Formica over formica?

[thejumpsuitman]

As much as she loves the interior of our bus my wife has informed me that it is possible that she can love it even more...    New countertops...  Of course I pointed out that there is nothing wrong with our old countertops, but to my shock and amazement, she was unswayed.

The current counter tops are custom made, simple formica over plywood, non standard dimensions with an L shape at the end.  My question is...  Is there any way to install new formica over old?  I know the standard answer is NO, but is there a way to make it possible and feasible?  Opinions are appreciated.

Marc

[luvrbus]

Paint it don't replace the tops the epoxy paint will stick forever you can even make the stuff look like granite or any other stone of your liking or should I say hers lol

good luck

[technomadia]

I repainted ours when we got our bus as a temporary measure to save our sanity until we could decide what we'd like longer term. A little TSP spray to clean the gunk off them, a solid layer of primer, a 2-3 coats of whatever you want for paint and then seal.

We've been so incredibly happy with them, and constantly folks are amazed that they're painted countertops when they tour our bus.

- Cherie

[bottomacher]

Sand the old formica well with 100 grit paper and a dual-action sander, apply contact cement as usual, but don't be stingy with the glue.

[Lin]

On things like this, I use a product called Not-now-next-year.  Sometimes it works almost forever.

[dolson]

do like bottomacher said, sand it with even rougher paper if you have it like 80, then wipe it down with laquer thinner and try to use a professional grade laminate adhesive like Wilsonart 500 and it will stay just fine.  I do it all the time

[thejumpsuitman]

On things like this, I use a product called Not-now-next-year.  Sometimes it works almost forever.

Lin, I actually like your idea best. 

[Dave5Cs]

go to a top maker and they can measure what you have and make a Quarts type cover that glues right over the top of your counter top. No fuss no muss done.

Dave

[MEverard]

Doug was right about the sand paper the rougher the better. I have used 50 grit or 36 grit, but with those you have to be cautious that you don't put divots in your top. You need something rough for the adhesive to stick to. Is there a reason you can't just replace the whole top? Here in California I have a distributor who sells me the fabricated tops for twice what it costs me just to buy the laminate. It is not a fun job doing laminate work if you are not familiar with it. Replacing whole tops is much easier, especially if someone fabs them for you.

Good Luck,

Mike

[thejumpsuitman]

Doug was right about the sand paper the rougher the better. I have used 50 grit or 36 grit, but with those you have to be cautious that you don't put divots in your top. You need something rough for the adhesive to stick to. Is there a reason you can't just replace the whole top? Here in California I have a distributor who sells me the fabricated tops for twice what it costs me just to buy the laminate. It is not a fun job doing laminate work if you are not familiar with it. Replacing whole tops is much easier, especially if someone fabs them for you.

Good Luck,

Mike

The worst thing about changing the whole top would be having to remove a windshield to get it in.  I have a friend that is a carpenter with experience with  laminate, maybe I'll get him to take a look. 

[MEverard]

Have your friend look at the layout as far as what it takes to put in new ones. If a shop fabs them for you they usually come in pieces that you assemble in place. I don't know the restrictions of your bus, but I can get full sheets of plywood through the door and around the corner of my 4104.

Good Luck,

Mike

[Charles in SC]

Have you ever done any laminate work? If not get some scrap plywood and give it a try. I have only done it once and it was very easy. I would not hesitate to do it again.