| ca offers a plastic laminate surface that can be | | | | always cut from the front side at a low angle. |
| applied to countertops. The laminated plastic sheets | | | | Take your time when applying the laminate sheets. |
| come in a wide variety of colors and designs and can | | | | Though epoxy adhesives can be used to apply the |
| be applied to other surfaces in addition to | | | | plastics, contact cement can usually be used and is |
| countertops. Fortunately, you can install it yourself to | | | | actually more recommended. However, before |
| save money but the process does involve a few | | | | applying the sheets, be sure to roughen the surface |
| steps which should be followed closely to ensure | | | | to be covered suing a course sandpaper and, of |
| quality results. | | | | course, clean away any sanding residue. Again, do not |
| You will first need to prepare the surface for the | | | | rush in this of the process. In fact, fifty to |
| plastic. Laminated plastic sheets with a thickness of 1 | | | | seventy-five percent of the bonding strength when |
| 32” can be used on vertical surfaces, while | | | | using contact cement is made in the plastic’s |
| sheets of 1/16” thickness are recommended | | | | first contact with the surface. With this in mind, |
| for flat surfaces. Before applying the laminate, you | | | | confirm that the pieces are accurately positioned |
| must remove any paint or varnish and sand and clean | | | | before allowing the plastic and the glued areas to |
| the surface thoroughly. Most countertops are | | | | meet. |
| manufactured with a high-density particle board. | | | | Once the laminate sheets are positioned correctly, |
| However, regular particular board is ideal for plastic | | | | you can slowly remove the dowel rods as you bond |
| laminates. | | | | the pieces together. A roller can be used to apply |
| Once the surface is appropriately prepared, you | | | | pressure to the sheets once laid properly. Roll the |
| should cut the laminated plastic. Please note that it is | | | | entire area to smooth the surface and eliminate air |
| important to always cut the sheets slightly oversized | | | | pockets. You will need to make a seam in the |
| to allow for trimming. You can cut the sheets with a | | | | laminate if the sheet is not large enough to cover the |
| circular saw, saber saw, backsaw or even a utility | | | | entire surface. Simply bond the larger piece into place |
| knife. If you use a saw, keep in mind that the saw | | | | and apply the second. To finish laminating the edges, |
| should have a fine-tooth blade. Circular saws or saw | | | | clean the base of your router to prevent anything |
| saws cut on the upstroke. Cutting from the back | | | | from scratching the new laminate counter top. |
| side of the plastic laminate will help prevent chipping. | | | | Applying tape to the base of the router is a good |
| Additionally, placing a strip of masking tape on the cut | | | | way to avoid this scratching. Finally, remove any |
| line will also prevent chipping. This technique also | | | | extra contact cement. You may want to try nail |
| makes the line more visible. When using a hand saw, | | | | polish remover. It is good for this purpose. |