Want to replace countertops?
Question:Replace might not be the best word. My husband and I just bought a house and the countertops are blue... We are trying to figure out a way to replace/cover them without spending alot of money.
Answers:
If they are Formica (or a laminate like Formica) it can be replaced by doing the following:
1. heat the laminate with a heat gun (or possibly with a hair dryer) when the top is heated enough the laminate will loosen and it can be peeled off. you heat the laminate with the heat gun and peel it back-sorta like a layer at a time-that layer will be 2 to 4 inches at a time. the same treatment for the edges and back splash
2. buy the laminate you want (it should be available in the proper width.
3. laying the laminate--lay the laminate on the countertop to be sure it fits, remember, the laminate needs to overhang the counter top by the width of the laminate on the end and the front (do not try to cut out sinks etc.) when you insure the laminate fits then apply laminate glue to the--oops-sorry-you will also need 4 or 5 or 6 (depending on how long the laminate is) 1" dowels three feet long. now--apply laminate glue to the laminate with a brush and apply glue to the counter top --let it dry
4. lay the laminate on the dowels (MAKE SURE THE LAMINATE DOES NOT TOUCH THE COUNTER TOP!!!) any where it touches it will stick-permenately
5. get it placed EXACTLY where you want it
6. pull the dowels out one at a time-insuring the formica lays exactly where you want it.
7. for this you need a trim router--use a trim router to trim the excess.
8. repeat this process for the front and back splash-except the back splash needs to be cut to size and shape before it's installed
cut out the holes for sink, etc. a router is best to prevent chipping but a jig saw with a formica blade can be used if you're careful.
this process is to be followed whether you are overlaying (putting the new over the old) or fresh install (removing the old first)
NOW-this is another possibility-remove the entire cabinet counter top and replace the whole counter top-this can, also, be purchased at the store (home depot, etc.)
both processes require some level of skill and proper tools.
good luck
Check around sink to see if there's any rot there. If there is it's best to remove the whole countertop and replace with new plywood. DO NOT use that crapy MDF board for a countertop. If that stuff even thinks it sees water, it swells right up.
If the sink hole is good, it's best to remove the old laminate before installing new stuff. Use a heat gun and a scaper and move slowly and carefully to remove the old laminate. Wear a glove on the hand using the scraper as you might end up breaking some peices off and what remains will be very sharp. This I know from past experience and a few stitches. Apply new laminte using contact cement. Don't forget to read the instructions for that. Once the contact cement is dried on BOTH surfaces place some old newspapers or thin strips of wood onto the contertop surface. Once the new laminate and the contertop touch, they are STUCK and will be very gard to move or seperate. Take out whatever you used between the surface a bit at a time and make sure to start at one end/corner and work your wat to the other, pressing the two surfaces together as you go. Depending on size it make cost 200 to 300 bucks to redo yourself.
Good luck and be careful when removing AND regluing the laminate.
It is possible to put a new layer of Melamine on top of your old color. This isnt really a do it yourself job. I would call around and try to find someone that can or will do this. I think that would be the cheapest way to get a new look. Although if the counter is a standard size it may be cheaper to get a whole new top installed.
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