Replies

1. 
   ring | Sep 25, 2008 07:38am | #1

   It's hard for me to imagine a situation where it wouldn't be preferable to just take out the counter and start from scratch. With resurfacing you're going to need to remove the sink and cooktop anyway. And laying down Formica, trimming the edges etc, is going to be really difficult "in situ". What is so important to preserve? The cost of the substrate is certainly no factor here.

   The only viable way I can think of doing it is not with Formica, but covering the entire thing with Corian or similar. That is assuming that you can add the 1/2" thickness all around.

   You could make edging from natural or artificial stone, from aluminum or brass. But none of these will join correctly with Formica.

   There's usually a good reason why things aren't done. Are you sure you have justification for bucking conventional wisdom here?

   David Ring

   http://www.touchwood.co.il/?id=1&lang=e

1. 
   twotowers | Sep 25, 2008 10:55pm | #2

   Hi Dave,
   I have done this once before in our last house. I took a belt sander and palm sander and abraded the surface of the Formica and resurfaced over with new Formica. It worked like a charm. On that project I made custom cherry edging and steam bent corners. It came out great. This time I want to use something like a black gray textured or patterned gun metal to give the edge custom hard-edge look, but I want to color coordinate so the edge enhances the look and doesn't stand out - as cheep plastic or a 50's diner look. Or - if it does stand out the look should be wow!I don't get laminate designers. border treatments could bridge the look between Formica and marble.
   Best,
   Jim

1. 
   ring | Sep 26, 2008 07:47am | #3

   I know that it can be glued but you're not telling us why you would choose to. I still don't get the decision to keep the existing substrate, or the decision to use Formica in the first place. Why not make a new Corian counter from scratch? It can be cut, routed, glued seamlessly to itself, etc. Comes in over 100 colors including some really nice charcoal tones. (I have no connection with DuPont). If you've got definite design ideas, why start with a decision that severly limits your options?
   David Ring

   http://www.touchwood.co.il/?id=1&lang=e

1. 
   twotowers | Sep 27, 2008 03:37am | #4

   Dave, I haven't planned on changing the existing top as it is fine and I have put new laminate over old ones before. Muy search is for interesting edging. I have found only one web site that shows what an alternative look could be check it out at http://www.innovative-edge.com/Pages/metal.htmI am looking for a source that would offer other creative edging to consider.
   Jim