How To Fix Small Burns In Laminate Countertops Using Wood Filler

Reasonably priced, with diverse designs, and easy to maintain, laminate countertops are a popular option among homeowners. Highly durable, they can last between 10 and 15 years if you're committed to extending the life of your laminate countertops. Despite the material's general toughness, however, laminate countertops can still be damaged or burnt from direct contact with hot cookware. If you've made this mistake and found yourself with some bubbling or burn marks, the good news is that your counters can be fixed with a bit of wood filler.

To begin the repair, gather all the necessary tools and materials. You'll need a utility knife, a metal spatula, two containers, a heat gun, and a paintbrush. You should also have sandpaper, masking tape, wood filler, wood filler solvent, oil-based primer, and dye matching the color of the laminate surface.

Begin by cleaning the burnt spot and the surrounding surface with rags or paper towels. Next, enclose the burnt areas with masking tape so unburnt areas won't be damaged during the repair. Once the space is prepped, use the knife to cut through and remove the burnt and bubbled portions, then smooth the edges with sandpaper. For the second stage, mix the wood filler with water or solvent in the container. Once done, use the spatula and thoroughly apply filler to the gouge. After it's completely dry, give it a thorough sand to smooth out any lumps in the surface.

The last step in repairing a burnt laminate countertop is to prepare and apply the dye or tint. Before you go in with the dye, apply a thick layer of primer to the wood filler to ensure an even finish and help the dye adhere better. Once the primer is dry, mix the dye with either water or solvent in the container, making sure you have enough for several coats.

After the dye is ready, use the paintbrush to color match the dried wood filler, applying several coats if needed. For countertop surfaces with a design, you should mix up multiple colors and try your best to mimic the pattern. After checking that enough coats of the dye have been applied, use the heat gun to dry the surface and let it sit for a few minutes.

Repairing a burnt laminate countertop is an easy but rewarding project. There are several options on how to repair countertops, and using wood filler is one of the simplest. The tools and materials needed are minimal, and it doesn't require any special skills. Though you might have to buy a few basic materials if you don't already have them on hand, using wood filler is a simpler and less costly alternative to replacing the whole countertop.