Just discovered a small nick in our two-year-old Formica countertop. I
suspect our ADD niece (22) wasn't paying attention while cutting up
her veggies for lunch, and now I need to make a repair and need advice
on how to make the repair.

It's not a simple patch, as the nick is raised on one side so that
there's a very small bump to the counter surface. And idea what I
could use to soften the Formica and smooth it down? The nick itself
might not even be visible if I can get the surface to flow a bit and
smooth-out.

On May 4, 11:39*am, Kyle wrote:
Just discovered a small nick in our two-year-old Formica countertop. I
suspect our ADD niece (22) wasn't paying attention while cutting up
her veggies for lunch, and now I need to make a repair and need advice
on how to make the repair.

It's not a simple patch, as the nick is raised on one side so that
there's a very small bump to the counter surface. And idea what I
could use to soften the Formica and smooth it down? The nick itself
might not even be visible if I can get the surface to flow a bit and
smooth-out.

Formica is a thermoset plastic and does not soften, so you're out of
luck there. Try something like a cyanoacrylate glue, cover it with wax
paper and apply a smooth heavy weight. Acetone is specific for removal
of excess glue after it sets up.
Put all the sharp knives in a locked drawer and take the niece down to
the nearest kitchenware store and buy her a personalized cutting
board. Good luck.

Joe

On 5/4/2011 12:39 PM, Kyle wrote:
Just discovered a small nick in our two-year-old Formica countertop. I
suspect our ADD niece (22) wasn't paying attention while cutting up
her veggies for lunch, and now I need to make a repair and need advice
on how to make the repair.

It's not a simple patch, as the nick is raised on one side so that
there's a very small bump to the counter surface. And idea what I
could use to soften the Formica and smooth it down? The nick itself
might not even be visible if I can get the surface to flow a bit and
smooth-out.

I agree with Joe's response but I'd probably look into Formica repair
kits that are out the

http://www.lifetimerepairkits.com/Wo...epair_kit.html

I know nothing about this one or others but just googled it up.

On May 4, 1:33*pm, Frank wrote:
On 5/4/2011 12:39 PM, Kyle wrote:

Just discovered a small nick in our two-year-old Formica countertop. I
suspect our ADD niece (22) wasn't paying attention while cutting up
her veggies for lunch, and now I need to make a repair and need advice
on how to make the repair.

It's not a simple patch, as the nick is raised on one side so that
there's a very small bump to the counter surface. And idea what I
could use to soften the Formica and smooth it down? The nick itself
might not even be visible if I can get the surface to flow a bit and
smooth-out.

I agree with Joe's response but I'd probably look into Formica repair
kits that are out the

http://www.lifetimerepairkits.com/Wo...epair_kit.html

I know nothing about this one or others but just googled it up.

That kit looks just like a boat gelcoat repair kit :-)

On May 4, 11:39*am, Kyle wrote:
Just discovered a small nick in our two-year-old Formica countertop. I
suspect our ADD niece (22) wasn't paying attention while cutting up
her veggies for lunch, and now I need to make a repair and need advice
on how to make the repair.

It's not a simple patch, as the nick is raised on one side so that
there's a very small bump to the counter surface. And idea what I
could use to soften the Formica and smooth it down? The nick itself
might not even be visible if I can get the surface to flow a bit and
smooth-out.

I would take the rounded handle of some metal kitchen utensil and
press down VERY hard while rubbing it slowly back and forth across the
raised nick, to sort of cold flow the plastic back into position. I
have actually done this on a couple of small (1/4' long) bumps in a
countertop. You don't say how big the nick is so I'm guessing it
isn't too long or deep. If the depressed area is still noticeable, I
would mix a small amount of epoxy, like a drop or two, add a 1/4 - 1/2
drop of white paint, mix the two together, and apply to the hole using
the end of a pin. You can fill in the nick almost to the top, and the
surrounding area will take the daily wear and tear so that the patch
should be reasonably durable. The trick is to get equal parts of the
epoxy so it sets up correctly. Good luck and tell us what you do.

"Kyle" wrote in message
...
Just discovered a small nick in our two-year-old Formica countertop. I
suspect our ADD niece (22) wasn't paying attention while cutting up
her veggies for lunch, and now I need to make a repair and need advice
on how to make the repair.

It's not a simple patch, as the nick is raised on one side so that
there's a very small bump to the counter surface. And idea what I
could use to soften the Formica and smooth it down? The nick itself
might not even be visible if I can get the surface to flow a bit and
smooth-out.

I used a piece of Formica countertop taken out of an office. It was a desk
island. I wasn't watching, and when I put the screws in from underneath, it
dimpled some places, and in others broke out a 3/8" square or so. After
much thought, I bought some colored epoxy, and filled the holes. I let it
sit for 48 hours. I then took a router with a 1/2" bit that was flat on the
end, and carefully routed it down to the level of the surface. A little
very fine sanding after that made it "acceptable". I don't know what your
color or pattern is, but you may consider this method.

Steve

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