Best Glue for Formica lamiate surface.

Chris_Robb

Chris_Robb

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I am in the process of finishing off the reinstallation of a new fridge, which is a top loader. A new work surface of ply will need a laminate sheet finish.

The obvious glue to use is an impact adheasive, but I am worried about the strength of the boundaries around the edges of the lids etc. Would I find an epoxy glue to be more appropriate for this. There will be no heat on this surface from pans, etc. This has the advantage that you can slide the laminate around until it is in the perfect position.

Any advice from the experts greatly appreciated!
 
Impact adhesive. make sure you follow directions re allowing it to go off before bringing the surfaces together though. When you do, use a block of wood and a hammer to whack it home starting from the middle and working out. If possible cut oversize and trim when stuck.
 
When I did something like this I failed miserably to source "proper" Formica and ended up with a much thinner, more fragile substitute. I would strongly recommend the Evostik contact adhesive and counsel against the Evostik stuff that claims you can readjust it - sounds like a good idea but in my experience it doesn't stick anything like as well.
Cleanliness, gloves, ventilation and a spare pair of hands are all good.
 
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Impact adhesive. make sure you follow directions re allowing it to go off before bringing the surfaces together though. When you do, use a block of wood and a hammer to whack it home starting from the middle and working out. If possible cut oversize and trim when stuck.

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Yes, I was planning to cut oversize, and trim.. especially round the lids. What tools would you use? A very fine file? This is the first time I have done work with Formica, so any workking advice woudl also be very useful.
 
Re: Best Glue for Formica laminate surface.

you need 1.2m/m laminate 2 coats of contact adhesive to each surface lay a few strips of " lath" over the timber base place the laminate on the lath. when aligned remove the lath 1 piece at a time from one edge press in place them the block of wood & hammer as Boatman said
 
Re: Best Glue for Formica laminate surface.

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you need 1.2m/m laminate 2 coats of contact adhesive to each surface lay a few strips of " lath" over the timber base place the laminate on the lath. when aligned remove the lath 1 piece at a time from one edge press in place them the block of wood & hammer as Boatman said

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Sorry Sailorman, being a bit thick here....

When you refer to a "lath", do you mean an intermediate layer of another material beteen the glued up surfaces, so allowing you to accurately place the laminate? What material would the lath" be made of?
 
Some laminates are easier than others but using most I find a fine set smoothing plane works OK. The blade must be set to cut fine though and kept sharp or it will chip. Belt sander=OK. File=OK but labourious (again must be sharp) Have even used a flap wheel on a grinder but great care needed. Finish with a good non clog abrasive paper on a block of wood.
 
Petrol-based Evostick = good stuff.
Environmentally-protective water-based Evostick = crap.
 
Use a laminate trim cutter in a router, it's what they are designed for. Use a good contact adhesive, we have just done this job in my galley, on walls and work surfaces, it works, well.
 
thats ok if one has the expensive tools -Routers ect. & a big job to do to justify the purchace price.
you might borrow but if one isnt used to using them there is a risk of damage to materials & fingers
for small jobs the simple hand tools would be better & possible quicker as no setting-up
 
Re: Best Glue for Formica laminate surface.

Lengths of dowel work, small contact area makes them easy to remove.

A new fine file will trim the edge after close cutting. Don't rush or push to hard.

Avagoodweekend.
 
I have always used Thixofix for this job, and have never had any problems - except getting it off myself! Adequate ventilation essential. This was recommended by local builders merchant as 'specific for the job' - whatever they meant by that! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif.

Certainly sticks 100% - to everything! Gives a new meaning to 'contact adhesive'. Make contact with it - your stuck!
 
Rubber-based contact adhesive, spread with a serrated edge. Failing the proper metal applicator for spreading the adhesive, use a wide piece of thin scrap plywood with the edge thinned down, or even the blade of a cheap, discarded saw, the type that are sold in pound shops.

Let both surfaces become fully touch dry, around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on weather.

Place a sheet of newspaper over the base; place the formica over the newspaper. Align two edges and slowly start to withdraw the newspaper towards the end opposite the one that has been aligned. The laminate will fall in place correctly, allowing you to press it in place without leaving any air trapped.

If you are using a file for final trim , do not file across the edge because you will risk chipping. Hold the file with both hands across the edge, at a slight downward angle and push gently along the edge. This similar to what is called 'draw filing'. It pays not to leave too large an overhang.

There used to be a laminate trimmer made, IIRC by Eclipse, that scratched a vee-shaped groove in line with the edge of the base, allowing you to snap off the excess. It used to leave a clean chamfer. I don't use it any more since I bought a cheap, virtually 'throw away' router, Chinese of course, for some €35.
 
Thanks for those ideas! I like the paper idea.
I have a router, and will get a laminate blade - but as I am not skilled with these things, I may well do it the slow way with a file - I have a couple of nice new ones.

Thanks everyone for you help
 
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I have a router, and will get a laminate blade - but as I am not skilled with these things, I may well do it the slow way with a file

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From experience it's so much easier and quicker to produce a quality finish with the router than hand tools, and less likely to chip or otherwise damage the edge. Practise on some scrap bits first - it really is very easy. Aim to cut the laminate about 3 - 5mm oversize to allow for trimming - you can easily score and snap it with a normal stanley knife. Wealdentool.com are best in uk for good quality router bits at reasonable prices, free delivery next day. Run router at half speed if it has speed control. A lick with 400G wet & dry will take off the sharpness of the laminate edge.
 
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