The Key To Removing Glue From Formica Cabinets And Countertops

Whether you're installing new laminate countertops, resurfacing old ones, or just cleaning up from previous work, you may find yourself needing to remove glue from Formica countertops or cabinets. Laminate is typically quite durable, but some chemicals can cause damage or discoloration. To keep your surfaces in good condition, the best method for cleaning Formica countertops involves always using the right cleaning solution for the task at hand — and this is particularly important when you're trying to remove contact glue. The key is to find a chemical that will dissolve the glue while avoiding excessive damage to your laminate surfaces, and one that might fit the bill is lacquer thinner. This chemical can make glue removal easy, but there are safety measures to take and some alternatives that might work better for you.

The lacquer thinner method involves soaking a rag in thinner and gently rubbing and wiping any contact glue away with the rag, keeping it damp. The thinner should dissolve the glue without harming the laminate. To prevent the thinner from harming you, however, you'll need to handle the chemical very carefully. Lacquer thinner can irritate eyes and skin and it is very flammable. Use caution when opening the container, wear safety glasses, put on a mask and some Nitrile gloves for extra protection, and avoid heat and direct sunlight. With a bit of scrubbing, the lacquer thinner should remove any contact glue but leave your counters and cabinets intact.

The lacquer thinner method should be effective, but there are other methods that employ products you might already have on hand. You can try carefully scraping the glue off with a plastic razor blade or loosening the glue by applying contrasting heat and cold; simply heat the surface from below with a hair dryer while applying ice to the surface of the glue. You might also try acetone or Goo Gone to dissolve glue from laminate. All of these methods should be able to remove glue with minimal damage if you are careful. If your glue is in a highly visible area on your countertops or cabinets, though, you should test your method of choice on a scrap piece of laminate or in a spot that is not highly visible to make sure the product will not damage your laminate.

On its website, Formica recommends the solvent and rag method to remove glue from laminate surfaces, and it suggests using acetone or a similar solvent. Since lacquer thinner and acetone share many properties, the lacquer thinner method is a viable way to remove glue. It's gentle enough to extend the life of laminate countertops, and the chemical can also remove glue from granite countertops and other surfaces.