Anybody have any ideas for fixing a minor scratch in laminate counter top? I installed a microwave yesterday and something must have gotten under the drop cloth that I had on the counter. The scratch is about 3 1/2″ long, but it is hardly visible. The counter top is a real light beige with a speckled pattern in it. It is almost invisable to me but the owner knows it is there and would like something done about it. Any advice would be great.
Thanks,
keek
Replies
They make seam fillers but I have never used it on a scratch so not sure it would hide it. Is this a fairly new top? If so you're probably looking at replacement, if its older and the people are not looking to hit you to hard you might offer the install for free or some sort of compensation.
Doug
Edited 6/4/2008 10:13 pm ET by DougU
Hi. I have a seam fill kit with various colors of a liquified laminate-type material that most times works to fill minor scratches. I mostly use it for miters and such. The manufacturer or supplier may have one of these, with some colors to mix for a good match. The filler hardens like epoxy, lacquer thinner is used for cleaning. Best I have for you. Good luck
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Hi Keek,
I've never used the epoxy type filler but I have had success with vinyl repair kits. The couple of times I've used it though, the scratch was fairly deep. Not sure a minor scratch like you describe would be enough to hold the vinyl type, but I bet the epoxy type would work well.
I'd suggest you get ahold of a similar scrap of laminate and do some experimenting first, such as an end kit would be fairly cheap to practice on. --------------------------------------------------------
Cheap Tools at MyToolbox.netSee some of my work at AWorkOfWood.com
keek -
Use the product 'Gel Gloss' on the laminate. http://trindustries.com/store/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=35 Available at HDepot and hardware stores
Jeff
Edited 6/5/2008 12:04 am ET by Jeff_Clarke
Years ago i did Formica and had a repair kit of all the colors{there were not that many then}.
If i messed up or my seam was a little rough i could make it look ok
The top is most likely Formica or Wilsonart, call them, and check on repair kits. An 800# can probably be found at 1 800 555-1212.
A surface scratch in LP with a pattern is not something you can repair with seam seal. This will be a hard learned lesson. You must take extra preventative measures to protect things like countertops, sinks, bathtubs, floors, etc. A drop cloth won't do. Taping down double cardboard along with a drop cloth is a common method. If you are real careful, you may be able to dip the point of a toothpick in some poly, of the right sheen, and paint just the scratch. You only want the tip to be slightly wet, no drops. The top will get scratched in the future but customers still get upset. Shiny LP is the worst, I try not to even look at it for fear of a mark. If you have gone through the color, you may be able to use some auto touch up paint or seam fill on the toothpick with a real steady hand. If you try to wipe down and level seam fill with the solvent, it will usually remove what's in the scratch. Try to get it right, off the toothpick. We have all done it. You soon learn kitchen countertops are not workbenches. Unfortunately, plumbers and electricians don't get it. Full protection is your best bet in the future.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
I have had sucess with many small scratches on many types of surfaces ( well, mostly plastics on guitars) using superglue and a needle as a pipette.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
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Me.
Just go to your LP product supplier get the seam filler and ask for 2 sample color chips.(Color doesn't matter)You use the color chips as a pair of putty knives. Put a bead of seam filler on one of the chips and at a 45 degree angle to the scratch go over it till you think you have filled the scratch. The go over at the same 45 with the clean chip exerting moderate pressure. This will clean the excess off. Clean both chips with lacquer thinner and repeat in one hour. Allow this to cure over night. The scratch will eventually return, but it may remove some of the heat.
Edited 6/5/2008 11:50 am ET by unionlabel