Step By Step Guide For Trimming Laminate Countertop Edges
The Laminate countertops are known for their attractive, rich as well as a distinctive look. When installing the countertops, one of the important things is to know how to trim according to the size of the laminate. The steps below will guide the user to trim laminate countertop edges:
- Setup The Saw: In the first step the user needs to set up the saw, the best option is to use a blade on the circular saw which is designed for very fine cuts and has a very narrow kerf and carbide tips. Simply install the blade onto the circular saw.
- Make Cut Line: With the help of the pencil and measurement tape mark a straight edge, this edge is a cut line. It's very important to make the line as straight as possible and should be dark enough on the surface of laminate as this will help the user to see through tape.
- Masking Tape: Once the above step is done, now its time to apply the masking tape directly over the cut line. The benefit of using the masking tape is that it will protect the laminate and will also prevent the chipping of laminate while cutting, so the side's of the laminate is not damaged by the saw or any other tools. Now, the user needs to draw the cut line again on top of the tape, so that the user can clearly see it while cutting the laminate.
- Cut The Laminate: In this step cut the laminate with the help of the circular saw. While cutting, move the saw slowly and also steadily across the marked lines on laminate as this will help to keep the cut smooth and straight as well.
- File The Edges: File the edges of the laminate countertop with the help of metal file. It's important to file slowly and just a little at one time. It's advisable to always file in a downward direction as this will help to prevent chipping the top of the laminate countertop. Continue to file the edges until the edges are free from any sharp points or shards as well.
- Smooth The Edges: The final step in trimming the laminate countertops is to smooth the edges. At last, its time to smooth out the edges of the trimmed countertop with the help of the sandpaper. Simply rub out the filed edges in slow and easy motion as this will help to create down a buffed as well as smooth surface all along the entire cut edge. Now, apply the sandpaper but this time in a downward direction just as with the file to prevent chipping of the laminate. Once the job has been completed, the sanding, as well as the laminate, is smooth, the user can now remove any tape that is on the laminate.
Trim With A Laminate Trimmer
If the user has access to a laminate trimmer, that time they can simply and easily trim the laminate according to the desired size. For that simply roll the laminate trimmer around the edge of the countertop and the trimmer will automatically create the perfect, smoother cut.