Step By Step Instructions & Tips Of Fixing Lifting Laminate Countertop
The laminate is regarded as the very less costly countertop that can be used as the alternative for tile or natural stone products. It can be found in a large number of colors as well as textures. Laminate is actually made from the pressed wood base that is layered in which plastic is glued. If in case the countertop is lifting from any side and the owner is unable to find out the solution then go through the steps mentioned below carefully:
- The lifting edge of the laminate needs to get lifted very carefully. With the help of a putty knife, start removing any of the debris or the build-up in-between the laminate and the substrate.
- After the above step is done, then take iron or the heat gun and start heating the surface of the laminate. While using the iron, it is important to keep it on the cotton setting without the steam option. Heating the laminate will help in softening the glue as well as quickly helps in re-establishing the strong bond between the laminate and the substrate. The hot pan's softening effect can make de-lamination in the first try & it can be used to solve the issue. Continue applying the heat until the underneath of the laminate will become tacky.
- On the countertop now the user needs to place books or the flat weights and then allow it to cool down completely. If in case the laminate is still loose after the weights are removed, then simply there is a need to apply the adhesive once again. From the underside of the laminate apply the contact adhesive as well as on the top of the substrate.
- With the help of a roller that is for laminate or the rolling pin can be used for pressing the laminate with the substrate. Start the job from the portion of the countertop that is still attached to the edge. This will help in spreading the adhesive in the even form as well as also remove any of the trapped air bubbles from underneath of the laminate.
- The repaired area must be weight down with the help of books or the flat weights for at least one hour. Read out the directions mentioned on the adhesive container for the proper drying time.
Useful Tips
- Heat, as well as the moisture, are the two common reasons for the lifting of the laminate. Keeping the hot pan directly on the top of the countertop can make adhesive bond lose its strength of the laminate with the substrate.
- The particleboard that is used as a substrate in most of the countertops is susceptible to the moisture damage. So if it is exposed, it will suck moisture very fastly as well as will also lose its ability to hold a laminate. The strong repair will mostly depend in the large part on to reattach the laminate as fast as possible so that the substrate is not damaged by high humidity or the water.