Countertop repair costs may be the deciding factor between replacing or repairing your counter. Let’s break down the cost to repair, resurface, or relaminate.
How to Fix a Burnt Countertop: DIY Laminate Repair Made Easy
Find a toothbrush and start scrubbing
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Get quotes from countertop and backsplash pros near you
No obligation · 100% free
SKILL LEVEL
Easy
COMPLETION TIME
1 hour
COST
Up to $25
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
- A toothbrush, steel wool, or other abrasive scrubbing tool
SUPPLIES
- Abrasive cleaner like baking soda or Ajax
- 200-grit sandpaper
- Clean cloths or rags
- Mild detergent or all-purpose cleaner
- Epoxy filler or laminate repair kit
For all of their excellent qualities—affordable, versatile, and easy to install—laminate countertops are not heat resistant. Like, really not heat resistant. Laminate countertops are essentially layers of paper bonded together with resin and topped with an image layer. So, setting a hot pan on a laminate countertop can quickly result in a burn or scorch mark. This unsightly spot can be an eyesore if left unrepaired, so learning how to fix a burnt countertop can help you restore your laminate countertop to its former glory—and you’ll have the satisfaction of a job well done and will save on countertop repair costs.
Don’t Put Yourself in Danger: Let a Pro Take This On
Complex, high-risk projects demand more than typical DIY projects. They require time, specialized tools, and trained expertise to make sure the job is done safely and correctly. We made it easy for you to find a local pro—with our skilled network, you'll get the job done without the stress of doing it yourself or significant safety risks.
Clean the Countertops
The first step in burnt laminate countertop repair is to remove any traces of grease, dirt, or food from the area. Clean the countertops thoroughly using a clean cloth and a mild detergent or all-purpose cleaner, paying particular attention to the burned and surrounding areas.
Scrub the Burned Area
After mixing a small amount of baking soda or Ajax to make a paste, apply it to the burn mark and scrub it for a few minutes with a toothbrush, steel wool, or other abrasive scrubbing tool. Scrub until the burn mark starts fading, or remove all the burned pieces. You can periodically wipe the area to remove burned bits and reapply the scrubbing mixture.
Clean the Area Again
Photo: Elena Zaretskaya / Moment / Getty ImagesAfter you think you’ve removed the burn mark, clean the area with water and another clean cloth. You can move on to the next step if you are satisfied with the results. If you still have some work to do, mix up another batch of cleaner and get scrubbing.
Repair with Epoxy
Using an epoxy repair kit, you will fill in any hole or depression left after removing the burn mark. Epoxy repair kits may even come with tips to repair Formica countertops. Some epoxy repair kits come with colors you can mix to create a custom solution that will blend with the countertop. Other epoxies are clear and can be applied to any color surface. The choice is yours. Once the epoxy has dried, lightly sand the area until it’s smooth.
Seal the Repaired Area
After the epoxy has dried thoroughly, you can use a laminate sealant to seal the area and make it more water and stain-resistant. Some epoxy repair kits come with a sealant, but in some cases, you’ll have to buy it separately.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Removing a burn mark on a laminate countertop is a relatively easy DIY project. It allows you to continue using your countertops and is an incredibly low-cost project perfect for DIY beginners. If the burn mark is so bad that you don’t think you’ll be able to repair it, you can always contact a countertop repair company near you to have them give you an estimate for repairs or a quote for laminate countertop costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Countertop and backsplash services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.5★ avg. • 35 total reviews
- Peggy B.
I recently moved to another state and chose United Trust Van Lines after comparing several companies. Their team was punctual, professional, and extremely careful with my belongings. I was especially impressed with how they handled my home office setup and fragile items. Everything arrived on...
United Trust Van Lines, LLC - Jeanann S.
Very professional, knowledgeable and helpful! Completed the install on time and as expected.
Ward's Services - Adam E.
Cole has been handling plumbing and general contracting for our four properties over the past three years, and he’s always done a great job. Most recently, he installed a sink and countertop in our retail store where none existed before, and it turned out exactly how we needed. He’s...
ANB Renovations LLC - Tom T.
We have bought and sold numerous times over the past 50 years. Sherman Hall and Top Line are top notch. Thorough and detailed, he explains every possibility, probability, and eventuality. High class and pleasant. The best.
Top Line Home Inspections, LLC - Aaron G.
Very easy to talk to, helped me enormously and will be back for more projects I have. Quick and knowledgeable, very professional and a high quality personality!
Elwood's Mobile Welding - Stacy S.
Couldn't ask for a better company. Josh and Dee were Very professional, efficient, courteous and takes major pride in their work. They will travel to come to your home and will still give you a fair price. They are honest and trust worthy. Their focus is on their work and their work is...
Supreme brick & chimney - Carl D.
I had a tight deadline for a commercial painting project, and Custom Paint Jobs LLC delivered on time and within budget. Their efficiency and quality are top-notch.
Custom Paint Jobs, LLC - Kellyn D.
Koby and Kyle are amazing!! They were super fast and friendly, highly recommen!
All My Sons Moving & Storage - Joe S.
Ozie and Tyquese were great and worked fast. It was a good move
All My Sons Moving & Storage - Andrew M.
The windows look great. And the team was excellent - considerate, professional and lots of fun!
Window Depot USA of Central Ohio
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