Post & Ask

Get advice, inspiration and feedback on all your home & garden projects!

Norcross, GA on Mar 10, 2012

I have laminate countertops that are maybe 2 yrs old. They have a granite pattern -- black, some gray, a small amt of

white and a small amt of beige. They're VERY shiny and that's why I liked them so much. I still like them, but the parts that are used the most have lost their shine. Little or never used parts are, of course, still beautifully shiny. What's the best way to clean these in the not-so-shiny parts? Is the shine GONE or is it obscured from a buildup of stuff being on it?

2 Comments

BeckySue, Certified Maste... Lawrenceville, GA

IMO, treating the parts differently will not make a difference with laminate. The warn parts is the top coat of the laminate that has been worn away. This also applies to laminates that are dull, its just with gloss finishes that you notice it sooner.
Im afraid there is not a fix to this situation other than refinishing them entirely .. Ive read some success to this, but have not personal testimony of it... or replacement.

on Mar 10, 2012 · Like 0
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

Becky Sue...has pretty much nailed it...the day to day use has dulled the topcoat. This phenomenon also occurs in floor refinishing...high gloss floor lose their shine first in the traffic areas...then you have both a dull finish and shinny finish. This is one reason why I like to recommend and install floor in the "satin" finish....it prolongs the appearance of this wear difference.
If your counters were real granite you could have them re-polished to bring back some shine ...»
but with laminates this is not really possible. I have heard of some folks "buffing" their counters with an automotive type "wax" to help in this area...its "better" but will never really shine like when it was new.

on Mar 13, 2012 · Like 0