Home Improvement Guide: How To Fix Laminate Countertop Water Damage

Contents show

Laminate countertops look great and last long. They can be an attractive addition to your home. However, like any other countertop, they can also suffer from water damage.

It is important to seal countertops to protect them from water damage. Many refinishing products can give your countertops a shiny, glossy finish and protect the surface underneath by acting as a sealer.

You can use epoxy to do the job. However, check this link https://www.caesarstoneus.com/blog/epoxy-countertops-read-this-before-you-buy/ to understand its pros and cons before you buy it.

What can damage laminate countertops?

Heat and moisture can damage many countertops, including laminate ones. When you place a hot plate directly from the stove on the surface of the laminate countertops, it can weaken the seal and allow moisture to seep in.

It is crucial to address these damages ASAP. The longer you wait, the water seeps underneath and causes the particle board to swell underneath.

However, not every laminate countertop requires the same treatment. The design of the countertops and the extent of damage determines the repairing process.

Wondering how to fix laminate countertop water damage?

There are different options to fix laminate countertop water damages. In this article, we will take you through the tips and tricks.

If you want to DIY, you would need the following tools to repair the laminate:

Putty knife
Iron or heat gun
Contact adhesive
Books or flat weights
Laminate roller or rolling pin

Lift the loose edge

If you are seeking to learn how to fix a complete roofing solutions countertop seam from water damage, the first step is to lift the loose edge of the laminate. With a putty knife, you can remove the debris stuck between the laminate and the substrate.

Heat the laminate surface

Use a heat gun to heat the laminate surface. If you are using an iron, put a cotton cloth underneath and turn the steam setting off. The heat softens the glue and helps the bond between the substrate and the laminate reform.

Apply the laminate

Apply the laminate over the damaged area and put pressure on it with heavy books or flat weights. Let the setting cool down and check if the laminate is intact. If it’s still loose, you may have to apply another coat of adhesive and repeat the step.

Apply the adhesive underside

Coat adhesive on the underside of the laminate and top of the substrate. Then put pressure on the laminate with the help of a rolling device. Make sure to release any bubbles and even out the surface. After that, put heavy weight on the laminate and let the countertop cure for a few hours.

When planning out how to fix the laminate countertop water damage seam, it’s important to note that if the water damage is bad, you may have to replace the countertop. Remember, fixing such countertops will not solve the issues completely, and may create recurring problems. By replacing heavily damaged countertops, you may have to spend some money upfront, but the new countertops can last for decades.

It is recommended to hire experts to replace your countertops. However, if you DIY, you would need the following tools and supplies:

Jig Saw
Drill and Drill Bit
Block Plane
Belt Sander
Saw Horses
Clamps
Caulk Gun
Rubber Mallet
Hammer
Handsaw
Adjustable Wrench
Screwdriver
Sandpaper
Tape Measure
Level
Compass
Safety Glasses
Laminate Countertop
Smooth File
Fastening Bolts
Sealant
Contact Adhesive
Wood Glue

Prepare the space.

Remove appliances like stoves, sinks, and refrigerators. Wear a mask and glasses and cut the cabinets to fit your dimensions. Then, put a masking tape alongside the edges to avoid chipping.

After cutting the piece, sand the edges to get a smooth surface.

Fit the countertop

Measure the pieces you have cut and adjust the size according to the surface area. Sand down the edges with a belt sander to fit the countertop properly.

Create buildup strips

Cut buildup strips to install at every corner under the counter. It allows countertops to attach to the base cabinet. Screw down the buildup strips before pre-drilling holes to make it easy for the countertops to attach.

Place the countertop

Place the countertop pieces on the cabinets. Take a little globule of caulk or adhesive and apply it to the beat edge of the cabinets. Gradually lower the pieces into the space and use a power drill to attach the buildup strips to the countertops.

Bring together the miter joints underneath the countertops by applying the suggested sum of adhesive. Fix the bolts, ensuring that the countertops are evenly placed.

Final touch

Use adhesive to attach splashes where the counter meets the wall. It will cover any exposed edges. Then use a caulk gun to seal the joint between the counters and the wall.

Once all this is done, your countertop is ready to be used. Bring back all the appliances that you had removed from the countertop surface and the surrounding area.

Dos and don’ts of maintaining laminate countertops

After you have installed laminate countertops, it’s important to gently care for them, to make them last longer.

Here are some dos and don’ts to improve their durability.

Dos

Use a dry cloth to dust off
Clean with mild soap and water
Use a soft sponge to clean the surface
If you have hard grease on the surface, sprinkle some baking soda and Wipe off with a sponge
Spray vinegar solution to make the countertops shine
Always use a cutting board for chopping and cutting

Don’ts

Don’t leave spills and liquid on the countertops for long
Don’t use abrasive cleaners
Don’t use steel scrubbing tools
Don’t keep hot appliances directly on the surface

Conclusion

Now you know how to fix laminate countertop water damage.

After a professional countertop manufacturer evaluates the water damage, you can decide the level of repairing that needs to be done. However, make sure to put into your contract proposal to either use plywood on the new top or seal the particle board before repairing it.

Make sure to keep the countertop surface dry and clean. Use mild soap and a soft cloth to clean the counter. A regular cleaning routine can make the laminate countertops last for decades and keep their shine intact.