Lerse.com -- Home and Family Tips

Prepping the Surface For Laminate Plastic:

* Laminated plastic sheets of 1/16 inch thickness are suggested for a flat work surface. You may use laminated plastic of 1/32 inch thickness on vertical surfaces.

* Carefully sand and clean the surface where plastic laminate is to be applied. Take off any paint or varnish before applying the laminated plastic. Most premade countertops are made using a high-density particle board. However, standard particle board and even plywood make ideal bases for plastic laminates.

Cutting Laminated Plastic

* Important: Always cut the sheets of laminated plastic a little oversized to allow for trimming.

* You may cut plastic laminate material with a saber saw, backsaw, circular saw, or utility knife. The saw blade should have a fine-tooth blade. Putting a strip of masking tape where the cut line is to be made helps prevent chipping and makes the line easier to see.

* When working with a power circular saw or saber saw, cut from the back side of the laminate. These saws slice on the upstroke. Cutting from the back will help avoid chipping. With hand saws, cut from the front side at a low angle.

Applying Laminated Plastics

* Use extreme caution when laying the sheets. Don't forget, 50 percent to 75 percent of the bonding strength of contact cement is present in the first contact. Be sure the pieces are accurately positioned before the glued areas come into contact with each other.

* Typically, you can apply laminated plastics with contact cement. Epoxy adhesives can be used, but contact cements are preferred.

* Use coarse sandpaper to rough up the surface to be covered.  Clean off the sanding residue with a light brush or with compressed air.

When affixing laminated sheets to vertical surfaces, you can generally position the glued sheets without using wooden strips or waxed paper.

Completing the Job

* When the laminate is correctly arranged, remove the dowel rods one at a time as you bond the two pieces together.

* Employ a roller to apply pressure to the newly laid sheets of laminated plastic. Roll the entire surface thoroughly to discharge air pockets and to be sure the plastic sheet is firmly attached to the surface at all points.

* If the plastic laminate you are using is not big enough to do the entire job, you will have to make a seam. To do so, first bond the bigger of the two pieces into place.

* To complete your laminate edges, begin by cleaning the base of your router. Anything attached to the base or any burrs on the base could scratch your laminate. Putting tape on the base can help take prevent future problems.

Take off any surplus contact cement with a special solvent. You may also use nail polish remover for this purpose.