how does one cut sheets of formica? Sheers/saw?

Question

I have just painted built in cabinets and would love to cover the counter area with something more durable than paint, I have no experience with formica but will try to do it if I can handle it.  Any tips would be appreciated.

Becky H · Answer

I've not done this, but I've been told a router works well.

KMS Woodworks · Answer

The 'rough' dimensions are cut out using a circular saw or jig saw. This results with an over hang on your substrate. This finished edge is then cleaned up with a router...there are even special routers called a 'laminate trim router' for the job. I have this Bosch model...its pretty sweet. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8CofBxHMN8

KMS Woodworks · Answer

Oh I forgot to mention this formica is installed with contact cement  first...let it dry then trim.

D P · Answer

So far, a year later, it's still just paint on the shelf surface. Does anyone have any ideas to cover this other than formica?

Thegreenworkbench · Answer

They have formica cutters as well if you aren't comfortable with power tools. Remember when using the contact cement not to let two surfaces touch until it is exactly where you want it to be.

As far as using another material, maybe some laminate wood flooring? They easily snap together and you could probably get scraps from someone redoing their floor or from a store since you don't have much to cover.

Rose · Answer

2 Possible WAYS2GO:
Idea #1
I moved into an older rental and wanted to cover the existing perfectly functional counters.  I had a 5/8' thick rectangular marble slab tabletop that usually sits on it's wrought iron base ( a French cafe-type table I bought years ago at CostPlus Imports for less than $100).  Since I'm not using the piece, I popped the marble top on the counter. A bonus was that it's just a couple inches deeper & a few inches wider than the counter, so expands the available counter surface, without getting in the way in the smallish kitchen.  Then, I kept an eye out for another shorter marble remnant (white carrara/gray veining -pretty common) for the other side of the sink,  Found an old square marble table top that matched well & had it cut down to my specifications. Shop around for this simple service, varie$ widely.  I like that the stone is vintage - I don't worry about it getting a bit beat up, just enjoy the 'patina'.  
Idea #2 Potting table top/counter
I had a 1' plywood sheet cut to my dimensions at the bigbox depot, then took it to a metal fabricator's shop to be covered in zinc (galvanized sheet metal), wrapping the edges all around & underneath to discourage moisture soaking into wood.  I laid that new tabletop/counter on top of the roomy old wooden four-drawer topless dresser I had painted & fabric wrapped, (base sealed with many coats of non yellowing clear sealant).  You could make a similar counter 'cap', even extending the depth of the top by a few inches from current counter surface, and tacking on a front fascia piece before applying metal, that can cover the thickness of the original counter.  Will look custom, and it is!

KMS Woodworks · Answer

Tile, rustic wooden slab, glass, copper

D P · Answer

thank you all for your great ideas!

Capernius · Answer

as someone already said, use a router to trim it up....but before you do that, brush or roll on contact cement....put it on the formica AND on the cabinets/wherever it is to be installed.
after you get the glued formica on the cabinet, take a heavy roller to squeeze all the air bubbles out...usually you can feel the difference...usually.

let it set for 24 hours or more, & then take a router & trim off the excess...depending on ow good you are with crafts, maybe the leftovers(formica) can be used in a craft somehow...
Just a thought.

Belinda Lemker · Answer

I use unicorn spit and everyone loves it. So easy

Mogie · Answer

Jigsaws are equipped with fine-toothed blades for making precise cuts. This works well cutting Formica. The tool has an even metal plate which sits on the material to be cut. The thin blade moves up and down once the trigger is pulled, meaning that you can cut in a curved or straight motion.

To cut Formica with a jigsaw, you will need to take adequate measures. By doing so, the decorative laminate layer is not damaged as you make curves on the supporting material underneath.

how does one cut sheets of formica? Sheers/saw?

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how does one cut sheets of formica? Sheers/saw?

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