Formica is a plastic laminate material made from several layers of craft paper, melamine, and resin glued to a plywood or MDF (medium density fiberboard). Formica is designed to be stain resistant and heat resistant, but you may notice scratches from knives, steel wool pads, or other sharp objects. Luckily, plastic laminate can be repaired without replacing the whole countertop. Follow these tips to fix formica countertop scratches.
Prepare to Fix the Scratch
To fix the scratch, you need:
- lint-free cloths
- sponges
- liquid dish soap
- putty knife
- toothpick
- small disposable plate
- old T-shirt or rough polishing pad
- spray countertop wax or auto wax paste
- wax laminate polish
- liquid formica filler that matches color
- porcelain repair kit (optional)
Clear the countertop, scrub it with a sponge dipped in a mixture of several drops of dish soap and one-half cup of warm water. Work the sponge in a moderate circular motion to remove debris, rinse, and let it dry. The surface needs to be cleaned so material adheres better. For tough stains, try to remove them with white distilled vinegar.
Fix Minor Scratches
Use wax to fill scratches that don't go deeper than the top layer. Dab a quarter-size amount of furniture wax or auto wax on the scratch to completely fill it, and make it even with the surface.
Buff the wax into the scratch using a cloth or old T-shirt working in a tight, circular motion. Keep working the wax in until the scratch disappears.
Buff the surface again with a clean cloth. For better results, buff with a motorized buffer and a lamb wool pad. You may need to repeat this process frequently, since wax wears quickly. Spray a non-wax furniture polish on the counter after it dries to help blend the patched with the rest of the countertop.
Apply Formica Filler or Porcelain Kit to Fix Deep Scratches
To fill large scratches or cuts, pour some filler in a small disposable plate. Mix the liquid with a putty knife until it gets thicker.
Moisten a cloth or old T-shirt in the filler, and work it into the scratch until it covers the surface. Quickly dip the knife in the mixture, and press it on the scratch; wiping extra with the cloth. After one hour check for evenness, and repeat, if needed, let it complexly dry for twenty-four hours, and polish.
Porcelain kits can also be used to repair deep cuts and scratches. Mix the porcelain filler according to directions, and apply it with a toothpick. Let it dry, then polish. For more help, contact a company like Countertop Place The.
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