Can you laminate over old laminate countertops?

Author: Josianne McLaughlin  |  Last update: Saturday, July 26, 2025

Unlike standard countertop replacements, installing an overlay countertop on laminate takes almost no time. The installation team will ensure the existing surface is clean and free of dust and debris. Then, we overlay the new countertop surface right on top of the laminate using a strong adhesive.

Can you put laminate countertops over existing laminate?

Yes, You can apply new laminate over old. You need to ensure that the old laminate is securely glued to the substrata. Any delamination from the substrata will cause the old laminate to ``bubble'' and lift when the new piece is placed.

What happens if you laminate over laminate?

Laminate flooring is a floating floor

This means that you essentially have two floating floors for installing one laminate flooring over another. You will now be dealing with issues of one or both floors start shrinking, expanding, or gap.

How to update laminate countertops without replacing them?

In that case, you really only have one option: Countertop paint kits. If you can spend more, then you can tile over them, either with regular tile or tile kits especially made to tile over laminate. If you can do the labor yourself, you can also replace with newer laminate.

How do you cover up old laminate countertops?

Laminate can be sanded and painted, but the paint will be easily rubbrd and scratched off. You can use contact cement to put new laminate over the old, that's probably your best option, if your counters have a square edge. If they have a post-formed front edge or coved splash, this gets too difficult for DIY.

WILSONART Laminate Counter Tops! | EASIER than you THINK! | 2022/002

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.

Can you cover laminate countertops with anything?

If you're covering laminate, you might want to opt for a specialist paint like Rust-Oleum's Countertop Coating, which is tintable to 12 colors. However, you could use an acrylic interior paint instead for a laminate countertop.

What not to do with laminate countertops?

DO NOT use abrasive cleaners, powders, scouring pads or steel wool to clean the countertops. These will scratch and damage the tops. 1. Laminate countertops are not stain-proof.

How do you revive old laminate countertops?

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 it cost to replace countertops with laminate?

The average cost of laminate countertops is $600 to $3,200 total or $20 to $80 per square foot with installation. Material prices are $10 to $50 per square foot, while labor costs are $10 to $30 per square foot. Antimicrobial and high-durability laminates are popular, affordable choices for kitchen countertops.

Can I stick laminate over laminate?

In the first step, you need to Remove the previous surface, wash and degrease the substrate, apply adhesives, and finally laminate on a new surface are all steps in the process.

How many years does laminate last?

On average, you can expect laminate flooring to last anywhere from 15 to 25 years. However, the actual lifespan of your laminate floors can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of the product, the installation, the level of foot traffic, and the maintenance routine.

Is formica still available?

Formica® Laminate Sheets Formica® laminate is available through our North American network of distributors, kitchen and bath showrooms, home centers and even online!

How to glue laminate on top of laminate?

Sand off old gloss surfaces and ensure it is all chemically clean, then use a contact cement adhesive and trim to size using a flush cut router bit made for the purpose - you can't reproduce a postformed edge in situ, so you would need to come up with an edge treatment, normally a square edge with a strip of laminate.

Can you cover old laminate countertops with new laminate?

Unlike standard countertop replacements, installing an overlay countertop on laminate takes almost no time. The installation team will ensure the existing surface is clean and free of dust and debris. Then, we overlay the new countertop surface right on top of the laminate using a strong adhesive.

What is the lifespan of laminate countertops?

Most laminate countertops can last around 15 years, though high-quality, well-maintained laminates can hold up for 20 years! This lifespan compares to butcher block countertops but is significantly shorter than stone surfaces, like granite or quartz, which can last a lifetime.

How to put new laminate over old laminate?

You can install the new laminate right over the old stuff as long as the old stuff is in good shape and stuck down well. Rough up the old surface by sanding the old surface then apply contact cement to both the back of the new laminate and the top of the old laminate as you would if this was a new install.

Is there a way to cover laminate 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.

Which is better, Formica or laminate countertops?

In the battle of laminate vs. Formica countertops, there's no clear winner. Formica may have a higher standard of quality than off-brand imitations, but there are other quality brands on the market like WilsonArt or Arborite.

What is the downside of laminate countertops?

Laminate Countertop Cons: Heat sensitive: Laminate can scorch or discolor when exposed to hot pots and pans. Prone to scratching: While durable, the surface can be damaged by sharp objects. Not as long-lasting: Compared to natural stone, laminate has a slightly shorter lifespan.

Can you put laminate on top of laminate 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 to change laminate countertops without removing them?

How to Transform your Countertops Without Replacing Them: Artistic Acrylics and Custom Paint
  1. Tape off the areas you want to stay unpainted.
  2. Apply all-purpose primer after a deglazing product.
  3. Apply colors of acrylic craft paint with an artist's brush and sponges in different sizes.

Can you coat a laminate countertop?

Don't tear out those old laminate countertops—transform them into stunning, custom Stone Coat Epoxy Countertops! Our DIY-friendly epoxy system delivers a natural stone look for a fraction of the cost.

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