Restoring The Life Of Formica

Written by Justin Stewart
on Sep 10, 2009

To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.

Reviewed by
H.R. Helm
on Aug 22, 2022

Kitchen with light green cabinets and light laminate countertops.

2-5 hours
•
Intermediate
•
0-100

One of the wonderful things about Formica is that it is very durable and designed to take a fair bit of punishment. One of the less wonderful things about Formica is that the very durability it offers also makes restoring Formica very difficult.

Best Compromise

There are several products on the market that offer a new sealed and shiny surface after being applied to cover cracks and scratches, but you will have to use trial and error to see which one works best with your problem.

Wax Floor Polishes

Many wax floor polishes will work wonders on floors. A quality floor polish can also help restore your Formica.

Clean the Formica

Make sure the Formica is cleaned thoroughly with detergent and water, and dried well.

Scratch Remover

Before applying the polish you can try a wax scratch remover. Scratch removers fill in the cracks so you need to choose one the same color as your Formica. They can be bought from hardware stores. When using them, make sure you apply across the cracks and not along them.

Wax Polish

Apply the polish according to the instructions. It is important to use pressure while applying the polish. A rapid circular motion is best. An electric buffing machine can make this task much easier.

The Finish

The polish will be absorbed by the Formica surface and produce a shine. If the colors of the Formica have faded, the wax might make them appear brighter.