5 Tips for Repairing Laminate Countertops

Imagine inventing a countertop material so popular that homeowners associate the brand name with a whole category of countertops. Invented more than 100 years ago, Formica® is one of the most common laminates used on kitchen countertops for its durability and lower price tag.

Damage and wear and tear can occur over time, so it is good to know when to call in the pros and when to fix the countertop yourself. From chips and scratches to unsightly stains, use these five handy tips for laminate countertop repair.

1. Nicks, Chips, and Scratches: Use a Laminate Countertop Repair Paste

When looking into laminate countertops pros and cons, one perk is that they are often easy to repair with store-bought repair kits. Most hardware stores carry a plastic laminate repair paste. The tube will set you back between $5 and $20, depending on the brand and the style of your countertop.

Laminate repair pastes are best for chips, holes, and scratches that only measure a few inches but stand out like a sore thumb. Maybe the dog leaped up and took out a piece of the countertop with its paws or perhaps an upright mixture cracked the Formica® after years of use. No matter how it happens, follow these guidelines for repairing the damage.

Choose a Laminate Countertop Paste Color

Formica® comes in a wide range of colors, so you will need to do a little sleuthing when picking the right paste color. Laminate paste makers know this, however, and they will likely provide a full array of common colors and instructions on how to mix hues to create your ideal color. If you are concerned about the match, request a custom paste color based on a sample of your counter.

Apply the Paste

Every brand of laminate paste comes with unique instructions, so be sure to follow the suggested steps. For example, some brands will advise you to clean off the area with an acetone-based cleaner before applying the paste.

After prepping the area, use a metal putty knife to spread the paste into the crack, scratch, or hole. Remember to remove any excess paste immediately after your first pass. Many pastes will dry in under an hour, so this is a quick process.

2. Loose Edges: Reapply Contact Cement

So, what are Formica® countertops? They consist of a combination of kraft paper, melamine resin, and a decorative topper in your desired style. Its makeup can cause Formica® to peel over time, especially around the edges of the counter and any surrounding areas that are prone to water damage.

If the layer of laminate separates from the countertop below but is not chipped, you will need to reglue it. Begin by lightly heating the old glue. Place a tea towel over the area and use an iron on a no-steam cotton setting. This process should loosen the area around the spot so you can gain access. Use a putty knife to clean the area of any debris or loose glue.

You will find a wide range of contact cement brands, including Gorilla Glue and 3M, but it is critical that you use one that is made specifically for laminate counters. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and apply a thin, even layer of cement below the peeled area. Weigh down the spot with a book during the drying process.

3. Stains: Turn to the Pantry

Formica® countertops do not stain easily—one of the best perks of this affordable option. But stains do still happen, especially if they have sat for a while. The Formica® brand website recommends two options for getting rid of stains. Your first attempt should use a solvent liquid, such as ethanol, acetone, or rubbing alcohol. Rub the area in a circular motion with a soft clean rag, then rinse with water.

For tougher stains, create a paste with baking soda and water, then let the solution set into the stain before wiping it clean with water. Avoid rubbing the paste into the counter, as even light abrasion can damage the counter.

4. Large Fracture: Replace With a Recessed Cutting Board

Let's say the days of repair paste and contact cement are long gone. A large portion of your Formica is in a state of major disrepair, but the rest of your countertop still looks new. Consider removing the entire damaged area and replacing it with a drop-in cutting board. This option is so popular that you will even find cutting board kits made for this purpose.

To start, measure the area around the damage with the provided template and use a jigsaw to delicately remove the countertop where the cutting board will go. A two-part drop-in kit typically includes a shallow stainless steel tray to insert into the countertop, as well as a cutting board to fit into the tray.

5. Major Damage: Consider Replacement

Much like a car, countertops reach a point of no return when they become too severely damaged to fix. It may be more cost effective in the long run to replace your countertops if they are heavily peeling, uneven, or scratched. Installation will cost between $30 and $40 per square foot for materials, and about $30 to $40 per hour for the team. Hire a laminate countertop installer near you and ask about pricing and suggestions for your project.

Looking to make an upgrade to a tougher countertop material? Consider the balance between cost, durability, and upkeep for materials like granite, quartz, marble, concrete, and wooden butcher blocks.

Maintaining Your Laminate Countertop

Here are some tips to help maintain your laminate countertop and avoid both minor and major countertop repairs.

Cleaning Laminate Countertops

Clean your laminate countertops with a little bit of dish soap and warm water. Use a soft brush or sponge and scrub the counter clean. Once you are done, wipe down the counter with warm water and pat dry with paper towels or a microfiber cloth. Avoid any harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners to avoid accidentally damaging your counters during cleaning.

Sealing Laminate Countertops

You can seal your painted laminate countertops with clear acrylic or polyurethane sealers. This will help protect your counters from scratches, peeling, chipping, and fading. Your counter will also have more heat and moisture resistance.

Additionally, you can breathe new life into old painted laminate countertops by applying a resin or epoxy sealer. For areas with moisture, go with epoxy over resin. These options allow you to apply a new layer on top that covers the original countertops below. For example, you can install an epoxy sealer that emulates marble.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair Laminate Countertops? 

If you hire a professional to tackle the problem, expect your laminate countertop repair to cost between $150 and $650. Factors that can impact the cost include the size, severity, and type of damage. If you need to replace a whole chunk of the countertop, you’ll pay quite a bit more than you would to repair scratches or peeling. Labor costs between $35 and $100 an hour, plus the cost of materials.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

While it’s much cheaper to repair laminate countertops yourself, whether or not you should depends on your experience and the repairs required. Repairing scratches and small chips with a laminate repair paste is a simple job that will cost under $20 in materials. It’s similarly easy and inexpensive to reglue peeling laminate or clean it when stained.

On the other hand, replacing part of your countertop with a drop-in cutting board requires cutting a hole in the countertop with a jigsaw. Similarly, a small error in replacing laminate can leave the countertop susceptible to water damage. If you haven’t done this before, you’re better off hiring a professional to avoid further damaging the countertop.

When to Repair vs. Replace Laminate Countertops 

Homeowners can repair their laminate countertops if the surface is still in relatively good shape except for minor damage, like small chips or lifting seams. In these instances, DIYers or a pro can easily camouflage or repair these issues using the appropriate materials.

Conversely, replacement is best if your countertop is water-damaged, swollen, deeply cracked, or significantly burned or chipped, especially around the seams and edges. All of the above are signs of significant damage compromising the structure. You may also want to consider replacing your counters if they are outdated or no longer fit your kitchen's design. In these cases, upgrading can improve both functionality and home value.