All,
For some strange reason I seem to think that repairing solid surface countertops would be a good skill to have in addition to my general remodeling skills. So ….
Does anyone know how I should approach this? In other words, how does one get started in that end of the countertop business? What is involved up front in the area of material, skills and equipment?
Thanks,
dlb
.
Replies
Dale,
Got a vibrator sander? Assuming the top was correctly installed and hasn't cracked, that's about all you do. Take out the scratches. Scotchbrites of various colors on the sander will give you whatever sheen you're after. Not complicated but nasty dust!
My last installation the floor guy insisted on being the last one in. Scratched the crap out of my counters, apparently dumping his tools there. Homeowner didn't want to go after the floor guy so I left it to them to clean up all the dust. I think they remembered....
PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!
If you are talking about refinishing solid surface that is no big deal. A good dual action sander (get one with a dust hood that attaches to a vacuum). Good sandpaper up to about 600 grit for a glossy finish. Careful though don't put a glossy finish on dark colors or high use areas (advise clients against it). Dark colors show even the smallest scratches. I would suggest rigging up a plastic tent around the work area to contain the dust to a smaller area. Tape the tent down along all edges.
If you are talking about repair that is a whole different ball game. To repair a cigarrette burn or a chip you need a whole set of routers, jigs and bits. Not to mention a piece of the original material and matching adhesives.
Mike
Thanks for the reply. I am not refering to resurfacing the countertops but repairing cracks, burns, separations, etc. in them.
How do I find out what equipment is needed, techniques & procedures, and how to get started?
Thanks,
dlb
.
All the repairs you mention are handled by certified fabricators. It is one of the requirements of certification in order to weed out bad fabricators causing warrenty problems. I don't really see a market in it unless you are looking for warranty work from fabricators. This is cheap work considering shop workers that do these repairs make around $13.00/hour in this area. Also shops putting out product that has field problems don't last too long you will be chasing money that was never there.
______________________________________________________________If you were arrested for being a quality builder would there be enough evidence to convict you?
I agree with GEO. If my shop has a problem we will fix it. You would probably not even be able to buy the adhesive from the manufacturer without being a certified fabricator. About the only area for you to get into would be resurfacing.
That being said, go to http://www.pinske-edge.com they have some slick fabrication/repair tools. I would also suggest a training video from them before you buy any tools, just so you know what you are getting into.
Mike