HOW TO BEND LAMINATES

Posted by Deepak Kumar on January 21st, 2017

Many modern kitchen counter designs, especially the ones using granite, can have clean rounded edges that many find it difficult to duplicate using laminate sheets. Bending laminates is not possible. Based on the type of laminate and size of the curve, you can still create rounded counter design using laminates.

1. Cold Bending of Laminates

• Measure the radius of the curve: If the radius of the curve is 3 inches or greater, you can cautiously bend the laminate sheets without heating. You can measure the radius of the curve by locating the spot on each side of the counter’s rounded edge where the curve begins and then by drawing straight lines perpendicular to those edges to the point where they intersect. The you need to measure the length of the intersection back to the edge.     

• Make sure the edge is square: In order to prevent bubbles, gaps, or distorting of the laminate, the vertical edge around which the laminate will blend is perfectly square with the top surface of the counter.

• Use the correct size of the laminate strip: Use of strip of laminate which is about ½” wider that the width of the edge to which you are attaching it.

• Begin attaching one one of the straight sides: After applying the laminate glue to the strip, do not attach the laminate by starting at the curve and folding the sides back. You need to start with the end of the strip on one of the straight sides of the edge before the curve. Use a J-roller with a rubber head to roll this section down tight before bending over the curve. The roller allows you to roll  any bubbles out of the laminate without damaging the surface.

• Bend the laminate slowly: As one end of the strip is firmly in place, slowly bend the rest of the strip around the curve. Keep the roller in the other hand so that you can slowly roll the strip as more and more of it comes in contact with the edge as you bend.

• Trim the excess: Read the instructions for the laminate glue you are using so that you know how long it needs to set. After it is dried, trim the excess portion of the the strip.

      2.     Heat Bending of Laminates

• Measure the radius of the curve: Heat bending laminate is more difficult that cold bending.

• Purchase the correct grade laminate: For tighter radius curves, make sure you have the correct laminate. Vertical grade laminates are thinner standard grade laminates, making them easier to bend without cracking.

• Make sure the edge is square: You can use a T-square to make sure that the vertical surface on top of which you will apply the laminate is perfectly square with the flat horizontal surface.

• Heat the laminate with a heat gun: There needs to be an exact temperature to which you must heat the laminate. The forming temperature will be approximately 170 degree celsius. Heat only that section which you need bend.

• Apply laminate glue: Quickly apply the glue to the application side of the laminate and line it up against the counter. Do not forget to wear heat resistant gloves.

• Attach the laminate carefully: Leave an extra ½” to the width of the laminate to trim later. STarting with one end, attach the laminate firmly to the edge of the counter and use the J-roller to flatten and tighten it. Bend the heated and pliable section of laminate over the curve slowly.

• Trim the excess: Always allow the laminate sheets a full day to set before trimming the excess width.