DIY Network

Applying the Laminate The coffee table laminate top is applied. From "Freeform Furniture" episode DFFF-113

Host Amy Devers puts on the laminate tabletop, seals it onto the sides and ends and uses a laminate trimmer to trim the edges.

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	Amy demonstrates how to put the laminate on the tabletop.

Materials:

tempered hardboard
framing square
spring clamps
pencil--carpenters and white chalk
ultra light medium density fiberboard (MDF)
brad nails
flat head screws
double stick tape
razor cutter
high pressure laminate
water-based contact adhesive
latex gloves
cotton sponge roller
ruler
masking tape
brown craft paper

Tools:

band saw or hand-held jig
disc sander
band saw
pneumatic nailer
router
laminate trimmer
J-roller
mallet

Figure A

Applying the Laminate

Note:Sheets of laminate are available in a wide variety of sizes, colors and patterns. Sheets start at about $50 and can go into the hundreds.

1. Cut the laminate pieces down to a manageable size and make sure to leave all of the pieces a little oversized.

2. You need to seal them on the table. Use a water-based contact adhesive to bond the laminate to the coffee table. Contact adhesive bonds on contact but it needs 30 minutes to dry before you can bond the piece.

3. Start painting on the glue. Before you start painting you need a pair of latex gloves to protect your hands from the chemicals in the contact adhesive.

4. Dab a cotton sponge roller in the adhesive and start to roll it onto the two strips of laminate for the ends (figure A).

Note: You don't want to apply too much because the adhesive is durable enough for a thin coat, and if you roll too much on it will most probably bulk up and create air pockets between the laminate and the MDF. The contact adhesive has a blue tint because it helps insure that you apply an even coat. An even application across the pieces means a more durable bond when you connect them together.

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