a flat, rigid surface. The surface you use will probably be scored by the saws, so be sure that what you are using is safe to cut on and can get damaged. Cement would not be a good surface to cut on. Use a circular saw or laminate shears to cut the Formica into large pieces. Do not try to cut a curve with a circular saw.
Cut out the shape's form, and leave the trimming for a finer saw and corners for a saw with a some flexibility. Use a jigsaw with a fine blade to trim the Formica and make any rounded cuts.
Use a belt sander with a grit of to smooth the edges. Belt sanders can be heavy to operate, and you may choose to sand the edges by hand or with a small metal file. Method 2. Remove any masking tape used for the larger cuts with the circular saw. Trim the Formica to the exact size needed. Use a trim router that features a laminate cutting bit.
Use a flat metal file to clean off any burrs or rough edges that may have occurred while cutting the Formica. You can use sandpaper if you prefer. Eric Shipe Home Improvement Specialist. Eric Shipe. Once you have a rough cut done, finish off the edges with a trim router.
Attach the Formica sheet to the surface of your choice. There should be a slight overhang; to trim it, place the bearing against that surface, moving the router along the edge until the Formica fits the surface perfectly. Then, sandpaper the edges to finish. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1. Use masking tape to cover the points where you plan to make your cuts. Then, trace over the tape and cut. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0.
Check if your saw blade is designed to cut laminate or particle board. If you're using a table or circular saw to cut Formica, use a saw blade designed specifically for cutting laminate or particle board.
These blades have sharp teeth, which make for cleaner cuts. Try to leave an overhang of up to 1 in 2. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3. If you need to cut narrow strips, you can use a laminate slitter or scoring knife. The laminate slitter is probably a better bet if you need to cut lots of strips or if they need to be long. Not Helpful 2 Helpful 3. You can cut it with tin snips or special scissors that are designed to cut laminate.
Use a paint scrape about 4" wide, as thin of metal as you can find, maybe from the sheet rock department. Force it under one corner, work it back and forth, see-saw action. It should peel up and with mild pulling while see-sawing, it should come off. It's pretty easy to do.
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