The Preventative Measure You Can Take To Safeguard Your Laminate Countertops

If you're updating your kitchen on a tight budget, you may be considering laminate countertops. This material consists of plastic layers bonded to particle board and comes in several colors and patterns to suit your kitchen design. The popularity of laminate has never gone away; it's inexpensive, stylish, and is the easiest type of countertop to install. Unfortunately, it's also more easy to damage than more expensive materials. Even a simple water spill might be enough to cause damage if it penetrates the counter's end caps.  However, there's a simple protective measure you can use to lower the risk.

YouTuber Every Other Karl posted a video demonstrating this technique, which uses a simple mixture of wood glue and water. He starts by diluting the wood glue using two parts glue and one part water. After taping the surface of the laminate around the edges, he uses a paintbrush to apply the mixture generously to the exposed ends of the particle board and lets it dry. When it's completely dried, he paints on two coats of latex paint. After the paint has dried, he sticks on the peel-and-stick end cap, cuts it to fit, and sands the edges of the end cap until it's completely flush. The wood glue and paint should prevent any spilled liquids from penetrating the particle board.

This DIY fix is a great method for protecting your laminate, and it's as inexpensive as it is effective. You can pick up Gorilla Ultimate Waterproof Wood Glue for only about $11, and the RUST-OLEUM 02754 White Perma Interior Acrylic Paint used in the video retails for around $19. In addition to helping protect your laminate from water, this product also helps prevent mold and mildew, offering an added element of protection.

If your sink is set into a laminate surface, failing to seal the basin properly can cause water to leak into the laminate and destroy the bonding, so make sure your sink is sealed to prevent this. The Cuyfead Silicone Rubber Kitchen Splash Guard is self-sealing, easy to apply, and also easy on your wallet at about $13 for a 39-inch strip. 

Finally, you can protect your laminate countertop on a day-to-day basis by simply treating it with the proper care. Be aware of the things to avoid at all costs if you have laminate countertops, including using them as a cutting board, cleaning them with abrasive cleaners and scrubbers, and placing hot cookware directly on the surface.