Home Repair forum - How to attach to formica?

Author

How to attach to formica?

maximovies

2006-04-19, 5:21 pm

When we ordered our manufactured home, we ordered formica countertops
with the idea that in a few years, when we can afford it, we'll upgrade
to corian or granite. But for now, it's a formica top and formica front
edge with a 90 degree edge in front.

My problem is that, because I use a wheelchair, I have to lean my
forearms on that sharp edge all the time and it's hurting like hell.
(We lowered the breakfast bar to 30", and the bathroom counter is also
around that I think.) So I went to Lowes and picked up 3/4 round. I
don't think that's what they call it, but I hope you know what I mean.

It's already finished and almost matches my cabinets. But how do I
attach it? Nail it into the formica? Screw it in? Glue it? (I have a
glue gun that I use for crafts.) Some other way?

For now, I have a small piece (black gaffers) taped in the bathroom to
test it. What a difference. No more pain when I have to lean on the
edge to brush my teeth. So how do I make it permanent? We'll be
measuring and buying enough to do the whole job nicely including
mitering the corners.

Thanks for any help.

Maxi

Edwin Pawlowski

2006-04-19, 5:21 pm

"maximovies" <lgrantt@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>
> It's already finished and almost matches my cabinets. But how do I
> attach it? Nail it into the formica? Screw it in? Glue it? (I have a
> glue gun that I use for crafts.) Some other way?

I'd use construction adhesive, the run a bead of silicone for a sealer. .

You may want to consider having hte front edge beveled. While it may cost
more, there will be a clean edge, making counter cleaning easier. I have no
idea of hte cost, but the edge would be beveled, a strip of Formica laid in
and trimmed. I'd guess that a kitchen shop could give you a ball part
estimate of the job to see if it is something you'd want to pursue.

Frank Warner

2006-04-19, 6:21 pm

In article <1145476320.274115.258260@g10g2000cwb.googlegroups.com>,
maximovies <lgrantt@hotmail.com> wrote:

> When we ordered our manufactured home, we ordered formica countertops
> with the idea that in a few years, when we can afford it, we'll upgrade
> to corian or granite. But for now, it's a formica top and formica front
> edge with a 90 degree edge in front.
>
> My problem is that, because I use a wheelchair, I have to lean my
> forearms on that sharp edge all the time and it's hurting like hell.
> (We lowered the breakfast bar to 30", and the bathroom counter is also
> around that I think.) So I went to Lowes and picked up 3/4 round. I
> don't think that's what they call it, but I hope you know what I mean.
>
> It's already finished and almost matches my cabinets. But how do I
> attach it? Nail it into the formica? Screw it in? Glue it? (I have a
> glue gun that I use for crafts.) Some other way?
>
> For now, I have a small piece (black gaffers) taped in the bathroom to
> test it. What a difference. No more pain when I have to lean on the
> edge to brush my teeth. So how do I make it permanent? We'll be
> measuring and buying enough to do the whole job nicely including
> mitering the corners.
>
> Thanks for any help.

Too bad it's almost finished. I would have recommended screws through
the wood to the formica substrate, along with a good adhesive. You
would countersink the screws, plug the holes with wood dowels, sand
smooth, then finish.

I don't like the idea of adhesive alone for this job. At the very
least, some 4-6d finishing nails driven into pilot holes through the
edging into the formica. Set the nail heads and conceal them with
matching furniture grade wax stick.

You should also be aware that wooden edging like this will expand and
contract, probably a lot because of the moisture found in bathrooms &
kitchens. Even sealed wood may buckle, check or crack after a while.

Not saying it isn't a great way to solve the problem, only that it
isn't perfect.

-Frank

--
Here's some of my work:
http://www.franksknives.com/

Norminn

2006-04-19, 7:21 pm

maximovies wrote:
> When we ordered our manufactured home, we ordered formica countertops
> with the idea that in a few years, when we can afford it, we'll upgrade
> to corian or granite. But for now, it's a formica top and formica front
> edge with a 90 degree edge in front.
>
> My problem is that, because I use a wheelchair, I have to lean my
> forearms on that sharp edge all the time and it's hurting like hell.
> (We lowered the breakfast bar to 30", and the bathroom counter is also
> around that I think.) So I went to Lowes and picked up 3/4 round. I
> don't think that's what they call it, but I hope you know what I mean.
>
> It's already finished and almost matches my cabinets. But how do I
> attach it? Nail it into the formica? Screw it in? Glue it? (I have a
> glue gun that I use for crafts.) Some other way?
>
> For now, I have a small piece (black gaffers) taped in the bathroom to
> test it. What a difference. No more pain when I have to lean on the
> edge to brush my teeth. So how do I make it permanent? We'll be
> measuring and buying enough to do the whole job nicely including
> mitering the corners.
>
> Thanks for any help.
>
> Maxi
>
I would try contact cement. Follow instructions on label. Once the two
pieces touch, after cement applied and dry, they are bonded so careful
placement is necessary.

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