After twenty years of soft drinks, coffee and wear and
tear, a plastic laminate kitchen countertop can become discolored and worn.
Small scratches dull the finish. It is impossible to fully restore the color
and eliminate scratches from plastic laminate (better known by common brand
names like Formica.)
The same properties that make plastic laminate such a
tough and durable material for countertops also make it impossible to fully patch
or repair. 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.
Spread a thin coat on the countertop. After it dries to a
light powdery residue, buff with a clean cloth. This leaves a nice gloss that
tends to mask scratches, so the plastic laminate looks refinished. It also
creates a smooth, sealed surface that resists water spotting and stains.
In the future, when the counter gets dull again, just
apply more. Never use bleach or strong abrasive cleaners on lastic laminates. They
can damage the surface and remove the color. Also, don’t flood the surface with
water – water may get into he edge joints and swell the underlying particle
board.
If you want any more tips regarding home improvements, call me, Mynor Herrera, I can also give you expert help buying or selling in the DC, MD, & VA areas! I also
specialize in Bethesda and Chevy Chase, as well as the sub-divisions of
Rosemary Hills, Rock Creek Forest, East Bethesda, and Whitehall
Condominium.
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