nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Dec 21, 2019 14:29:58 GMT -8
I have an original Formica counter top in nice condition with one damaged spot right in the middle. The #6 3/4" screw is for scale. I rather not replace an original 60 year old counter top. Any ideas on how to repair something like this? The options online look like glorified paint. I'm considering this small insert cutting board:
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ekimnamniets
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Post by ekimnamniets on Dec 21, 2019 15:27:36 GMT -8
I would think you could mix some two part epoxy (blend in some color to match the background white as closely as possible). You're lucky in that the green strips are a very random pattern, load a pinstripe brush with a close matched green. Very time consuming but I would want to save it also. If you lay in just enough epoxy to bring the divot up flush to the existing level of the original it should also seal down the edges of the damaged area. I.M.O. It'd be worth a shot and not much cash layout.
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Dec 21, 2019 17:16:48 GMT -8
I would think you could mix some two part epoxy (blend in some color to match the background white as closely as possible). A basic epoxy can be tinted? |
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ekimnamniets
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Post by ekimnamniets on Dec 21, 2019 17:31:48 GMT -8
You can tap into one of the Radio Control aircraft building sites, it's used extensively for building and repair. It can be tinted, also thinned with several agents (de-natured alcohol for one) which might help to get it to flow out and find it's own level for filling. Start with a clear epoxy, and most hobby supply houses for R.C. have 5 minute, 30 minute, and slow cure. I'd go with the slow cure, it'll give you a little more time to get rid of excess if too much product is put in. I totally agree with the idea of trying to save the countertop. More original is always better, anyone can cut new Formica but it doesn't have the character of the old designs.
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roadtripper
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Post by roadtripper on Dec 21, 2019 18:28:13 GMT -8
My daughter builds and sells cutting boards and polished hardwood table top slabs with engravings or cracks filled with tinted epoxy. Many colors are available in a powder form. Sure you can find something on line.
I’d practice on some scrap first. And mask around the edges.
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Dec 21, 2019 18:51:59 GMT -8
I did a quick search of epoxy for repairs and there seems to be a plethora of options. Any websites come to mind for epoxy and tint?
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Post by vikx on Dec 21, 2019 21:54:48 GMT -8
One thing about the epoxy repair-if you're not happy with it, you can always go with the cutting board insert. Or repair and cover with a place mat or similar.
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roadtripper
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Post by roadtripper on Dec 22, 2019 8:00:06 GMT -8
NC, my daughter said she gets the tint on Amazon and it comes in small envelopes or larger quantities.
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PT
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1964 Aloha & 1962 Holiday House
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Post by PT on Dec 27, 2019 9:20:42 GMT -8
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Jan 7, 2020 9:59:31 GMT -8
We held off on the repair until the free Formica samples arrived from Willsonart. The samples arrive last week and we're now debating if the new Formica on the new table (old one missing when purchased) will match. I think it will work. Here is the sticky part. If I buy a sheet of Formica I'll have enough to do both the counter top and table. So do I spend $40 on an epoxy experiment that may or may not work or just replace the counter top?
We're going to Honduras for a month and when I'm back I'll make the table, see how it looks with the old Formica, then make the call on the epoxy test.
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Post by vikx on Jan 7, 2020 21:41:26 GMT -8
I like the orange and would do both counter and table... Thing is, I like a little more color than the plain linen pattern. If it wasn't damaged, I might have a different opinion.
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