To use car wax to make laminate countertops shine, it should be applied in circular motions across a clean countertop and left for around 10 minutes. Then, with a clean cloth, excess wax should be buffed away. Car wax not only gives a shiny, granite-like finish to Formica countertops, but it acts as a protectant.
For granite countertops, use only waxing products that are specifically designed for granite. Do not attempt to use car wax, as it will not properly complete the job. For lighter granite countertops, use a clear wax product. For darker granite countertops, you can use a black wax.
To make the countertop shine, spray them with a vinegar solution. Mix 2 cups water with 1 tablespoon vinegar in a spray bottle (Image 1 below). Spray the countertop down, and allow the solution to sit for 2 minutes (Image 2 below). Finally, wipe the counter clean.
Abrasive pads or scouring powder should not be used on laminate countertops as they can scratch or dull the surface making it more susceptible to staining. Harsh chemical cleaners such as: toilet bowl cleaners, oven cleaners, drain cleaners, coffee pot cleaners, hydrogen peroxide and rust removers should be avoided.
HOPE'S - 22CT6- 6 pk Hope's Perfect Countertop Cleaner and Polish 22-Ounce, Streak-Free Multi-Surface Cleaning Spray, Safe on Stone, Laminate, CORIAN, Granite, Quartz, Marble, Pack of 6.
How do you polish a Formica® laminate tabletop? 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.
Hot cookware can leave permanent burn marks on many countertop surfaces including laminate. That's why we always recommend using a protective barrier such as a trivet or a hot plate as a final resting place for oven- or stovetop-fresh pots and pans.
When it comes to cleaning, vinegar can be a solid workhorse. Vinegar can clean laminate countertops, ceramic sinks and toilets, and sink drains—but it should not be used to clean everything.
However, you can clean and polish laminate with a product like Gel-Gloss, a milky white cleaner/polish much like automotive wax. With a little rubbing, Gel-Gloss will remove most stains and discoloration with its mild abrasive and solvent cleaner.
Granite polishers can bring up the shine quotient quickly and easily. The commercial brands of granite cleaners and polishers pair well with the durable Formica. They clean the surface of the laminate countertops while also adding a no-streak shine.
Dampen the pad with water, wring it out, and apply the wax. Wax small areas at a time with tight circular motions. The wax dries extremely hard and needs to be buffed off while still soft. Apply up to 3 coats on a new countertop.
Apply ammonia-based cleaners or a teaspoon of mild dish soap mixed with water to clean and shine the surface. Avoid cleaners that contain residues, which could cloud the surface of the countertop.
The truth is, laminate, Formica®, and Wilsonart® are basically the same; laminate is the material while Formica® and Wilsonart® are the brand names. Both brands come in a wide range of colors and patterns and are widely marketed for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and bar counters.
When it comes to heat, laminate countertops are only mildly resistant in comparison to stone. Remember, laminate is plastic and can melt! It is easy to clean and stains can be avoided if addressed promptly.
One of the most heat-resistant countertop materials available today is granite. This natural stone requires extremely high temperatures and high pressure to form. You can place pans straight of the stove or oven on a granite countertop, and you won't see any marks or stains on the surface.
The Gel-Gloss Story:
Cleans, protects and restores luster. Highly recommended for use on acrylics, Corian, porcelain, ceramic, Formica and stainless steel surfaces. Works great on tubs, vanities, sinks, showers, spas and countertops.
Use a Countertop Paint Kit
You can purchase paint kits that allow you to update the look of your countertops. The product is simple to use and can give you the look of stone for less than hundred dollars. If you want a new look, but don't want to spend a lot of money, painting your countertops is a great option.
If you like the layout of your laminate kitchen counters, then you should consider refinishing. Refinishing can completely restore your laminate countertops to a like-new condition and feel. And dozens of colors and textures are available to you, including a stone look using Miracle Method's Natural Accents.
Scrubs. Scrubbing is a great way to make the surface of a laminate countertop more even, which helps it have a more reflective shine. A great natural method is to mix baking soda with water to form a rough paste. This can be buffed onto the counter, then removed with a damp cloth.
Clear coats like Minwax Polycrylic are available in several sheens. I chose clear satin; the application marks are less visible than with semi- or high-gloss. It has been six months since my first application of the protective finish, and there have been no problems with peeling or discoloration.
Pour some mild abrasive liquid such as Comet® Cleanser or Soft Scrub® on a soft damp sponge or damp cotton cloth. In a circular motion, rub the area you wish to repair. Mild pressure should be applied. Clean the area thoroughly with clean water and wipe the surface until it is completely dry.