Don’t Let Laminate Installation Be a Pain: Follow These Steps to Properly Sand Your Countertop

Using sandpaper to prepare a countertop for a new laminate surface is an often overlooked vital step. Sanding will not only rough up the underlay for the new surface, but it is also helpful to get rid of any uneven spots and make sure the contact cement adheres firmly. Here is how to correctly use sandpaper to get the countertop ready for a new laminate surface.

First, attach a disk of coarse sandpaper, about 60 grit, to an orbital sander. Working on low speed, begin to run the orbital sander in an even motion from back to front to sand the entire countertop surface, including the area where the new laminate will be applied. No matter if it’s an old laminate or another surface, it’s essential to remove every trace of its original glossy finish and make sure that there are no uneven spots, grease stains, or oily marks. Be sure to sand off the old backsplash lip if you are planning to apply new laminate and keep in mind, if you’re planning to cut the old backsplash lip off and replace it, sanding isn’t necessary.

Next, sweep off any dust and particles on the countertop surface with a soft-bristled whisk broom, and then use a shop vacuum with the smallest brush-edged head on the hose to get all the smaller particles.

Once the countertop is prepped and free of dust, measure and cut the laminate so it is about 1 inch overall longer and wider than the underlay. Test-lay the laminate in place and use a pencil to draw lines on it to mark the finished edge. Take the orbital sander with the fine 120-200 grit sandpaper and sand off the excess laminate outside the pencil lines. Brush and vacuum off the sander dust once again.

Finally, to attach the laminate to the countertop surface, apply a layer of contact cement according to the instructions, and quickly and precisely lay the laminate on the cement. Once it is down, roll over it with a hand roller starting in the middle and working out towards the edges. Finally, use medium-grit 120 or higher sandpaper to go around the edges and smooth out any rough edges, overlapping edges, and trim off any excess. Sand lightly, and then brush and vacuum off the dust. You’re now ready to enjoy your prepped counters with a new laminate surface!