How to Fix a Burnt Countertop: DIY Laminate Repair Made Easy

Find a toothbrush and start scrubbing

Photo: Tom Werner / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Photo: Tom Werner / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Stephanie Mickelson
Written by Stephanie Mickelson
Contributing Writer
Updated Nov 13, 2023
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.

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  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Clean the Area Again

    Close-up of a hand wiping a table with a rag
    Photo: Elena Zaretskaya / Moment / Getty Images

    After 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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

While laminate countertops can’t be restored like other materials like butcher block, granite, or Corian can, they can be restored to a smooth, sealed surface using refinishing kits or by covering them with a vinyl peel-and-stick sheet. You can also consider painting your laminate countertops for a fresh look. 

If your countertop is a landscape of nicks, scratches, gouges, and discoloration, you may wonder if you can repair them. Often, you can fill in any nicks or gouges using laminate refinishing kits or epoxy fillers. You can remove some stains and discoloration by gently scrubbing them with a paste made from baking soda and water and a toothbrush.

Laminate countertops are great for bringing your kitchen countertop ideas on a budget to life, but they can become damaged and dull after years of use. To make laminate countertops look new again, you can use a laminate refinishing kit to fill in nicks and scratches and polish them to restore their original look. You can also paint laminate countertops to give them a new look.

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Learn more about our contributor
Stephanie Mickelson
Written by Stephanie Mickelson
Contributing Writer
Stephanie Mickelson is a freelance writer covering home improvement, real estate, design, and personal finance. Before beginning her freelance career, she worked in residential construction, specifically remodeling kitchens, installing cabinets, flooring, countertops, trim, and more.

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