- 1). Remove the kitchen sink and anything else that penetrates the surface of the countertop. This project will create a lot of dust, so you want to minimize cleanup by removing everything you can from the area and covering the rest.
- 2). Clean the existing countertop. Use a putty knife to scrape away every trace of old caulking and dried material on the countertop or in corners. Clean all surfaces with a degreasing cleaner, then wipe with lacquer thinner to remove any hardened material.
- 3). Sand the entire countertop and edges with a belt sander using medium-grit sandpaper to remove the countertop's sheen. After sanding, remove all traces of dust and debris with a slightly damp cloth.
- 4). Apply the edge trim using contact cement, following the manufacturer's directions carefully. Cut the edging slightly wider and longer than you need. To apply the edging, have someone hold one end away from the contact cement while you start at the other end using a J-roller to force contact and remove any air bubbles. Trim all excess edging using a router with a flush-cut laminate bit. Use a utility knife and file to trim areas the router won't reach.
- 5). Lay the new countertop on the counter and mark the outline with a pencil. Using a saber saw with a fine laminate blade, cut the new countertop laminate, leaving it about an inch longer and wider than needed. After cutting, lay it on the countertop again and see if you need to scribe the sides that touch the wall or backsplash. Trim with a belt sander, file or utility knife until the new countertop follows the contour of the wall or backsplash.
- 6). Lay the laminate face-down on the floor. Apply contact cement to the old countertop and the backside of the new countertop and allow to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. Lay enough dowel rods on the old countertop to keep the new countertop from contacting the cement. Lay the new countertop on the dowel rods and align it against the walls and backsplash. Beginning at the most remote corner, remove the dowel rods one at a time, J-rolling the new countertop onto the old one as you go.
- 7). Trim the new countertop using a bevel-cut laminate bit in your router. Use a file to trim hard-to-reach areas. Use the saber saw or the router with the flush-cut laminate bit to cut the holes for the sink and other objects that must go through the countertop.
- 8). Cover the backsplash with laminate. Cover the face of the backsplash, then the ends and the top, using the same methods you used to install the edge trim.
- 9). Install the sink and anything else that had to be removed. Check the can of contact cement for the compounds to be used to remove any excess glue. File or sand any rough or sharp edges on the new countertop. Apply silicone caulk to any joints that may come into contact with water.
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