Repairing a burned Formica countertop
There are a few options that will work to repair a burned Formica plastic laminate countertop. All of these methods should be performed by a professional trained in working with Formica countertops.
Installing a surface protector
This is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to remove a burn mark from a plastic laminate countertop. There are many styles and sizes of cutting boards available. These accessories must be held in place from under the counter. If the damaged area is above the dishwasher, you will need to hire a plumber to remove the appliance and reinstall it.
Steps to remove the burned area:
1) Find the right size cutting board insert
2) Mark the cut dimensions on the Formica surface
3) Place masking tape over the marks.
4) Redraw the cut lines on the masking tape if necessary
5) Drill a hole through which your jigsaw blade will fit
6) Cut slowly along the line.
7) Install Surface Saver following the instructions on the package
Have a custom made and installed butcher block cutting board
A cabinetmaking expert can fabricate and install a custom-made butcher block cutting board. These are usually made with a lipped edge that will stick out of a hole that is cut into the countertop.
- Make a one-inch thick cutting board that has a ¾ “x ¼” rabbit joint edge around it.
- Cut out the burned area from the Formica lid.
- Add a bottom underneath the hole that was cut to create a ¾ “recessed area for the cutting board to enter.
- Laminate the interior of the recessed areas with Formica.
- Butcher block insert
When done, the butcher block should be recessed into the countertop and beaded over the hole that was cut in the countertop.
Recovering the countertop
This will be the most expensive option for repairing a burned laminate surface. Burnt laminate can be covered with fresh Formica. You may need to resurface all of your caps in your color.
Paint your tops
There are kits on the market specifically designed for painting Formica countertops. You can cut the burnt laminate and fill the hole with a new board. Next, you would need to use an automotive filler (Bondo) to fill in the area that will be flush with the laminate. These paint kits are generally available in granite patterns with various color selections to choose from. Fill and sand the area until it is perfectly flat and flawless.
No matter how you look at it, repairing a burned area on a Formica countertop will cost at least $ 200 to $ 1,500. Your cost will depend on the size of the cap and the repair method you select. The only method I suggest you try is to paint the top. All other suggested solutions for burnt formica should be done by a professional cabinet.