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.
Spray-painting your countertop is not only fast; it produces a smooth finish that brush- or roller-painting cannot match. Spray-painting works well for laminate countertops and other surfaces that can be scuffed down with sandpaper. Go with a matte finish spray paint since glossy paint shows scratches.
Will rubbing alcohol damage laminate countertops? Yes. Alcohol is a powerful cleaning agent on counters and is strong enough to kill bacteria and viruses. But since it contains ethanol, rubbing alcohol can damage the laminate's finishes.
For Formica® HPL and DecoMetal® Metal Laminates, we recommend disinfecting with: 1) Quaternary Ammonium which is the largest group (198 listed) of EPA approved disinfectants. Examples of Quaternary Ammonium products include: Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes, Lysol®, Virex®, Caviwipes®… 3) Sodium Hypochlorite or Bleach.
Counters are made of a variety of materials, so you can't indiscriminately aim a can of Lysol at laminate the same way you would granite, or approach cleaning butcher block in an identical fashion to stainless steel.
L, Formica can be coated with many paints or clear finishes as long as it is absolutely clean and is very slightly sanded... 220 grit paper would be the roughest that should be used. Since you want to maintain the appearance but just lower the gloss, you could try a water-based polyacrylic coating.
However, The Plywood recommends using a sealant that the laminate manufacturer suggests to bar any unseen issues. A gel gloss for laminate countertops is a nonharmful, abrasive cleaner that removes pesky surface scratches and oxidation offers a protective wax coating and a high-gloss finish.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Laminate countertops are the easiest kitchen countertop to maintain. Once installed, all you will need to do is clean them with mild soap and water. No additional maintenance is required.
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.
When looking to update or overhaul a countertop, use a resin, acrylic or polyurethane coating that's specifically labeled for use as a laminate countertop sealant. Polyurethane coating or a resin laminate sealer will provide shine and a protective coating.
Homeowners or renters with laminate countertops may also want to steer clear of bleach. Though laminate is fairly hardy, it's not the most durable substance in the world. Bleach can damage the laminate countertop or can cause permanent discoloration.
Paint three coats of polyurethane on the kitchen countertops to seal the surfaces. Choose a satin or glossy polyurethane to give the kitchen laminate countertops a high-end look and feel. Allow each layer to dry between coats completely.
Several experiments on scrap material later, I settled upon a non-yellowing, clear acrylic. A small eight-ounce can of Polycrylic by Minwax (which you can buy on Amazon) was enough to make my 30 square feet of countertop appear new again.
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.
Choosing the Right Sealant is Essential
For this reason, look for products in the class known as impregnating stone sealers. They are chosen by professional contractors for sealing granite, marble, and slate countertops. The top-rated product in this class is Tenax Hydrex Impregnating Stone Sealer.
Baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and the likes are most suitable for treating light-coloured laminate benchtops because of their bleaching effect. Microfibre cloth dipped in soap solution or even just plain water will be enough for cleaning dark-coloured materials.
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.