The use of the laminate as a countertop material is very popular because it is very versatile and comes in many different colors and designs. While laminate countertops are durable and easy to clean, they are not immune to damage. One common issue is the formation of holes, which can occur for a number of reasons. Over time, even the most well-made laminate countertops can develop small holes or cracks.
Laminate is made of thin sheets of plastic that are bonded together under heat and pressure. The top layer is a clear, hard sheet that protects against scratches and stains. Over time, this top layer can become worn down, exposing the softer layers underneath. Again, when the top layer is exposed to physical abuse, it can chip and crack, leaving behind small and even bigger holes in the laminate.
The good news is that there are ways to fill holes in laminate countertops and make them look as good as new again. Before we go into filling holes in laminate countertops, let’s take a quick look at what causes holes in them and the dangers they pose.
Causes Of Holes In Laminate Countertops
There are actually several different reasons why holes can form in laminate countertops. These include
1. Impact damage
One common cause is impact damage. If something falls on the countertop or if it’s hit with a hard object, it can cause the laminate to crack and break, leaving behind a hole. Laminate cannot withstand heavy impact, so this is definitely something to avoid. You’ll mostly get away with regular falls from objects that are not heavy, but if you drop something really heavy on laminate, it will likely crack and create a hole.
2. Impact from a sharp object
Another possibility is that something sharp has scratched or pierced the surface of the countertop, creating an opening on the countertop. Sharp and piercing objects will easily scratch laminate and leave behind a hole. It is tempting to use your laminate countertop as a cutting board, but this is not a good idea as it will eventually leave behind small holes and scratches.
3. Moisture infiltration
Another common cause of holes in laminate countertops is water damage. One possibility is that the countertop was not properly sealed during installation, allowing moisture to seep in and cause the laminate to swell. when laminate swells the top layer detaches from the rest of the laminate, making the top layer easy to peel off and exposing the soft layers underneath.
4. Chemical spills
Abrasive and harsh chemicals can also damage laminate countertops and cause holes to form. Some chemicals are very violent and can cause the laminate to melt, blister, or crack.
5. Exposure to heat and flame
Heat and flame can also damage laminate countertops. If something hot is placed on the laminate, it can cause the laminate to melt and leave behind a hole. If the laminate is exposed to an open flame, it will catch fire and burn, causing extensive damage.
6. Long use
Finally, over time, the laminate can simply become worn out from use and start to chip and flake away, also leading to holes.
The Dangers Of Holes In Laminate Countertops
Whatever the cause, if left untreated, these holes can cause extensive damage to your countertop. Also while holes in laminate countertops may not seem like a big deal, they can actually pose a serious danger to your health.
1. Bacteria and other contaminants can enter the holes
One of the dangers of holes in laminate countertops is that they provide the perfect opportunity for bacteria and other contaminants to enter the countertop. If food or other substances are allowed to enter the holes, they can start to grow bacteria, which can then contaminate other surfaces in your kitchen.
2. The holes can allow moisture to enter the countertop
Another danger of holes in laminate countertops is that they can allow moisture to enter the countertop. Wherever there is an opening, moisture can seep in and cause the laminate to swell, making the hole larger.
3. The holes can make the countertop weaker
Finally, holes in laminate countertops can make the countertop weaker. When the holes in your laminate countertop are left untreated, they will continue to grow and spread, making the laminate thinner and weaker. Eventually, the laminate will become so damaged that it will need to be replaced.
Again as water keeps seeping in through these holes, the layers underneath will get soaked and start becoming soft and weak over time.
4. They are unsightly
Not only are holes in laminate countertops dangerous, but they are also unsightly. Holes in your countertop can make your kitchen look dirty and unkempt. The smoothness and beauty of laminate countertops come from their seamless appearance, and holes can definitely ruin that look. In addition, when the laminate countertop develops holes, there are certain things you cannot do with the countertop anymore. For example, preparing your dough on a laminate countertop with holes is not advisable as the dough can fall into the holes and become contaminated.
How To Fill Holes In Laminate Countertops
Fortunately, there are a number of ways to fix holes in laminate countertops. With a little time and effort, you can have your countertop looking new again. Any of the following methods can be used to fill holes in laminate countertops.
- Using hard wax
- Using water-based wood putty
Filling Holes In Laminate Countertops With Hard Wax
Hard wax is one of the best ways to fill holes in laminate countertops. Hard wax is easy to use and it dries quickly, making it the perfect choice for repairing holes in laminate countertops. They come in different colors, so it is easy to find one that will match the color of your laminate countertop. In many circumstances will have to mix two or more colors of wax to get the perfect match.
Things Needed:
- Hard wax wood filler
- Heat gun
- Putty knife
Procedure:
To use hard wax to fill holes in laminate countertops, simply follow these steps
Step 1
Clean the area around the hole with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Make sure the hole is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
Step 2
Heat the wax with a heat gun until it is soft and pliable. Don’t apply the heat to the whole wax, just a small area at the end of the wax. When you need more wax, simply apply more heat to the wax to soften it.
The wax is heated so that it can get down into the hole and then layers flat to the surface.
Step 3
Press the wax further into the hole with a putty knife. The goal is to fill the hole completely with wax. If the hole is deep, you may need to apply several layers of wax.
Use the putty knife to level the wax with the surface of the laminate countertop and remove any surrounding wax.
Caution: Never use an unpolished or nicked putty knife that can scratch the surface of the laminate.
Step 4
Once the hole is filled with wax, allow it to cool and harden.
Filling Holes In Laminate Countertops With Wood Putty
Water-based wood putty is another great option for filling holes in laminate countertops. Wood putty is a pliable substance used to fill in holes and cracks in wood surfaces. It is typically made from a mixture of wood particles, resin, and adhesive, and it can be easily painted once it dries.
Things Needed:
- Water-based wood putty
- Putty knife
- Solvent
- Binder
- Stain blender
- Artist brush
Procedure:
Step 1
Fill in the hole with wood putty using a putty knife. Fill the hole completely and level the putty. The wood putty will probably shrink so you may need to apply a second coat to get it leveled with the laminate surface.
Step 2
Allow the wood putty to dry and clean up some of the residues with a putty knife.
Step 3
Use the solvent to clean the surface to make sure it is clean and dust-free. Also, we don’t want to have any moisture in there because the stain blender that will be used is not water-based.
Step 4
Take a little bit of the solvent and binder. You can also get products that are both solvent and binder. Using an artist brush, take a little bit of the stain blender which is just loose powder. Depending on the color of the laminate, you might have to use more than one color. Mix it with the solvent and binder and apply it over the wood putty.
Begin with a base coat and then finish it up with a top coat. This step is basically artwork. So take your time and make it look good.
Step 5
Once you are satisfied with the color, allow it to dry completely.
How To Prevent Holes In Your Laminate Countertop
There are steps you can take to prevent holes from happening in your laminate countertop.
1. Use a cutting board
Whenever you are cutting something on your laminate countertop, use a cutting board. This will protect your laminate from getting scratches and holes. Never cut directly on laminate countertops.
2. Don’t put hot pots and pans on laminate countertops
Laminate is not heat resistant so it can easily get damaged by hot pots and pans. Always use a trivet or hot pad to protect your laminate countertop. There are many good heat-resistant countertop protectors that you can use.
3. Avoid using harsh chemicals
Harsh chemicals can damage laminate countertops. Only use cleaning products that are designed for laminate countertops. You should also be careful with violent chemicals that are placed on laminate countertops. There is the risk of spillage if they are not properly secured.
4. Be extra careful when working with heavy objects
Although you can’t be 100% careful all of the time, it’s important to be as careful as possible when working with heavy objects around laminate countertops. Make sure you don’t drop anything heavy on laminate countertops because they can easily cause a hole.
5. Proper sealing
Make sure that you properly seal laminate countertops. This will help to prevent scratches, water damage, and holes. Sealing laminate countertops is not a difficult process and it only needs to be done every few years.
Final Words
Accidents do happen and laminate countertops can get damaged. If you do end up with holes in your laminate countertop, don’t worry because there are simple ways to update the laminate countertop without replacing it. By following the steps above, you can easily fix holes on the laminate countertops. I hope this article has been helpful. Thanks for reading.