Install formica over old formica top

[gebepe]

I want to install laminate (formica,etc) over my existing kitchen counters.

1- Is this OK? 2- How do I prepare surface and how do I install?

[Rob V]

I did this to an old table I used in the shop.

1 - belt sand the existing formica. 2 - wipe off. 3 - mount new formica like you normally would

So far - Ive had no problems and its been like3 years.

[Fly-by-Night CC]

Yep that's the way it's done. The OP needs to make sure the existing formica is solid on its substrate first - then go at it like you did.

[Ron Truitt]

I redid our kitchen counters about six months ago by just going over the old stuff. I was lucky in that the front edge was not rounded over but was a piece of oak with a beveled top edge.

I looked on formica.com and also on the hgtv web page and read a bit and then proceeded by rough sanding and cleaning the old top and then gluing as normal. The extra formica edge does not even show.

Saved hundreds over buying a new top.

Give it a go.

RonT

[bambam]

I'm assuming your existing countertops are laminate.

Assuming there are no problems ... lifting, peeling, gouges, etc ... with the existing tops, you can laminate over them.

Worst practice -- rough up with a sander, contact cement the new laminate into place over the old, trim as required.

Better practice -- screw and glue 1/4 or 3/8's plywood over existing top. Fill and sand. Contact cement new laminate onto plywood.

Best practice -- remove old countertop, build new one. Takes about the same amount of time.

As to how to install ... there are many excellent books. Consult a library.

Ken