Removing laminate from countertop - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

ChuckEA · 12-02-2005, 08:15 PM

Is there a way to remove laminate from a partcle board countertop without destroying the laminate sheet? The reason I ask is that I need a small piece for a repair and the only matching material available is from a scrap piece that has already been glued down. I have no idea what type of adhesive was used but was wondering if a heated iron might release it. Appreciate any ideas on this.

Woodcrafter74 · 12-02-2005, 08:30 PM

I think the iron should work.
Several months ago a reader wrote in to the "This Old House" magazine and had a question about laminate. Apparently they had set a pot that was too warm on the laminate, it heated up the adhesive making it release and then caused a bubble on the countertop. I think Tom Silva's suggestion was to reheat it with an iron (through a towel, so as to not scorch it) and then weight it down.
I would think you could do the reverse; heat it and then try to scrap it loose.

Good luck.

**Floorwizard** · 12-02-2005, 08:53 PM

Ascetone will release it very nicely. Squirt it in there while using a putty knife and it will peel off. It will also go down nice when your all set.

Ray R · 12-09-2005, 05:35 PM

I second the acetone. Just be sure not to have the place well ventilated.

**Teetorbilt** · 12-09-2005, 06:36 PM

Heat will distort the laminate making it useless. Acetone may release it but evaporates very quickly. We have used Tolulene for many decades, Lacquer Thinner works as well. It's a tedious process and only suited to outside as all of the above chemicals are harmful when concentrated and highly explosive.

Another way would be to soak the particle board off. Put the piece somewhere and soak it daily, cover it with plastic between soakings. In a day or so, you should have a bag full of soggy sawdust and some mica that just needs to be buffed off on the backside. This would also be the 'eco' way.

King of Crown · 12-10-2005, 02:21 AM

yeah......
save some time and money and replace the whole counter top.

Eric K · 12-10-2005, 08:18 PM

everytime i've ever removed laminate whether using heat or thinner, the laminate seems to distort its shape. heat will bubble and curl and when you use thinner the laminate will crack or curl from pulling up. although i've never tryed to reuse a peeled pc.

**Floorwizard** · 12-10-2005, 10:32 PM

I used to work in woodworking.
I cannot count how many times I had to use ascetone to remove a top and reinstall it.
Never had a problem with it, even if it had been on there a week.
It actually can go right back on without reapplying adhesive.

firemike · 12-17-2005, 12:51 PM

Acetone works, but watch out for pilot lights on the stove and hotwater heater, or any other device. Been to a few house fires over the years where the home owner or contractor was doing this exact thing and ruined the countertop, along with the kitchen, one even the whole house.
I generally use a heat gun to remove a piece I need to make a patch. Not too hot a setting, and patience is needed. it softens the contact cement up enough to pull apart. Just start at a corner and heat and peel slowly. I use a small (24") wide wrecking bar for easy leverage. Have always had them come up nicely if you don't try to rush or force it.

makfence · 12-31-2005, 04:11 PM

Use a little of the glue cleaning solvent in a spray bottle. Start on a corner , lift gentley and spray a little solvent. Have a helper keep lifting and spraying, take a old hand saw and cut the glue strands, while your helper lifts and sprays. I`ve done small counters by myself using that method. IT works great. MAK

J.Wilson · 01-02-2006, 06:35 PM

working in a cabinet shop I used to see this all the time, we always used laquer thinner to remove the laminate. Just be patient and dont pull too hard or you'll be replacing the formica