Replacing or covering counters.

CatPhilippe

I would like to replace or cover the laminate counter tops with a new laminate. Has anyone done this? The table should not be too hard, more worried about the counter around sink and stove. 

db_cooper

If I were to do something,  I'd probably use this:

http://www.daichcoatings.com/spreadstone_countertop_kit.html

We used it on a large concrete counter top that wasn't done properly.  It was this or rip it out,  creating tons of dust and probably destroying some cabinets in the process.  We did it 3 years ago, and it still looks like new.  Very happy with it,  I'd do it again in a heart beat.  The counter top kit would do the T@B, and a whole regular kitchen.   I'm sure we had enough left over to do a T@B kitchen.   It was originally created to cover floors,  so it's pretty dang durable.  The video's show them applying over a laminate counter top. 

wizard1880

I've wondered about alternative countertop materials too.  The original laminate seems to hold up quite well, so it's not something I'd do unless they were irreplaceable for some reason or got real damaged somehow.

Obviously, solids like granite and quartz are out of the question-- too heavy and the bumpy ride would likely crack it over time.

But what about Corian?  It's solid too but lighter in weight, and it's strong.  But how heavy is it compared to the wood laminate we have now?  Just thinking out loud.

db_cooper

There is so little counter top, I'd also only replace if damaged.  Corian would work, it's what's in the Sofitel, might even be able to get it  from the factory. It's hard to work with if u have to fit it yourself.

The Spreadstone stuff would only add ounces. I did our kitchen counter in probably 6 hours
 over 3 days.  

jkjenn

db_cooper said:

There is so little counter top, I'd also only replace if damaged.  Corian would work, it's what's in the Sofitel, might even be able to get it  from the factory. It's hard to work with if u have to fit it yourself.

The Spreadstone stuff would only add ounces. I did our kitchen counter in probably 6 hours
 over 3 days.  

I have always wanted an excuse to use spreadstone or roller rock.

Homebodyatheart

db_cooper I'd like to use it on the floor! As much as I love hardwood floors I'm not too fond of that particular flooring look. Thanks for the product intro!

db_cooper

If our marmoleum flooring ever gets too bad, I'll probably Spreadstone it.  

Homebodyatheart

I like marmoleum! It takes a beating and still looks great! The preschool in our building put it in their arts and crafts/play room and it still looks really good.

dragonsdofly

@db_cooper, own an early 2017 sofitel. Countertop and table are formica type over compressed composite as far as I can tell. No corian for sure. Anyone else have something different?

db_cooper

Must have been the T@bitha model then.  I know one of the packages had corian at one time.

ScottG

I've made a couple small laminate counters. It wasn't hard, but I glued the laminate to plywood first, then cut and fit the counter as a single piece. I'm not sure how much more difficult it would be to cut the laminate separately and try to fit it in place, or whether you can glue new laminate over old. If you are really committed to this, it might be easier and neater to just remove and replace the entire top.

CatPhilippe

Thanks for all your suggestions. It is purely a cosmetic change.... I am kind of picky about the look... ;-). And do not like the brown "20 year old trend look" that my 2013 T@b is showing.... (a designers dilemma)! 

Nomad

ScottG - When I remodeled my rec area, we glued new laminate over old with no problem - just had to make sure there was good adhesion and evenly pressed into place. Had to remove and replace the edge trim. Adhesive on both surfaces. Since both surfaces had adhesive, was tricky positioning - think we used some kind of nonstick paper between and then slowely removed as we pressed the new laminate to the old. We cut the sink openings after all was in place. The T@B counter is small so would be alot easier to position I'd think.
Cooktop is easy to remove. Sink a little more work.

Edit-Add: Can't recall if we sanded the old laminate to roughen it up or not.

Nomad

Have always thought the gray counter and fridge front were odd choices as they really don't go with the rest of the T@Bs warm interior. Have often thought of changing both.
Any ideas about changing the color of the fridge panel? Paint?

jkjenn

PXLated said:

Have always thought the gray counter and fridge front were odd choices as they really don't go with the rest of the T@Bs warm interior. Have often thought of changing both.
Any ideas about changing the color of the fridge panel? Paint?

I think I  would go with contact paper. It can be removed. 

Nomad

Jenn - Don't see any way one could apply contact paper with all the rounded edges. Maybe using the material they use for graphic wraps as I think it can be heated so it shrinks around curved edges <- At least that's how I think they get it to wrap evenly around vehicle curves.

jkjenn

PXLated said:

Jenn - Don't see any way one could apply contact paper with all the rounded edges. Maybe using the material they use for graphic wraps as I think it can be heated so it shrinks around curved edges <- At least that's how I think they get it to wrap evenly around vehicle curves.

Good point.

Homebodyatheart

PCL its a great place to put your ' states visited' map

jkjenn

PXLated said:

Jenn - Don't see any way one could apply contact paper with all the rounded edges. Maybe using the material they use for graphic wraps as I think it can be heated so it shrinks around curved edges <- At least that's how I think they get it to wrap evenly around vehicle curves.

Good point.

jkjenn

You know, you can order laminate that applies with adhesive over your existing counter top.

JonInHouston

I'm about to recover my counter & table with this stuff:

https://www.spartanepoxies.com/metallic-epoxy?product_id=69

jgram2

Lots of great colors available in that product. Photos when you’re finished please!

Sharon_is_SAM

We protect our counters with a trimmed Yoga mat.

Marceline

Nomad said:

Any ideas about changing the color of the fridge panel? Paint?

https://www.rmwraps.com/mini-fridge-gallery/

jkjenn

Marceline said:

Nomad said:

Any ideas about changing the color of the fridge panel? Paint?

https://www.rmwraps.com/mini-fridge-gallery/

I have been considering printing a custom decal for the face of mine.