Laminate kitchen counters are easy to burn or scorch with a hot pan. To avoid damaging your kitchen countertop, you should always use a trivet. However, if an accident does occur, you can try a few different methods to fix the burn on a laminate kitchen counter.
Step 1: Create a paste with baking soda and water. Use steel wool to work the paste into the burned area, and lift the stain.
TIP: If a baking soda paste will not lift the stain on the counter, try using Ajax or Comet and water to create a paste to attempt to lift the stain.
Step 2: Use a sponge and water to remove the paste after you have finished scrubbing. Dry the area with a rag.
Step 3: Buff the kitchen with carnuaba wax to provide a small layer of protection and restore shine to the area.
TIP: If your laminate counter has reduced shine all over, you can buff the entire surface with carnuaba wax.
Sometimes you won’t be able to buff the burn spot away. The pan could have burned through the layer of laminate, making a serious mark that will not be able to be fixed by removing the burn marks.
Step 1: Fill the depression in the kitchen counter top left by the burn with two part epoxy and a metal putty knife. Clean the knife immediately after use. Allow the epoxy to harden for the full time recommended by the manufacturer before continuing.
TIP: Only mix enough two part epoxy for the job, paying particular attention to the required proportions. Once mixed two part epoxy must be used within 20 minutes: a chemical reaction, not outside air, is responsible for epoxy hardening.
Step 2: Sand the area with a fine grit sandpaper to remove any rough patches. Use a tack cloth or soft cloth to remove any dust that was a result of the sanding.
Step 3: Apply laminate sealant to the surface of the epoxy patch and the surrounding kitchen counter to blend the sealant.
TIP: If your kitchen counter appears to be a bit worn, clean the rest of the kitchen counter thoroughly, then apply laminate sealant to the entire surface. The sealant should restore the shine to the entire kitchen countertop surface.