Love the look of vintage Formica countertops with shiny metal edging? The good news is—you don’t need to be a professional craftsman to make one yourself. With a little patience, the right tools, and some guidance, anyone can take on this project.
Here’s a step-by-step overview of how to install laminate and finish your countertop with metal banding.
What You’ll Need
- Laminate sheet(s) in your favorite pattern. Check with Make It Mid Century-SparkleLam or Heffrons.
- Metal banding of your choice
- Tape measure
- Power or table saw
- Tape (to prevent chipping when cutting laminate)
- Contact cement
- Paint roller or brush
- Wooden dowels
- Router with bevel trim bit
- Sanding file
Visit Make It Mid Century. Click Here.
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Laminate
Measure your countertop, then cut the laminate at least 1–2 inches larger than needed to allow room for trimming. Tape along the cut line to minimize chipping, then cut with a table saw or handheld saw.
Step 2: Apply Contact Cement
Work in a well-ventilated area. Stir the cement well, then roll it evenly on the back of the laminate and on the countertop surface. Let both dry completely—contact cement bonds to itself, not the surface underneath.
Step 3: Position the Laminate
Place wooden dowels across the countertop to keep the laminate from sticking right away. Align the laminate carefully, then remove the center dowel first. Work outward, pressing firmly as you go. Apply even pressure toward the edges. Take your time—this isn’t a race.
Step 4: Trim and Smooth the Edges
Use a router with a bevel trim bit to remove excess laminate from the edges. Follow up with a sanding file to smooth everything out.
Step 5: Install the Metal Banding
- Choose the right size. The thickness of your countertop (plus the laminate) determines the size of banding you’ll need.
- Friction-fit banding. If your banding has a T-lip, cut a groove in the wood using a cutter bit with a ¼” shank. For curves, notch the back of the banding with a grinder or jigsaw to allow it to bend smoothly.
- Other banding styles. Some options mount with screws, nails, or adhesive. Strong adhesives like Liquid Nails or PL400 work well.
And You’re Done!
With the banding in place, your retro countertop is complete. The project is straightforward, and as long as you’re comfortable using a saw, router, and hand tools, you’re more than capable of tackling it.
So go ahead—build that dream retro counter. It’s easier than you think, and the finished look is worth it.
