How To Relaminate Cabinets

Relaminate your cabinets for a fresh new look. This storage solution is cheaper than new cabinets.

 

According to Dave DeCarlo, expert carpenter and cabinet refinisher, preparing a smooth, flat base is critical before relaminating cabinets. "Bumps and bubbles will ruin even the most careful job", he says.

1. Cut the laminate so it extends 20mm beyond all edges of the surface being covered. Apply a consistent coat of spray laminate adhesive to the surface, per the manufacturer's instructions. Use scrap plywood as a shield while spraying. Wear a protective mask and goggles.

2. When the spray adhesive dries, place thin sticks every 10 to 12cm on the cabinet surface and then rest the laminate panel on top of the sticks. Remove sticks, starting from the center.

3. After all sticks are removed, press down on the laminate. Use a steel roller to apply pressure consistently to the laminate.

4. Use a handheld router and square routing bit to trim laminate to the exact size of the surface. If router blade is against laminate surface, apply paste wax so the laminated surface does not burn when the router comes into contract. For interior corners where laminate meets laminate, use a bevel routing tip to fit panels together snugly and to avoid heavy hand filing.

5. Sand laminate edges of exterior corners with 80-grit sandpaper or a metal file to ensure a finished edge.

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