How to Repair a Burn on a Plastic Laminate Countertop

Plastic laminate is one of the cheapest and most common materials used to make kitchen countertops. Even though it is essentially nothing more than plastic laminate sheeting over cheap particle wood, it is quite durable. However, it is easy to burn with hot pans, irons and any other sources of heat. Once it is burned it is almost impossible to repair, but the damage can be concealed. I had to repair a burn mark on a plastic laminate countertop, and it looks almost as good as new.

Remove the Bubbled Area

If a burn on a plastic laminate countertop is bubbled up, remove the damaged area by carefully chipping it away. I used a small putty knife to remove the brittle, bubbled plastic laminate. It was a spot about the size of a fifty cent piece, but it literally ruined the entire look of the plastic laminate countertop. My daughter had laid a hot iron on the countertop after attempting to iron a craft project, and it caused the small burn. I was determined to repair the damage, and without spending a lot of money.

Use an Emery Board to File Down the Edges

After removing all of the burn, file down the edges very carefully. I used an emery board. The tip of the nail file was just the right size for filing away the rough edges. Filing the edges leveled out the spot and prepared it for the next step.

Match the Paint and Design with Acrylic Craft Paint

I knew that I could match the color of the plastic laminate countertop by mixing and matching acrylic paint. I mixed the colors until I came up with one that matched the background of the plastic laminate countertop perfectly. I let the first coat dry and applied a second coat. After the second coat dried I mixed and matched the colors of the spatter designs. I used a dry brush to stipple the surface and blend in the repair. It was hard to tell the plastic laminate countertop was ever blemished by a burn.

Cover the Spot with Clear Matte Finish Nail Polish

The acrylic paint would not stand up to continual cleaning and wiping let alone regular use. I had to apply something that would protect the acrylic paint. I bought a bottle of clear matte finish nail polish, and I carefully brushed a thin coat just over the repair. After it dried it was barely visible. Although it was not a perfect match, it sufficiently covered the paint and concealed the burn mark.

Source: Personal Repair Experience