Replies

1. 
   Piccioni | Jul 10, 2002 04:19pm | #1

   I glued new onto old for a friend and it worked just fine but I didn't have wood edging. I just used plain old contact cement and sanded the old surface a bit to get the gloss off. I made sure there weren't any big lumps in the cement.

   I don't think you'd get chips on the 2nd bevel if you plan on at least 2 passes with the router to avoid being too aggressive. It might look funny due to the thickness but less so if you roll it down real good. The second cut should take a bit of the wood off too, to make everything match up. When you finish the wood, put a bit of the polyurethane onto the edge of the laminate - it seems to help hide the glue line.

   I would try it anyway because contact cement is not easy or pleasant to remove and I think you would have to clean up pretty good after removing the original layer. Let's face it - if the choice is scrap the countertop or risk chipping, I'd risk the chipping because a new sheet of laminate isn't that expensive. Plastic laminate is easy to work with, and I have done a number of dicey things that worked out well. The only pieces I've scrapped is because of stupid mistakes like not tightening the router depth know enough.

2. 
   Egg | Jul 10, 2002 11:26pm | #2

   Kevin

   The old glue is only supposed to be good for 12-15 years.  Normally I would replace the entire top, I did do one job where they insisted on not spending the dollars.  Took off the old with a stiff putty knife, ware gloves it is sharp.  Then I gave it a good sanding with 60 grit to bite and remove the worste.  It has not been 15 years yet but the bond seemed good.

1. 
   WebTrooper | Jul 11, 2002 03:22am | #3

   Just a thought. IF you decide on removing the existing laminate a little heat will soften the glue. A heat gun is best but you could also use an iron. Just make sure to clean off any glue before you iron your white shirts later. ;)

   - WebTrooper -

1. 
   Egg | Jul 11, 2002 03:19pm | #5

   Thanks.  Good pint, I had my heat gun with me, it helps to actually take it out of the bag.  Never did, got to involved with the putty knife, probably would have helped.

1. 
   junkhound | Jul 12, 2002 05:26am | #6

   As said before, touch sand and contact cement the new over old. Myown house stuff has been in place ( I installed, so know it was done as well as I knew how then) 33 yrs. and I tear the whole top off before I'd try to get the formica off. +

3. 
   jocobe | Jul 11, 2002 03:53am | #4

   Make a new top and replace the old one.......for sure!  It's not worth my time or effort to rehab an old top.......throw it in the dumpster!  If your time is worth absolutely anything it would cost MORE to laminate an existing old top.  When you're laminating an old top, what are you gonna do where the edge meets the backsplash.....how ya gonna get the edge of the laminate nice and straight......how 'bout when the router base hits the backsplash before it's finished beveling the edges?  How ya gonna file the edges of the laminate when the countertop is already installed? Building a countertop core and laminating it in the garage is a whole lot easier, and a lot faster!  What are you saving by relaminating the old top......the cost of the flakeboard?  Geeeessssss...........jocobe

   
   

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   Edited 7/10/2002 8:57:30 PM ET by JOCOBE

   
   

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   Edited 7/10/2002 9:00:13 PM ET by JOCOBE

4. 
   deabye | Jul 12, 2002 09:09am | #7

   Ive heard of a spray-on, cement-based, solid surface countertop product. Anybody had any real world experience?(not poured in place,spray on......like a rhinolining for your truck)Everyday is a schoolday!

1. 
   twodot | Jul 12, 2002 07:48pm | #8

   Thanks for all the info and suggestions. After much thougt and more talking to folks at building centers I have decided to try gluing the new lam over the old. It sounds like lots of guys have done it this way with success. Again, thanks everyone for the input.

5. 
   jeffwoodwork | Jul 13, 2002 09:32am | #9

   The other option if you are set against ripping out the old lam and PB decking is to use a 1/4" overlay.  Could use a 1/4" mdf or plywood tile backer, something smooth that will hold the glue. This builds up the cabinet height but not by much, basically just nail it down like decking.  You would need to rip off the old wood self edge and redo, or wrap the old with laminate depends on the situation.  Personally I would take out the old decks and put in new.

6. 
   geob21 | Jul 13, 2002 08:47pm | #10

   This is like making chicken soup with chicken feathers.

   Throw out the old top and make a new one.