Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Apr 15, 2008 09:32pm | #1

   If you have a modern post formed top with a curved down front edge and a curved rear corner going up into the backsplash you won't be able to bend the laminate to the curves.

   John White

1. 
   tommyp | Apr 15, 2008 09:36pm | #3

   no john everythin at right angles and they dont want the back splsh done just the top and the 1.5 overhang

1. 
   JohnWW | Apr 15, 2008 10:01pm | #4

   In that case go to the Formica brand website and either ask them about the best approach either through an e-mail or on the phone. In cases like this it pays to ask the experts but I'm pretty sure it can be done simply, but there may be a specific glue or prep technique.John White

1. 
   tommyp | Apr 16, 2008 01:25am | #5

   thank you all for your support

2. 
   weelis | Apr 15, 2008 09:33pm | #2

   I just finished a 4x8 table top with new laminate over old.  All I did was to sand over the existing laminate(was it necessary?) and applied the new in the usual fashion.  No problem  Can';t tell the difference.  Was easy.  HTH

3. 
   oldusty | Apr 16, 2008 05:52am | #6

     tommyp ,

                We did laminate work to recover about a mile of tops in a bank job years ago . We washed any oils , waxes and other contaminates off and scuffed the surfaces with a belt sander to get more bite . Use your contact cement as if it were a raw substrate .

        While doing this bank job we had to cover the walls with some Walnut paneling in the vault , the guard said no offense but we got to be in here with you , I looked behind me and saw pallets of cash stacked in this room like real dough .

             good  luck            dusty

4. 
   bldrbill | Apr 16, 2008 04:26pm | #7

   I've done this several times.  If the old stuff is stuck down good, just scuff it up with a belt sander and apply the new laminate with Hybond 80.  Works good.

5. 
   bilyo | Apr 17, 2008 06:30pm | #8

   I re-did my kitchen countertops about 25 years ago with a Formica like material over the old.  Cleaned, sanded, and glued with the same glue I would have used with a new install.  Worked fine and held up good for 25 years.  I'm about to do it again.

   Bill

6. 
   HowardAcheson | Apr 17, 2008 07:04pm | #9

   As others have said, use a chemical like acetone or lacquer thinner to thoroughly clean the surface. The scuff sand it with 100 or 120 grit paper. Again clean off all the sanding residue. Use a solvent based contact cement.

   The only real potential problem is the outside edges. When you glue on the new outside edges and trim them level to the old top you will see that because the old top was tapered when it was trimmed the top of the new front edge is not supported because of the taper. When you new put the new top sheet on and trim it to size using a tapered trim bit, you risk trimming to deep and exposing the unsupported space. Be careful not to trim any of the edge piece when you trim the top piece.

   Howie.........
7. 
   Fotze | Apr 18, 2008 12:36pm | #10

   What is the back slpash like? Is it a 4" piece? Are you going to laminate while still in place? Flake board is 15.00$ a sheet. You would not be saving any money in material by laminating over old. To me it would not be worth the trouble. You still have to take the sink out. And if you take the sink out, You won't be able to get a trim router up against the back wall and sink cut out. Stove probably has to be moved as well. For all the trouble that you would be going thru, it would be much easier to just build a new one.

1. 
   tommyp | Apr 18, 2008 09:17pm | #11

   gentlemen thanks for the support im thinking that i may do this job if things work out ill post pics--no backsplash involved just the top