There comes a time in every laminate countertop’s life when a hole forms. It might be from a kitchen utensil carelessly left on the counter, or perhaps it’s from a hot pan placed down too quickly.
No matter how the hole forms, it must be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage. In this article, I will show you how to repair a hole in a laminate countertop using essential tools and supplies.
But first, a few thoughts on laminate countertops, how holes appear on them, what happens if the holes are not fixed, and how to avoid this problem in the first place.
Laminate Countertops
Laminate countertops are popular for many homeowners because they are relatively inexpensive and easy to care for.
Laminate is a synthetic material made to look like natural stone or wood. It is composed of multiple layers of paper bonded together with resin. The top layer is a clear protective layer that is meant to resist scratches, stains, and heat.
Other advantages of laminate countertops include that they are easy to clean and come in various colors and patterns. However, there are also some disadvantages.
One is that laminate can be damaged easily if not cared for properly. For example, placing a hot pan on a laminate countertop can cause the surface to melt, discolor, or delaminate.
How Do Laminate Countertops Get Holes?
Although very durable, laminate countertops are not indestructible, however. They can be damaged or get holes from;
- Sharp Objects
- Dropping Something Hard On Them
- Heat Damage
- Wear and Tear
Let me explain the above briefly;
Sharp Objects:
It will likely leave a hole if you accidentally drop a knife or some other sharp object on your laminate countertop.
Or, if you do a lot of cutting and chopping on your laminate countertop without using a cutting board or some other type of protection, the constant wear and tear from the knife will also eventually cause a hole or severe scratches to form.
Dropping Something Hard On Them:
If you drop something hard on your laminate countertop, it can easily crack or chip the surface, and if the object is heavy enough, it can leave a hole.
Even if the object doesn’t leave a hole, the impact can cause the laminate to lift at the edges, which will also need to be repaired.
Heat Damage:
If you place a hot pot or pan directly on your laminate countertop, it can cause the laminate surface to weaken–making it easier for damages such as chips, cracks, and holes to occur.
Wear and Tear:
Over time, any countertop will show signs of wear and tear. This is especially true for laminate countertops since they’re not as thick or tough as other types of countertops like granite or quartz.
With enough use, the surface can become scratched, chipped, or even cracked, and holes can eventually form.
How Do You Repair a Hole in a Laminate Countertop?
The good news is that repairing a hole in a laminate countertop is relatively easy and does not require special skills or tools.
All you need is a little patience and some time to spare, and you’ll have your laminate countertop looking as good as new in no time! Here are five ways to fix a hole in your laminate countertop:
1. Using Wax Pencils
This is probably the easiest and most common way to fix a hole in your laminate countertop. All you need is a wax pencil like this one by Mohawk called fill stick (which can be found at most hardware stores).
Depending on the brand you get, Wax pencils would be marketed as “touch-up pencils or crayons,” “min wax,” etc.
Wax pencils, as the name implies, are made up of a hard wax material that, when heated, melts and can be used to fill in small holes, scratches, cracks, or chips in your laminate countertop.
Wax pencils are very durable once they have been applied and have had time to dry. The best part is that they come in various colors to match different laminate countertop colors and textures.
For example, Mohawk makes wax pencils in over 200 colors, so it is easier to find something that closely matches your laminate countertop.
Wax pencils are also very cheap and inexpensive, so that’s another significant advantage. To use wax pencils like the fill stick;
Step One:
- Start by finding one that closely resembles the color of your laminate countertop. If you can’t find an exact match, go for lighter color since it will be easier to cover up with a dark-colored Sharpie or pen later.
Step Two:
- Next, heat the tip of the fill stick using a heat gun or hair dryer. Once the wax pencil has softened, apply it directly into the hole, filling it up.
Step Three:
- Apply the heat gun or hair drying over the application, so the wax pencil seeps deeper into the hole of the laminate countertop.
Step Four:
- Use a putty know to flatten the application until it’s level with the rest of the countertop surface.
Step Five:
- Remove any excess pencil wax residue and let it dry for at least an hour before moving on to the next step.
Step Six:
- Once the wax has dried, if necessary, you can use a sharpie or pen to color over the polish, matching it as closely as possible to the rest of the countertop.
Step Seven:
- Use a paper towel or a soft cloth to blend in the edge, so it’s not too noticeable. And that’s it! Your laminate countertop should now be good as new.
2. Use Laminate Countertop Repair Kit
If you don’t want to find a fill stick that matches your laminate countertop, you can always opt for a laminate countertop repair kit.
These kits contain everything you need to fix small holes and scratches in your laminate countertop–including the putty, colorants, and sealants.
Laminate countertop repair kits are straightforward and usually come with detailed instructions on applying the putty and colorants correctly.
The only downside to using a laminate countertop repair kit is that they can be a bit more expensive than just buying a fill stick on its own.
But if you don’t mind spending a few extra dollars, then a laminate countertop repair kit is the way to go.
To use a laminate countertop repair kit, all you need to do is to follow the instructions that come with it.
Step One:
- Generally speaking, you will start by mixing the putty according to the instructions and then apply it to the hole or crack in your laminate countertop.
Step Two:
- Once the putty has dried, you will use the colorants to match the rest of your countertop.
- Again, follow the instructions that come with the kit to get the best results. And that’s pretty much it! Once you’re done, your laminate countertop should be as good as new.
3. Use Epoxy Glue
If you have a small hole in your laminate countertop, you can also try using epoxy glue. Epoxy glue is a strong, durable adhesive that can be used to fix all sorts of things–including holes in laminate countertops.
Epoxy glue contains two parts: the resin and the hardener. These two primary ingredients, when mixed, create a tough, long-lasting bond that can be used to fix just about anything. To use epoxy glue to select a hole in your laminate countertop,
Step One:
- It will help if you mix the resin and hardener according to the instructions on the package.
- You will usually mix them in equal parts, but you must follow the instructions to get the best results.
Step Two:
- Once the epoxy glue has been mixed, apply it directly into the hole in your laminate countertop.
Step Three:
- Use a putty knife or other flat objects to spread it around so that it evenly covers the hole.
Step Four:
- Let it dry for at least 24 hours before using the countertop again. And that’s it!
What Happens If You Do Not Repair The Hole In Laminate Countertop?
If you do not repair the hole in your laminate countertop, here is a list of things that can happen.
The Hole Will Become Larger Over Time:
If you do not repair a hole in your laminate countertop, it will only become bigger and more noticeable over time.
It will become larger if you continue to use the countertop without repairing it first because the weight of whatever is on the countertop will eventually cause the hole to cave in and become larger.
The Countertop Will Become Unsafe To Use:
Another reason why you should repair a hole in your laminate countertop is that it can become unsafe to use if you don’t.
Someone could easily cut themselves on the hole when rubbed if the hole is big enough. So, not only will you have an unsightly hole in your countertop, but you will also have a dangerous one.
The Hole Can Harbor Bacteria:
If there’s a hole in your laminate countertop, it’s the perfect place for bacteria to hide and grow.
This is especially true if the hole is located in an area where food is prepared.
Bacteria can easily contaminate the food and make you sick. So, it’s important that you repair any holes in your laminate countertop as soon as possible.
It Will Lower The Value Of Your Home:
If you’re planning on selling your home anytime soon, then it’s important to note that a hole in your laminate countertop can lower the value of your home.
Potential buyers will see the hole and think that it means that the countertop is not well-made and that the rest of the home is in poor condition.
The Hole Can Cause Water Damage:
If the hole in your laminate countertop is not repaired, it can cause water to seep through and damage the underlying structure of your countertop.
So you will end up with not only a hole in your countertop but also water damage. Therefore, it’s important to repair any holes in your laminate countertop as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
How To Prevent Holes In Laminate Countertops?
- The best way to prevent holes in laminate countertops is to be careful with them.
- Don’t put too much weight on them, and don’t place hot items directly on them.
- Be careful when using knives or other sharp objects near them.
- And, if you do accidentally create a hole, repair it as soon as possible.
- By following these simple tips, you can prevent holes from forming in your laminate countertops and keep them looking new for years to come. Thanks for reading! I hope this article was helpful.
