Removing Laminate Countertop

You might not need to remove and open them all but it makes removing the countertop easier to have clear access.

Removing laminate countertop.

Most laminate countertops use silicone adhesive. Some countertop installations such as granite will use an epoxy or construction adhesive like liquid nails. Installers often use copious amounts of caulk and adhesive to secure laminate countertops in place. Get sides and backs removed first if you.

Laminate has several layers and all you need to remove is the top layer. The best way to do it is to use a heat gun to soften the adhesive and pull the laminate off in sections starting with the edging. Removing a laminate kitchen countertop is relatively easy because it s held onto the cabinets with a combination of adhesive and screws. Putty knife hammer pry bar razor blade.

Most countertops are bracketed to the base cabinets. Use a pry bar to remove the countertops. If you want to remove all of the old laminate layers begin to peel the laminate back from the substrate at the corners. Put the claw of the pry bar under the rim of the counter and press down on the free end until the countertop begins to lift up.

Then go under the sink and loosen the nuts holding both the water lines and the drain pipe onto the sink and faucet. Some mdf cabinets have a plastic coating and removing a plastic coating from kitchen cabinets is usually easier than removing a wood laminate. Before attempting to remove your countertops use a sharp utility knife to cut through the caulk to separate the countertops from walls cabinets and surroundings surfaces. To remove the laminate an agent such as acetone must be used to break the bond of the adhesive.

The laminate is glued to the countertop s particle board framework to hold it in place. In order to remove the countertop the sink and fixtures will have to come out first. However both are doable with patience and a steady supply of heat. Turn on both your hot and cold taps to drain any remaining water from the pipes.