I have almond colored kitchen countertops that are stained. Does anyone have a miracle method of removing stains or suggestions on what I should use as a replacement?? I’d like to use the least expensive, most durable application. Your experience would be appreciated.
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Laminate is by far the least expensive countertop material. Even the high-end patters, which I think look quite stunning, are a bargain compared to the alternatives. I've never seen laminate stain in any house I've lived in or owned (even in college), so I'd think your stain is quite unusual and you should not have the same problem with new laminate.
Stone is much more prone to staining, and solid surfacing, which I've had, is somewhat more prone to staining than laminate.
Apparently laminate is not readily available in our area. The contractor who gave me an estimate said ceramic tile and laminate would be the same price because of special shipping costs on laminate. I'm not sure I want ceramic because of breakage and possible stains on the grouting. Do you have any experience with ceramic?
Sorry, no experience with tile because of the cleaning problems. In bathrooms there is problem enough, so that was enough for me to not use it in a kitchen.
I can't imagine laminate isn't available everywhere. You just order it. I am skeptical that you are getting the whole story from your contractor.
Here is a place in Clackamas--
http://www.northpacificsupply.com/Remodel/Showroom/Countertops.html
Also check local Home Depot type places.
And get a different contractor, the one you mentioned is full of caca.
T
Thank you! I will check this place out.
I've had the same almond Formica counter tops since 1979. We cook a lot, children aren't careful and they still look fine. Anytime something stains, ie blueberries, mustard, wine, food coloring, come to mind I spray SCRUB FREE Soap Scum remover. I think this is really designed for bathrooms but I've been using it all these years on the counters.
I leave it on about 5 minutes and wipe. If the stain is still there I do it again.
It's sold in the supermarket.
Edited 7/20/2005 2:59 pm ET by Teapot
Lyn: We put in ceramic tiles on our countertops in the kitchen almost 20 years ago. They are about three inches square and have never cracked or chipped despite heavy use (my husband considers the kitchen sink an extension of his workshop). We grouted them with colored grout (the tiles are cobalt and the grout is a medium gray). They are the only thing I would not change about my kitchen! They look good, are easy to clean (the area around the coffee pot gets high use and a lot of spilled coffee), don't absorb odors, can handle heat extremes: what's not to love? The only thing I do not do on the counter tops is cut food. Not because the tiles couldn't take it, because it would ruin my knives.
We also surrounded the stove area with tiles on the wall. These are white with a few delt inspired inserts. No matter how much grease, food splatters or heat they are exposed to, they always bounce back after a spray and a wipe.
Good luck with whatever you decide!
mimi
Lyn:
I believe you will find that laminates will provide the most versatile and inexpensive solution to your problem. The patterns are endless. There are even numerous surface textures and gloss levels as well as surface hardnesses and thicknesses. There are several sheet sizes to avoid unsightly seams. Your local home supply store should stock samples that you can take home free of charge just like paint samples. They should also be able to tell you exactly how much the material will cost, but expect to wait a few days as your laminate will likely need to be ordered.
Laminates can last for decades, but they can be scratched or worn down as the pattern and color is only in the topmost layer. Laminates will scorch at 550-600 deg F. New polyeurethane adhesives will allow you to resurface your existing countertops in minutes. Most of your labor cost will result from careful trimming, appliance removal and reinstallation, and edge treatment. Laminates are easily damaged until glued in place and there is little if any room for error.
The good news is that the possibilities are endless with the thousands of colors and patterns. Low mess too!
cleve