Get matched with top countertop repair pros in Greenfield, CA

Yes, you can install a new layer of laminate over old laminate if you want to save time and money. The most important part of this project is cleaning the existing countertop thoroughly. Then, you will need to sand the surface and apply contact cement, after which you can install the new laminate layer on top. Other options for improving your existing laminate countertops include painting them or installing an epoxy counter on top.

You can cut countertops without chipping by using your saw correctly and having a new fine-toothed blade. You can also put masking tape on the front of the countertop material across the cut line and cut from front to back. However, it is very hard to cut countertops without chipping them, especially if they are made of stone or more fragile materials like laminate. The best advice is to know how to use the equipment, use the correct cutting method for the material, cut from back to front, move slowly, and practice on scrap material first.

You should always seal cut countertops to prevent damage and to keep them looking their best. The right way to seal countertops depends on the type of material. For laminate and wood, apply epoxy or other specialty sealers by pouring it onto the countertop and letting it flow across the whole surface to the edges, guiding it with a paint stick or putty knife. You will need to move quickly so that it does not dry or harden before you are done. For stone countertops, use a sealant specially manufactured for your type of stone and apply it according to manufacturer directions. 

Not usually. Laminates are made from plastic materials, traditionally melamine, so they don’t offer any eco-friendly or green benefits. Melamine itself is infamous for its toxic composition and outgassing over time, so if you’re looking for a green counter option, it’s best to avoid laminates. Additionally, laminates aren’t candidates for recycling during disposal.

The exception to this rule are certain kinds of laminates with core materials made from recycled pulp and chaff, but these aren’t always available as countertops and still typically use at least some plastic.