Installation Guide

Do
it
yourself
Installation Instructions for Easy Laminated Surfaces
Give your kitchen or bath a fresh new look with Formica
®
brand laminate. With careful planning you can do-it-yourself without the wait or additional labor
costs. You can get results that will make you glad you did it yourself.
Formica
®
brand laminate is easy to install, easy to clean and care for. That means your new countertops will give you years of carefree pleasure and
enjoyment. Choose from a large variety of colors and patterns to get the look you want.
Step 1 Getting Started
Having the right tools on hand will make the job go quickly and easily. Keep in mind that you should work in a well-ventilated
room and wear safety glasses when using any power tool. Before beginning, read adhesive precautions and directions.
If you are building new countertops, particleboard is recommended for the core material. On countertops with square edges,
Formica
®
brand laminate can be installed over the existing laminate – provided it has been cleaned, degreased and lightly sanded.
Required tools and materials:
®
Brand Laminate
Formica
®
Surfacing
• Saber saw with metal cutting or
fine-tooth cutting blades
• Safety glasses
• J-roller
• Router and laminate trimming bit
• Fine tooth mill file
• Brush, roller and trowel
(see adhesive can for recommendations)
• Formica
®
brand contact adhesive
• Dowel rods
Step 2 Make the Cut
Before cutting your laminate surface, check corners with a carpenter’s square so you won’t have problems later. Cut laminate with a
saber saw, using a fine tooth blade or a table saw with fine carbide tipped blade. If needed, also cut edge strips for Formica
®
brand
laminate, or wood moldings can be used as edging.
Warning: Measure surface to be covered carefully. Cut core material to size. Be sure to cut laminate surface 3/8" to 1/2" larger than the
surface to be covered.
Step 3 Put it Together
Surfaces Edges
• Apply adhesive to back of laminate with • Apply adhesive to laminate edge strip,
a roller. Follow instructions on adhesive can following instructions on adhesive can
• Apply adhesive to core (dirt-free • Apply 2 coats of adhesive to core edge
particleboard or old surface) of countertop
• Allow adhesive to dry completely • Bond edge strip to core using pressure
• Position dowel rods 6" apart on core
• Position laminate on top of dowel rods
• Align surfaces and slide rods out
• Immediately apply pressure with a J-roller
Note: Some adhesives contain flammable solvents. Follow instructions on adhesive can.
Step 4 Finishing Touches
• Trim excess with router and laminate trimming bit
• File edge flush, removing sharp edges
Note: To prevent moisture damage to the core materials seal all seams, including a backsplash, with caulk.
For technical assistance call 1-800-FORMICA™
Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm EST
02-155 (07/03)