How To Install Laminate Countertops

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How To Install Laminate Countertops
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• So you've found the laminate that your looking
  for, the pattern, design, color and price have
  come together and your now ready to begin your
  home improvement project.
• The project will be lengthy but the end result
  will be rewarding.
• Whether your goal is to improve the aesthetic of
  you home or to increase the value home by
  enhancing your kitchen the project will leave you
  with a feeling of accomplishment.

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The first step is to prepare the surface area for
the laminate sheets.

• Remove the old countertop surface
• Sand the surface area
• Clean the surface area
• Use course sandpaper on surface area to prepare
  for contact cement
• Apply any back laminating as needed, this will
  reduce moisture that will get into the countertop
• Note
• Removing adhesives, paint and varnishes is key to
  getting the professional result your looking for.

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The second step is to prepare the laminate sheets.

• Measure the surface area to determine the size
  and shape needed.
• We recommend using a utility knife or fine-tooth
  backsaw to cut out your laminate sheets. (You can
  also use a circular saw, backsaw or saber saw.)
• Give yourself room for error a few centimeters to
  ensure the laminate fits, you can trim the sheets
  later to ensure you get the right fit.
• Technique for cutting the sheets is to cut on the
  design side and at a low angle.
• Note
• You may need an additional contact cement coat
  for the trim to the countertop edges.

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The third step is to set up the surface area and
laminate sheets for placement.

• Experts recommend using contact cement to bond
  laminate to your surface. (Epoxy adhesives will
  also work as a bonding agent.)
• Using a paintbrush apply a coat of contact cement
  to the surface you wish to apply the laminate to.
• Apply a smooth coat of contact cement onto the
  back of the laminate sheets.
• Read the directions on the contact cement for
  drying allow it to dry for the recommended time.
• a. Be careful not to allow the cement to dry to
  long this can decrease the bonding strength.
• b. A good rule of thumb is just that if the
  contact feels dry to the touch it is probably
  ready.

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The fourth step is placement of the laminate
sheets onto the surface area.

• This must be done very carefully. The bonding
  strength of contact cement is between 50-70 at
  first contact. So positioning the laminate sheets
  perfectly before they do contact is a must. You
  can do this by using strips of wood, dowel rods
  or wrapping paper.
• Place strips of wood or dowel rods roughly a foot
  apart adjust if laying a larger laminate sheet.
  Or place wrapping paper over the surface area.
  (This step is not needed when placing laminate
  sheets onto vertical surface.)
• Place laminate sheets onto surface area, once the
  placement is perfect then remove strips of wood,
  dowel rod or wrapping paper.
• Use a roller to go over the entire surface, make
  sure that the plastic laminate is sealed tightly
  to the surface area this will also help ensure
  any air pockets are removed. For this task you
  can also use a wooden block or mallet, it's
  recommended to start from the center and work out
  using these tools.
• If you need to make a seam place the larger
  laminate sheet over the smaller sheet. Cut
  through the sheets cleanly at the exact point
  that they overlap then remove the excess laminate.

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The fifth step is placement of laminate sheets
onto the edges.

• Measure edges and cut out laminate sheets
  accordingly. Remember to cut sheets out with a
  few extra centimeters to ensure they cover the
  surface you can trim and customize the sheets
  later.
• Apply two coats of contact cement onto surface
  edge.
• Apply one coat of contact cement on to plastic
  laminate strips.
• Allow the contact cement to dry for the
  recommended time provided by product
  instructions.
• Carefully place laminate sheets aligning the
  sheet perfectly to the top of the counters edge.
• Go slowly and press firmly to ensure the sheet is
  sealed to the surface at all points.

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The sixth and last step touch up and clean your
new countertop.

• Allow the contact cement to fully dry.
• Trim off any excess laminate on the edges using a
  router with a special blade for laminate, you can
  use a file if the excess is small. Be careful and
  go slowly when cutting the excess laminate, a
  slight miscalculation could crack the laminate
  sheets.
• Clean any excess contact cement using a special
  solvent, if you do not have the solvent you can
  also use nail polish to remove it.

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THANKS!

• Any questions about Laminates?
• Visit
• https//www.royaletouche.com