If you dread prepping dinner on a chipped and peeling Formica countertop, it's time to roll up your sleeves for some DIY fixes
Imagine inventing a countertop material so popular that homeowners associate the brand name with a whole category of countertops. Invented more than 100 years ago, Formica is one of the most common laminates used on kitchen countertops for its durability and lower price tag.
On the other hand, damage and wear and tear can occur over time, so it's good to know when to call in the pros and when to fix the countertop yourself. From chips and scratches to unsightly stains, use these five handy tips to repair your Formica countertop.
1. Nicks, Chips, and Scratches: Use a Laminate Repair Paste
One of the top perks of working with manufactured countertops is that they are often easy to repair with store-bought repair kits. Most hardware stores carry a plastic laminate repair paste. The tube will set you back between $5 and $20 depending on the brand and the style of your countertop.
Laminate repair pastes are best for chips, holes, and scratches that only measure a few inches but stand out like a sore thumb. Maybe the dog leaped up and took out a piece of the countertop with his paws or perhaps an upright mixture cracked the Formica after years of use. No matter how it happened, follow these guidelines for repairing the damage.
Choose a Laminate Paste Color
Formica comes in a wide range of colors, so you'll need to do a little sleuthing when picking the right paste color. Laminate paste makers know this, however; and they’ll likely provide a full array of common colors and instructions on how to mix hues to create your ideal color. If you're concerned about the match, request a custom paste color based on a sample of your counter.
Apply the Paste
Every brand of laminate paste comes with unique instructions, so be sure to follow the suggested steps. For example, some brands will advise you to clean off the area with an acetone-based cleaner before applying the paste.
After prepping the area, use a metal putty knife to spread the paste into the crack, scratch, or hole. Remember to remove any excess paste immediately after your first pass. Many pastes will dry in under an hour, so this is a quick process.
2. Loose Edges: Reapply Contact Cement
Formica countertops consist of a combination of kraft paper, melamine resin, and a decorative topper in your desired style. Its makeup can cause Formica countertops to peel over time, especially around the edges of the counter and surrounding areas that are prone to water damage.
If the layer of laminate separates from the countertop below, but is not chipped, you'll need to reglue it. Begin by lightly heating the old glue by placing a tea towel over the area and using an iron on a no-steam, cotton setting. This process should loosen the area around the spot so you can gain access. Use a putty knife to clean out the area of any debris or loose glue.
You'll find a wide range of contact cement brands including Gorilla Glue and 3M, but it’s critical that you use one that’s made for laminate counters. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and apply a thin, even layer of cement below the peeled area. Weigh down the spot with a book during the drying process.
3. Stains: Turn to the Pantry
Formica countertops don't stain easily—one of the best perks of this affordable option. But stains still happen, especially if they've sat for a while.
The Formica brand website recommends two options for getting rid of stains. Your first attempt should use a solvent liquid, such as ethanol, acetone, or rubbing alcohol. Rub the area in a circular motion with a soft, clean rag, and then rinse with water.
For tougher stains, create a paste with baking soda and water, and then let the solution set into the stain before wiping it clean with water. Avoid rubbing the paste into the counter, as even the light abrasion can damage the counter.
4. Large Fracture: Replace with a Recessed Cutting Board
Let's say the days of repair paste and contact cement are long gone. A large portion of your Formica is in a state of major disrepair, but the rest of your countertop still looks new. Consider removing the entire damaged area and replacing it with a drop-in cutting board.
This option is so popular that you'll even find cutting board kits made for this purpose. To start, measure the area around the damage with the provided template and use a jigsaw to delicately remove the countertop where the cutting board will go. A two-part drop-in kit typically includes a shallow stainless-steel tray to insert into the countertop, as well as a cutting board to fit into the tray.
5. Major Damage: Consider Replacement
Much like a car, countertops reach a point of no return when they become severely damaged. It may be more cost-effective in the long run to replace your countertops if they’re heavily peeling, uneven, or scratched. Installation will cost between $30 and $40 per square foot for materials and about $30 to $40 per hour for the team. Speak with your local Formica installation team about local prices and suggestions for your project.
Looking to make an upgrade to a tougher countertop material? Consider the balance between cost, durability, and upkeep between materials like granite, quartz, marble, concrete, and wooden butcher block.
Much like a car, countertops reach a point of no return when they become severely damaged. It may be more cost-effective in the long run to replace your countertops if they’re heavily peeling, uneven, or scratched. Installation will cost between $30 and $40 per square foot for materials and about $30 to $40 per hour for the team. Speak with your local Formica installation team about local prices and suggestions for your project.
Looking to make an upgrade to a tougher countertop material? Consider the balance between cost, durability, and upkeep between materials like granite, quartz, marble, concrete, and wooden butcher block.
