Nothing in your kitchen takes more abuse than the countertops. But you can repair minor damage easily and inexpensively. Materials (depending on the nature of the repair): Cleaning solvent (e.g., rubbing alcohol)
Laminate-repair paste
Putty knife
Heat gun
Contact cement
Sandpaper
Adhesive/sealant
Wood molding You can repair small chips on the work surface of the countertop with laminate-repair paste. It's available in a variety of colors, or you can mix it to match the color of your countertop. First, clean the area with solvent to remove dust and grease. Then squeeze the paste onto the damaged area (figure A), and spread it with your finger or a putty knife. Allow the paste to dry for five minutes, then clean around the area again with solvent.
You can temporarily cover small scratches with countertop polish. Reapply every two months or so. If the laminate has begun peeling up, you can fix it with contact cement. Simply apply the contact cement to both surfaces, and press the laminate back into place. If the laminate edge is damaged beyond repair, remove it with a putty knife (figure B). A heat gun or iron will help speed the process by softening the glue. After you remove the laminate material, sand the exposed countertop surface. Next, spread an adhesive sealant over the surface, and apply the new edge laminate. If you want to apply a more durable edge, use a piece of stained wood molding (figure C). Use tape to hold the new edge material in place until it has cured thoroughly.
RESOURCES :
Harmon, Archie
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