How to repair a damaged laminate benchtop?

[#1]

Damaged laminate cannot typically be repaired. However, if you are after a patch job, I suggest using Ideal DIY Floors 30.5 x 30.5cm x 1.1mm Winton Self Stick Black And White Vinyl Tile in combination with Selleys 100ml Kwik Grip Horizontal Contact Adhesive.

I suggest using a Stanley knife to cut around the damaged area. Once you've removed the damaged pieces, wash the area with soap and water to remove all the oil and grease on the laminate surface. It's important the surface of the laminate be free of dirt and debris so that when you glue the vinyl patch it will not slide away.

Using your Stanley knife cut a white rectangular piece that is larger than the damaged area. Please note that the vinyl will not be the same colour as your laminate surface. The purpose of putting the patch on is to prevent food and grease from entering the damaged area. Once the area is totally dry apply some of the contact adhesive. Although the vinyl panel already has adhesive on it the contact adhesive will provide a superior seal over the area. Please make sure to follow the instructions on how to apply the contact adhesive.

Another way to disguise the damage is to cover the front area of the stove with a white vinyl panel. In this manner, it will look like it is a protective covering for that area of the benchtop.

One other option is to cut the damaged portion of the laminate with a Stanley Knife and fill the damage with UNi-PRO 500g Multi Purpose Interior Filler. Your goal is to fill the damage to the same level as the benchtop. Once the filler cures, I suggest sanding it flat using a Rocket Sanding Sponge.

Once the surface is nice and flat, I suggest painting the surface with paint that is close to the colour of your benchtop. You'll need to touch up the paint from time to time as it will wear out due to daily use.

All these suggestions are likely to be temporary repairs. Should the opportunity present itself, I propose replacing the benchtop with a new one. - EricL

Check out this article How to repair a water-damaged kitchen benchtop as it has the same principles for repairing. How to repair a laminate benchtop has step-by-step advice from the Bunnings team that should help as well. - KatieC

[brendawebster44]

All very good advice or do as I did put the chopping board over it . Costs nothing. Brenda 

[Remarka6le]

Great article, I'll be sure to keep this in my back pocket. Would be interested in a similar one regarding stone & concrete tops and suggestions on how to repair minor damage and at what stage of damage you should replace the top entirely.