Can Formica countertops be resurfaced?

Author: Maximus Schaefer  |  Last update: Sunday, November 9, 2025

LAMINATE BY FORMICA GROUP Outdated, worn or damaged high pressure laminate-clad worktops, countertops, bars, fixtures, etc. may be made to look new again by resurfacing the existing item with Formica® Brand Laminate.

How do you make old Formica countertops look better?

Again, the most practical way to clean and polish your counter or tabletop is with a dry, clean, non-abrasive microfiber cloth and a little elbow grease. You can also use Hope's Perfect Countertop spray and wipe wax to polish Formica® laminate and give it an extra shine.

How do you restore finish to Formica countertops?

Clean countertop with soapy water, Mix 1/2 cup of white vinegar, 1/2 cup of lukewarm water and 1 teaspoon mineral oil (baby oil). Stir the ingredients until they are well-incorporated. Dampen a microfiber cloth with the mixture and use it to polish the laminate countertop.

Can you put new Formica over old Formica countertops?

Yes, it sure can. I was so excited to find this out! Installing the new laminate right over the old made this project go so much faster than having to build all new countertops from scratch. And it saved some money as well.

How much does countertop overlay cost?

How much do concrete overlay countertops cost? The estimated product cost for refinishing your existing countertops with an integrally colored concrete overlay is $1.15 per square foot. Total project cost depends on preexisting conditions and design aggregate and finishes.

Refinish a Countertop - Beyond Paint

Does Lowes do countertop overlays?

Online Countertop Design Tool: Design your own countertops online using our Countertop Design Tool. Countertop Overlays: In select locations, we offer a countertop overlay service that takes a fraction of the time of traditional design and installation services.

Is resurfacing a countertop worth it?

The fact is that countertop refinishing can be a great way to transform the look of your kitchen, bathroom, or bar without breaking the bank. Refinishing can allow you to restore and preserve your current countertops without the mess, hassle, and expense of tearing them out and replacing them.

What is the life expectancy of Formica countertops?

With proper care and maintenance, Formica countertops can last for many years. On average, they can have a lifespan of around 10 to 20 years. However, many factors contribute to this, such as the level of use and the care and maintenance practices applied over the years.

Does anyone use Formica countertops anymore?

Once upon a time, Formica laminate was the only option for kitchen countertops. Then, it fell out of favor with homeowners as granite soared in popularity. But as with many previous trends, Formica is back.

Can I resurface my Formica countertops?

Formica® Countertops - What is the laminate refinishing process? Formica® countertops must be cleaned and de-greased before refinishing. Any burns, cuts, or chips will be filled, sanded and made level.

What should you not use on Formica countertops?

AvoidAnce of AbrAsive cleAners/mAteriAls

These can damage the surface finish and make it susceptible to staining Ceramic or other abrasive objects, due to their inherent hard- ness, can cause scratching and premature wearing of laminate surfaces.

How to redo countertops cheaply?

There are a few cheap ways to redo kitchen countertops. For example, you can paint them, cover them with contact paper, or sand them and stain them with a wood finish. These options are suitable for wood, linoleum, or laminate countertops.

Is Formica the same as laminate?

Laminate, Formica®, and Wilsonart® are all essentially the same thing; laminate is the substance, and Formica® and Wilsonart® are the brand names. Both types are widely marketed for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and bar counters and available in a variety of colors and designs.

How do you rejuvenate old Formica?

Here's the right way how to polish Formica:
  1. Clean the Formica with a neutral cleanser, such as water and a mild detergent. ...
  2. Rinse the Formica with clean water and then polish it dry with a soft cloth.
  3. Remove any residual marks or smears with a window cleaner.

Can you sand and refinish Formica?

Painting Formica

To start, you'll need to rough up every square inch of surface with 150 to 250 grit sandpaper. Take your time to ensure there are no smooth spots remaining. This will be especially difficult if your counters have a metal band around the edges, as so many 1960s kitchens do.

How do you fix a dull laminate countertop?

The same properties that make plastic laminate such a tough and durable material for countertops also make it impossible to patch or repair fully. However, you can clean and polish laminate with a product like Gel-Gloss, a milky white cleaner/polish much like automotive wax.

What is the disadvantage of Formica?

The only drawback is that Formica isn't as durable as other countertops. It's only heat resistant up to 275 degrees Fahrenheit for a short period of time, and it's prone to scratches.

Is Formica a cheap countertop?

Affordability: The typical cost per square foot of installed granite may be roughly $120, while Formica® Brand Laminate costs between $14 and $38 per square foot installed. Sink options: Yes, you can have an undermount sink!

Does Formica contain asbestos?

Formica was known to use hazardous asbestos materials in the laminate and production facilities that may have caused cancer and other serious illness to those who spent time in the facilities. Formica Laminate is a laminated composite material invented at the Westinghouse Electric Corporation.

How do you cover old Formica countertops?

Spray Paint

Spray painting works well for laminate countertops and other surfaces that can be scuffed down with sandpaper. Spray paint can last years on low-impact surfaces such as bathroom counters. Paint your countertop much like painting plastic. Lightly sand the countertop with fine-grit sandpaper.

What damages Formica?

DO NOT use abrasive cleaners, powders, scouring pads, steel wool, sandpaper, etc. to clean laminate surfaces. These can damage the surface finish and make it susceptible to staining Ceramic or other abrasive objects, due to their inherent hardness, can cause scratching and premature wearing of laminate surfaces.

How do you bring laminate countertops back to life?

Restoring your laminate worktop
  1. Step 1 – Disinfect and clean laminate worktop. Pour a small amount (1/4 cup) of white vinegar onto a clean, lint-free cloth. ...
  2. Step 2 – Waxing your laminate worktop. ...
  3. Step 3 – Buffing the wax on the worktop. ...
  4. Step 4 – Clean your laminate worktop. ...
  5. Step 5 – Polishing your laminate worktop.

How much does counter resurfacing cost?

Countertop resurfacing or refinishing costs $5 to $20 per square foot or $150 to $800 total, depending on the material and method. Countertop repair costs $200 to $800+ and is easier and cheaper than a full replacement. Common projects include repairing cracks or chips and refinishing with epoxy resin.

What is the miracle method of countertops resurfacing?

The Miracle Method process involves cleaning and sanding the counters, and then then applying a hard, durable and advanced acrylic coating and a proprietary MM-4 bonding agent. Our refinishing process is so effective that it can extend the life of your surface for up to 15 years.

Do countertop refinishing kits work?

Customers say that the Daich SpreadStone countertop refinishing kit is an effective and affordable solution for updating old laminate countertops.

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