My mom has an old house - 1945 - 50. The bathroom counter is laminated. She likes the cabinet, wants to keep it, but replace the laminate. To replace the whole top would be a major project as it's set into other cabinetry. What is the best way to remove the laminate and replace it? Thanks for any help.

 

If the laminate is stuck well there isn't a good way to remove it but you can put new laminate over the old. Rough the surface up with sandpaper and spread contact cement on the old laminate and on the back side of the new laminate. Let it dry and place the new laminate in place. A WORD OF WARNING> Contact cement sticks well - once you place it down, it can't be moved - it is there. Place some dowel rods or strips of thick cardboard down before you start so you can position the new laminate. Then starting in the middle,pull a strip out and press the laminate down. Continue pulling and pressing until its all down.

Follow all the directions on the contact cement can and have good ventilation.

The best thing to trim the edges of the laminate is with a router but you can sand them also.

Good Luck.

 

One word of caution: If the existing top has rolled edges and not square corners, or the backsplash and top are one continuous piece then you cannot simply replace the laminate. Pre-formed tops are factory made using molds, heat, and high pressure.