Plastic Laminate Countertops

By
©1993-2012 Tim Carter

        
Summary: Getting ready to replace your countertops? Try plastic laminate again. Plastic laminate countertops are easier to care for, more durable than before and better looking. Try laminate edge moldings or wood edging to get rid of that ugly brown edge.

Related Articles:  Plastic Laminate Care Tips, Laminate Care Tips, Plastic Laminate Manufacturers

DEAR TIM: It's time to remodel my kitchen. I was thinking of using plastic laminate countertops again. However, my neighbor has plastic laminate cabinets that have numerous chips. Is plastic laminate not as durable now as it has been in the past? Also, can I avoid that ugly brown line at the edges? If I decide to purchase it, how can I keep it looking brand new? A.R.

DEAR A. R.: Don't base your purchasing decision entirely on the condition of your neighbor's cabinets. The chips on your neighbor's cabinets may be a result of abuse. If anything, plastic laminate is quite possibly more durable than at any time in its history.

The decorative plastic laminate on your kitchen and bath countertops was born in another industry in the early 1900's. The first plastic laminate was used as an insulator in the electrical industry. It was a replacement for heavy ceramic insulators.

Plastic laminate is basically a sandwich of plastic coated papers. It is made by combining layers of kraft paper, a decorative paper layer, and a clear surface layer under high temperature and pressure. The color and patterns you see are simply the layer of decorative paper. The clear surface layer protects the decorative paper from abrasion and moisture.

Decorative laminates are available in different thicknesses. The thickness of the final product is usually a function of how many slices of kraft paper are in the sandwich. The greater the number of slices of kraft paper, the higher the product's impact resistance and resilience. Your neighbor's cabinets most likely are covered with a thinner laminate designed for vertical surfaces. Choose the thickest laminate you can find for your new countertops.


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That ugly brown line you see on your older laminate tops is simply the layers of kraft paper. Newer laminate edge moldings are available that eliminate this unsightly line. Laminate moldings offer a variety of shapes and profiles. These are applied to the front and side edges of your countertops. You can mix and match different colors, textures and patterns to create your own distinctive countertop. Wood edge moldings in red oak and hard maple are also available.

If you desire the real look of wood and the benefits of plastic laminate, consider using laminate veneers. This is a laminate product that substitutes thin wood veneers for the decorative paper in the laminate sandwich. Some of these laminates are available that allow you to stain and finish the surface to your liking. These laminates can be used to make beautiful cabinets.

Caring for your new laminate countertop is a breeze. The trick is to wipe up spills as fast as possible. Always use a mild liquid or powdered detergent to wash the countertops. Be sure to rinse the surface after cleaning. Some detergent residues can cause permanent surface blemishes if they come into contact with water on the bottom of plates, bowls, or glasses. Finally, while these new laminates are durable, they are not cutting surfaces. Get out that seasoned cutting board for cutlery chores.



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Comments:

Welcome! I, Tim Carter, don't answer questions here. If you post a question here in the Comments Area, perhaps another visitor will help you. You need to go to the Ask Tim page if you want a question answered. Once there, look closely at how many weeks behind we are. Please be patient as you use this free service. If you have an emergency and need to talk to me, there is an option there for you.
jesse
16 Apr 2008, 20:31
I am in the mitts of remodeling or town home, I was woundering if its possible to stain my laminate countertops?
johny
01 May 2008, 18:54
what is plastic laminate??? im doing an assignment for design technology about sheert material
donna
04 May 2008, 09:09
I was curious about purposely staining laminate counters as well....
Jessica
06 Oct 2008, 16:52
I need to know the same things as Jesse.... I am curious to know if I could stain my counter tops with something for a new look? Seems the cheapest way to make the room look different.

Thank yo u
Ian
24 Feb 2009, 19:17
I was wondering if you install laminate the same way on bullnose or rounded edge countertops?
David
25 Feb 2009, 09:42
I replaced my laminate, what a HARD Job! I would have a pro do it next time but my problem is now I have to edge it. I have a 45 degree bit for my router and wonder if there is a "how to" about routing the edges
Shelly
28 May 2009, 09:56
I am wondering the same thing and do not see an answer. Can you stain white laminate countertops? If so, how and with what type of product? Thanks.
SUSAN
02 Aug 2009, 16:55
HELLO, MY HUSBAND HAS JUST REPLACED OUR OLD COUNTER TOPS WITH NEW LAMINATE, THE PROBLEM IS THEY HAVE STREAKS ON THE TOPS, THE FINISH IS A MATT, AND WE ARE NOT SURE HOW TO MAKE THEM LOOK AS IF A GLASS OF MILK WASN'T SPILLED ON THEM. THIS IS THE BEST WAY I CAN TELL YOU HOW THE TOPS LOOK NOW THAT WE HAVE FINISHED THE COUNTERS, COULD YOU TELL US WHAT WE CAN DO?
robby
17 Jan 2010, 13:25
You might be seeing glue streaks from when the laminate was installed. Try rubbing it with a rag lightly soaked in kerosene, wait 5 minutes, then wipe again. If it is glue, it will roll up like an eraser. Hope this helps!!

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