Bob Willing

Has anyone ever laminated melamine? I plan to sand the surface with 40 grit sand paper than clean off the surface and apply solvent based contact cement. I contacted the laminate manufacture and they recommend sanding the surface to break through the melamine layer. I guess this is best to allow the solvent to dry. They also recommend using solvent-based CC because it will absorb less water and/or moisture.

edp

I frequently apply Oak veneer with a PSA (3m 467) layer right over melamine with no problem.

Ed

cabinetman

You don't have to sand through the surface. All it takes is a scuff sanding just to give some bite to the contact cement. When applying the cement, don't work it around. Just lay on a smooth thin layer. With solvent based cement, it will have the tendency to lift off previous glue if you keep going over it. I would use solvent based CC, and if you have the ability to spray it...even better. If not, you can brush it, or roll it. I wouldn't suggest a squeegee, as it leaves globs.

You can apply veneer or high pressure plastic laminate (like Formica).

Bob Willing

Thanks for the info. You have saved me a great deal of work. I tried one surface and to break through the surface takes time. What CC do you use? All I have available up here in the UP of Michigan (80 mile radius from my home) is Dap Weldwood CC. I checked with Wilsonart because they have solvent based CC but can only be shipped by truck and the local distributor is 200 miles away. Nothing can be sent by air because of the plane accident sometime ago in Florida.

cabinetman

If you can get the Dap Weldwood solvent based contact cement at HD or any store, that works OK. Or, call a local cabinet shop and ask where to buy CC. Major laminate distributors or local distributors to cabinet shops usually sell some brand of solvent based CC. Some of those distributors have a "walk up counter" for "cash sales", or retail customers. Ya never know...give it a try.