How to Repair Laminate Countertop Scratches

CB
by CB
Does anyone know of a way to get rid of light scratches on a laminate countertop? My "stone-look" counter was scratched while installing a microhood. Not too drastic, but I'd like to at least make the scratches less obvious. Thank you!
  4 answers
  • One must understand exactly what a laminate counter is made of. Its paper layers with a finish applied on the top. Once you scratch the surface and enter into the paper lamina, you cannot simply polish the scratch out. If it was painted, a polishing compound would be used to finely remove tiny particles of adjoining material that would settle out into the scratch effectively hiding it. But the top surface is plastic and simply will not polish out in that fashion. Depending upon how bad or deep the scratches are would depend what method you can try to hid this damage. Solid colors can often be hid using nail polish that matches the color. Simply apply and rub off leaving the polish in the scratched area. Cleaners that leave a oily byproduct such as lemon oil will darken the surface slightly perhaps making the scratch blend in better. For a localized area that tends to be the one spot that everyone uses as a cutting board you can purchase a cutting board that simply is fitted into the top area. This is done by cutting out the pattern of the new cutting board, installing a supporting ring and mounting the cutting board into the hole. A google search of laminate counter top cutting boards will show you several samples of these devices.
  • Gayle Tedesco Gayle Tedesco on Feb 11, 2014
    Could you maybe apply a tiny bit of rubbing compound on it? If it isn't a real deep scratch? Maybe try it on a sample piece of laminate from the hardware store first??? Just a crazy suggestion?
  • Kate S Kate S on Feb 12, 2014
    Wax it - they sell counter wax that sprays on and you buff it - very good at minimizing scratches & also protecting. Used to put on my 60's era counters in the 80's & it really made them look nice.
  • CB CB on Feb 12, 2014
    Thank you SO much, Kate! I'd heard that paste wax works, but that sounded strange (and I have no other use for paste wax). After receiving your kind recommendation, I did a search and came across several products that I remember. I always wondered what "Jubilee" was! Thank you again.