Community Forums

Larry & Rita · 09-19-2011, 12:59 PM

I am helping a friend restore an old Pace Arrow, and the first thing I was ask was how to restore the Formica counter tops to some similance of new shine without going off budget (In other words cheaply)
I was not able to answer that one. Is there any product that can be applied that will bring back a little luster that is food safe??????

Senior Chief · 09-19-2011, 01:12 PM

Rustoleum makes a Countertop Coating (paint) which does a nice job of covering old laminate. Cost around $25/qt, which more than covered every laminate surface in our MH.

Makes a very smooth, fairly durable coating. You must allow as much time as possible for it to cure after applying, and it will chip.

We used it and were satisfied with it.

BigV · 09-19-2011, 01:17 PM

I posted pictures in this thread.

Counter & table are your basic plywood and laminate. Total cost of materials is less than $100 at your local Home Depot. The original was particle board and not worth using.

New sink, faucet and stove are of course extra

She and I · 09-19-2011, 02:35 PM

Great job BigV.......Thats what I would do as well....
Richard

Kurmudgeon · 09-19-2011, 11:39 PM

If it's the smooth, shiny version of Formica, auto polishing compound will restore the shine.

Mr_D · 09-19-2011, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurmudgeon

If it's the smooth, shiny version of Formica, auto polishing compound will restore the shine.

Or cut through the surface to the base, in which case it's time for new Formica. The wearing surface is very thin, you can see it in restaurants that haven't remodeled for a while.

Gary RVRoamer · 09-21-2011, 08:12 AM

There are several products that can be used to paint formica countertops. Some are just paint, while others offer textured or corian-like finishes. If you Google 'refinish countertop' you will find dozens in all price ranges

fishfighter · 09-22-2011, 02:54 PM

1 sheet of 3/4" B/C grade plywood here runs around $25. 1 sheet of Formica is around $45 and 1 qt of contact glue around $7. All one needs is a good router and trim bit. Very easy to build a new counter top that way.

JimM68 · 09-22-2011, 09:26 PM

Depending on the configuration, it shouldn't be terribly hard to simply glue new formica over it. They make a router bit with a bearing on the bottom to finish the edges. Might have to remove it to do it.