Can You Glue New Laminate Over Old Laminate Countertops?

Installing new countertops can be an expensive project. For this reason, many homeowners put off replacing their laminate countertops until it’s absolutely necessary.

Yes, you can glue new laminate over old laminate countertops, as long as you prepare the space properly. You will need to remove the finish on the old material, and cut the new laminate to fit over the countertops. Then, use contact cement to bond the new surface to the old one.

Before Installing New Laminate Over Old Laminate

When purchasing your laminate, note how many sections of countertop you have. It’s also better to purchase sheets that are bigger than what you need, rather than having to seam two pieces together.

Materials Needed:

• Laminate sheets
• Belt sander
• Metal file
• Circular saw/jigsaw/utility knife
• Contact Cement
• J-Roller
• Router with a flush-trim bit
• About 10 long, thin strips of scrap wood
• Clamps

How to Glue New Laminate Over Old Laminate Countertops

Step 1: Prepping the Old Laminate

To prep the old laminate, you will need to sand it down to remove the glossy finish. The surface needs to be scratched and rough for the new laminate to adhere to it better. This step will require a fair amount of elbow grease and persistence.

Use a belt sander with coarse sandpaper – 36 grit should do the trick. If you’re having trouble getting the finish off, you can use a metal file to help you finish the job.

Step 2: Cleaning off Debris

Clean off the debris and surface remnants before proceeding.

Step 3: Make Room for the Laminate

Remove the sink and faucet along with any other obstacles.

Step 4: Take Measurements

Measure the countertop and sketch a picture of the shape you’ll need to cut out of the new laminate. Be sure to cut out at least an inch of extra laminate around the whole perimeter. This will be trimmed later.

Step 5: Cut the Laminate

Step 6: Apply Contact Cement

Using a brush, apply contact cement onto both the countertop surface and the back of the new laminate. Make sure both surfaces are fully covered with an even layer.

Step 7: Let it Dry

Let the adhesive dry for around 5-10 minutes, or until it feels tacky.

Step 8: Put Down Wood Strips

Before you place the new laminate, line some thin strips of wood along the countertop, evenly spaced. They should hang over the edge of the countertop. The new laminate will rest on these temporarily so that you can press down the new material bit by bit. This ensures maximum accuracy and prevents crookedness.

Step 9: Place the Laminate

Place the new laminate on top of the wood strips. Make sure it’s positioned exactly on top of where it will sit permanently.

Step 10: Press the Laminate Down

Start at one end of the laminate, remove the closest wood strip, and press the material down slowly with a J-roller. Continue to work slowly, removing wood strips one at a time as you press down until you’ve reached the end.

Step 11: Trim the Excess Laminate

Now that the new laminate has been attached, next use the router to trim the extra laminate that’s hanging over the edge.

Step 12: Install Edge Strips

Install the edge strips in a similar fashion, minus the wood strips. Apply the contact cement to the old and new surfaces, then let it dry slightly and press down slowly. Next, place clamps on the edges to hold it in place as it dries.

Step 13: Trim the Edges

When the edge strips have completely adhered to the surface, remove the clamps. Afterward, trim the edges with the router.

Step 14: Replace the Sink

Finally, replace the sink and enjoy your beautiful new countertop.

Alternative Method for Removing Old Laminate Finish

Sometimes, even with a belt sander and coarse sandpaper, the old laminate may be stubborn and difficult to remove. Another option is to break down the old contact cement with acetone and remove the old laminate.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Inject Acetone

After removing the sink and other obstacles, use a putty knife to get into any crack you can find. Then inject some acetone into the space and wait for it to work. The acetone should soften the glue within a few minutes.

Step 2: Remove the Old Laminate

Start removing the old laminate with your hands. Use more acetone to break down the adhesive as you go along.

Step 3: Scrape Off Glue

Once the laminate is gone, use a putty knife to scrape the excess glue. Apply more acetone to get it off if necessary.

How to Remove a Sink

Removing the sink and plumbing fixtures to make way for new laminate can be a process all on its own. If you’re not familiar with basic plumbing, it may be tricky.

Here’s how to remove a kitchen sink:

Step 1: Turn Off the Water

Turn off the water supply line. This is usually located either under the sink or in the basement.

Step 2: Put a Bucket Down

Put a bucket underneath the sink to catch any remaining water in the pipes that may come out.

Step 3: Loosen the Bolts

Use a screwdriver to loosen and remove the bolts that attach the sink to the laminate top.

Step 4: Remove the Nuts

Use a wrench to remove the nuts on the water supply lines that are under the sink.

Step 5: Remove Water Supply Lines

With your bucket in place, remove the water supply lines. Remove any other connections you may have as well, like from a garbage disposal or dishwasher.

Step 6: Take off Clips

Once all of the connections are disconnected, use a screwdriver to take off the metal clips that attach the sink to the countertop.

Step 7: Remove Caulk

Use a putty knife to remove any caulk around the edge of the sink.

Step 8: Remove the Sink

Lastly, pull the sink out.

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